We have only just got the 17 OHP filter paper testing here--or should I say they are trying to get the labs set up and I haven’t heard from the nurse that does the coordination in the Manawatu yet.

I think because they do the newborn testing on 17 OHP, and they do not want the results to be mixed with those--need two separate areas of the lab for both- this is still in the process of being sorted at Auckland.  However, when everything is in place, from what I understand we will be given cards with four filter papers on.  Your meant to take a substantial drop of blood and blot it on one paper separate filter paper at each dose time.  You then send these into the lab in the envelope provided I think.

Generally with filter paper testing you need to send them off within 24 hours and not wrap them in plastic of any kind as this may cause accumulation of moisture and cause each sample to bleed into eachother.  There are a few other instructions to follow, but I am not all to sure of what they are as she has not been in touch with me as yet. 

Renin can’t be taken like that.  Ashley will have this filter paper testing three monthly and also his regular 17 OHP, renin, androstenedione and creatinine blood tests drawn off. 

One is to look at each dose in the day (17 OHP filter paper) and the others are to be drawn off anyway at three monthly intervals as usual to get a whole picture of what is happening.