How CeruLabs Works: Your Complete Guide to At-Home Metabolic Screening
Welcome to CeruLabs
We have transformed peer-reviewed scientific research into an accessible at-home metabolic screening experience. This guide walks you through every step of the process.
Step 1: Order Your Kit
Your CeruLabs journey begins when you order your testing kit. Each kit includes:
- Collection swab - Medical-grade, sterile sampling tool
- Sample container - Preserves your sample integrity
- Step-by-step instructions - Clear, illustrated guide
- Pre-paid return envelope - Free shipping back to our lab
- Unique sample ID - Links your sample to your secure account
Step 2: Sample Collection
Collecting your sample is simple, painless, and takes less than 30 seconds.
Collection Process
- Prepare - Open your kit and review the instructions
- Collect - Gently rotate the swab in your ear canal
- Secure - Place the swab in the provided container
- Seal - Close the container and place in the return envelope
Tips for Best Results
- Collect your sample in the morning before showering
- Do not use ear drops or cleaning solutions before collection
- Ensure the swab tip contacts cerumen (earwax)
- One ear is sufficient—approximately 20mg of sample is needed
Step 3: Ship Your Sample
Simply drop your pre-paid envelope in any mailbox. Our specialized packaging ensures:
- Sample stability during transit
- Temperature protection
- Tamper-evident sealing
- Trackable delivery
Step 4: Laboratory Analysis
Once your sample arrives at our CLIA-certified partner laboratory, the analysis begins using the same methodology from published research.
The Analysis Process
Day 1-2: Sample Processing
- Sample verification and logging
- Quality control checks
- Preparation for HS/GC-MS analysis
Day 3-5: VOC Analysis
- Headspace incubation at 160°C for 60 minutes
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
- Identification of 27 target VOC biomarkers
- Normalization to internal standard (3-methylcyclohexanone)
Day 6-7: Report Generation
- Binary encoding of VOC presence/absence
- Pattern analysis against reference population
- Report compilation
Step 5: Receive Your Results
Within 14 days or less of receiving your sample, your results are ready.
Accessing Your Results
- Email notification - We notify you when results are ready
- Secure login - Access your personal dashboard
- View results - Explore your metabolic profile
- Download report - Save a PDF for your records
Understanding Your Results
Your CeruLabs report provides clear, actionable insights.
What We Analyze
The 27 VOC biomarkers fall into these categories:
- Ketones (3) - Energy metabolism markers
- Pyrans & Lactones (5) - Lipid oxidation products
- Carboxylic Acids (3) - Fatty acid metabolism
- Alcohols (3) - Metabolic byproducts
- Hydrocarbons (3) - Lipid peroxidation markers
- Amines & Amides (3) - Nitrogen metabolism
- Esters, Ethers, & Others (7) - Various metabolic indicators
Report Sections
Overview
- Summary of your VOC pattern
- Comparison to reference population
- Areas of note
Biomarker Details
- Individual compound presence/absence
- Category breakdowns
- Educational information
What to Do With Your Results
Your metabolic insights are a starting point for informed health decisions.
Recommended Actions
- Review thoroughly - Take time to understand each section
- Note questions - Write down anything you want to explore further
- Share with your doctor - Discuss results with your healthcare provider
- Track over time - Consider periodic retesting to monitor changes
Privacy and Security
Your data security is our priority.
Our Commitments
- Encryption - All data encrypted in transit and at rest
- Access control - Only you can access your results
- No selling - We never sell your data
- Compliance - HIPAA-compliant data handling
*The CeruLabs test is a wellness screening tool and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Results should be discussed with a healthcare provider.*
