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At SiPhox, our goal is to deliver complete, high-quality results for every biomarker in your panel. Occasionally, however, collection or shipping variables can affect whether all markers can be processed. When that happens, we use a partial replacement flow to make sure you receive the missing results without repeating tests unnecessarily.

Why Some Markers May Not Result

In certain cases, our laboratory may be unable to process one or more biomarkers due to insufficient sample volume. Importantly, sufficient blood volume cannot always be visually confirmed at the time of collection. The issue most often becomes apparent during laboratory processing.

When your sample arrives at the lab, it is centrifuged to separate plasma from other blood components. Some biomarkers require a specific minimum amount of plasma to be accurately measured. If there is not enough plasma available, those markers cannot be reliably resulted.

This can happen for several reasons:

  1. Naturally Lower Plasma Volume โ€“ Some individuals naturally have lower plasma proportions, which can make it more difficult to extract enough plasma for all requested tests.
  2. Coagulation Before Processing โ€“ If the blood begins to clot before it is fully processed, this can reduce the available plasma. Clotting times can vary between individuals and may be influenced by temperature, blood pressure, and device placement.

When this occurs, we will clearly indicate which biomarkers could not be resulted.

What Happens Next: The Partial Replacement Flow

If certain biomarkers cannot be processed, we do not require you to repeat the entire panel.

Instead, we replace only the missing markers. For example, if 3 biomarkers were not resulted, we send a kit configured to test those 3 markers.This approach ensures:

  • You do not repeat tests that were already successfully resulted
  • You do not pay for duplicate testing
  • You receive a complete data set as efficiently as possible

How to Improve Sample Volume for Re-Collection

If a replacement is needed, we recommend the following steps immediately before collection to help maximize blood flow and plasma volume:

  • Take a warm shower and make sure you are in warm surroundings
  • Engage in light exercise to stimulate circulation
  • Hydrate well in the hours leading up to collection
  • We also offer complimentary live collection support calls, where a member of our team can guide you in real time to help ensure sufficient sample volume.

Our Commitment to Result Integrity

When a biomarker cannot be reliably measured, we do not report it. Accuracy and integrity come first. If sufficient sample volume is not available, the test is not forced or estimated.

Our partial replacement process is designed to ensure that you ultimately receive a complete, high-confidence panel without unnecessary inconvenience.

If you ever have questions about your results or a replacement shipment, our support team is here to help.