BalanceTest

• Easy-to-use dried blood spot self-test
• Measures 11 fatty acids in your blood
• Provides data about your Omega-6:3 ratio

What we measure
The test analyzes 11 fatty acids, including saturated, monounsaturated (Omega-9) and polyunsaturated (Omega-6 and Omega-3) fatty acids. Individual fatty acid values are shown in the table and expressed as percentages of the total fatty acids measured. For comparison in the table, a reference range based on analyzed sample data is presented as Reference Value. The following fatty acids are measured:

Palmitic acid, C16:0, saturated fat
Stearic acid, C18:0, saturated fat
Oleic acid, C18:1, Omega-9
Linoleic acid, C18:2, Omega-6
Alpha-linolenic acid, C18:3, Omega-3
Gamma-linolenic acid, C18:3, Omega-6
Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, C20:3, Omega-6
Arachidonic acid (AA), C20:4, Omega-6
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), C20:5, Omega-3
Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), C22:5, Omega-3
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), C22:6, Omega-3


This is how your results are calculated
11 fatty acids are analyzed and the total sum of their amounts is  considered 100%. For the following 6 values, we use 7 of the fatty acids. The analyzed amount of each of the 7 fatty acids is calculated as a percentage out of the 100%.

1. Omega-3 Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
2. Omega-3 Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
3. Omega-3 Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)
4. Omega-6 Arachidonic acid (AA)
5. Omega-6 Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA)
6. Saturated fat, Palmitic acid (PA)
7. Saturated fat, Stearic acid (SA)

Fatty acid score
First, the following 3 fatty acid markers are calculated:
1. The value for the Omega-6 ratio is calculated as follows: (DGLA + AA) × 100 / (DGLA + AA + EPA + DPA + DHA)
2. The value for the Omega-3 level is the sum of EPA + DHA
3. The Omega-6:3 ratio is calculated as Omega-6 (AA) / Omega-3 (EPA)

Each indicator value is given the same weight in a second calculation and assigned a value between 0 and 100, which is then divided by 3 to calculate the Fatty acid score. The Fatty acid score is intended to be above 90. This does not provide information about the person’s health status, only the calculated fatty acid score based on the fatty acid markers included in the test. 

Note: EPA and DHA values have a high impact on the calculations. If EPA and DHA percentages are low, very low or even zero fatty acid scores are not uncommon.

Omega-3 Index_WB**
The Omega-3_WB Index is the summary of the percentage values for the two marine Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in the analyzed blood sample. The reference level is at least 8%, while higher values such as 10% may also be shown in the report. Omega-3 fatty acids are important components of cell membranes. EPA is found in blood, muscles and tissues, while DHA is found in the brain, sperm and eyes.

** Measures fatty acids in whole blood (WB = whole blood).

Omega-6:3 ratio
The Omega-6:3 ratio is calculated by dividing the percent value of AA by the percent value of EPA (AA / EPA), which is then expressed as a ratio, for example 3:1. If this ratio is above 3:1, a change in diet may be considered. A low Omega-6:3 ratio is an indicator of fatty acid balance in the analyzed sample. 

Fatty acid fluidity ratio 
Fluidity is calculated by dividing the percent value of the two saturated fats by the percent value of the two Omega-3s. The Fatty acid fluidity ratio is thus defined as (PA + SA) / (EPA + DHA), and the result is expressed as a ratio, for example 3:1. If the Fatty acid fluidity ratio is below 4:1, it indicates a lower relative level of saturated fatty acids compared with EPA and DHA in the analyzed sample. The more saturated the fats are in a membrane, the more rigid the membrane. Conversely, the more polyunsaturated the fats are in a membrane, the more fluid the membrane. Cell membrane composition and structural architecture are important for normal cell membrane properties. On the one hand, the membrane needs to be rigid enough to provide cellular structure. On the other hand, the membrane needs to be fluid enough to allow normal membrane function. 

Cognitive fatty acid index 
This is calculated by dividing the percent value of AA by the sum of the percent values of EPA and DHA, i.e. the Cognitive fatty acid index = AA / (EPA + DHA). The result is expressed as a ratio, for example 1:1. The value should be below 1:1 for a balanced relationship between selected Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids in the analyzed sample. The Cognitive fatty acid index provides information about selected fatty acids and does not assess cognitive function, mental health, learning, memory, or mood. 

Omega-6 (AA) level 
The Omega-6 (AA) level shows the measured value of the Omega-6 fatty acid (AA) as a percentage of the total fatty acids measured. Average values are in the range of 6.5 to 9.5%. Arachidonic acid (AA) is an important Omega-6 fatty acid in the body. It is the starting point for the production of local tissue hormones triggered by Omega-6, such as prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes, all with various functions. Overall, these compounds are involved in normal physiological signaling processes in the body. 

Certified test kit

The Zinzino Dried Blood Spot Test complies with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2017/746 on in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDR) and is manufactured under a quality management system certified to ISO 13485. Compliance with applicable regulatory requirements allows the test kit to bear the CE mark. 

Independent laboratory 

Your test is analyzed by an independent and GMP-certified laboratory. The fact that Vitas is GMP-certified means that they follow good manufacturing practices. They are a contract laboratory for chemical analysis with 25 years of experience, providing high-quality chromatographic analysis based on cuttingedge knowledge and technology. Included with the blood test is a BalanceTest ID that only you can see. Neither the lab, nor Zinzino knows who submitted the test. At zinzinotest.com your results will be displayed when you enter your BalanceTest ID. If you have completed the questionnaire, you will have access to your complete report. If you have not completed the questionnaire, you will only see your Fatty acid score. 


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Taking the test
1. Zinzino Test is an approved in vitro diagnostics product for personal blood sample collection at home.

- First wash your hands with soap and rinse well with warm water and dry them.

2. Take out the sample card from the paper envelope. Save the envelope for later use. Tear off the SAVE part on the sample card and take a picture of the test ID. You can only see your test result with your anonymous test ID. Place the card with the two circles facing up on the table.

3. Stimulate blood flow by making big circles with your arm or shaking the hand downwards for 20 seconds.

4. Take out the single-use lancet. Remove the transparent safety cap and the lancet is ready to use. Use the alcohol wipe to clean the tip of your finger (middle finger is recommended). Place the lancet against the lower part of the fingertip facing the collection paper on the table. Push the top of the lancet towards the finger until you hear a click. The lancet will automatically make a small prick in the finger.

5. Do not touch the filter paper with your fingers.

6. Fill one circle at a time with blood. Squeeze your finger gently and wait for a drop of blood to fall inside the circle by itself. If one drop of blood does not cover the circle, allow one more drop from your finger to drip immediately. Leave the sample card in a horizontal position at room temperature for at least 10 minutes for the samples to dry well.

7. Insert the sample card back into the paper envelope. Then place the paper envelope into the metal bag and close it.

IMPORTANT: Do not remove desiccant packet inside the metal bag.

8. Place the closed metal bag into the big envelope with the laboratory address on it.

NOTE! You must put the correct amount of postage stamps on the envelope before you put in the mail box. Register your test code on www.zinzinotest.com. This is the web page where you can see your test result later. It takes 10-20 days until your result is ready.

IMPORTANT: Keep the SAVE part of the card. You can only see your test result with your anonymous test ID.

By submitting my anonymous blood spot sample to an independent chemical analysis lab, I confirm that I understand and acknowledge that it will be analyzed solely for the purpose of generating my individual test results. If you later wish to delete your test code, log in with your test code at zinzinotest.com.

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