How to take your sample
A step by step guide to your at-home finger prick blood test.
Watch the video
Before you start
Take your sample first thing in the morning (before breakfast) on a Monday through to Wednesday.
Leave plenty of time in the morning to take your test – you need to aim to drink a litre of water when you first wake up, wait at least 30 minutes and then do the blood test itself, which may take around 30 minutes.
On the day of your test, follow the steps below to complete your at-home finger prick blood test and return your sample in the post.
1. Prepare
Being well hydrated is critically important. Drink at least 1 litre of water more than 30 minutes before taking your sample.
Collect your sample straight after a hot shower and run your hand under warm water for 4 minutes to help the blood flow
Do 20 star jumps (or another form of exercise) & clench your fists vigorously 10 times to get your heart rate up and blood flowing to the hands.
Select a finger (one of the middle three is best), use the alcohol wipe to clean it and dry it with a clean tissue or towel.
Place the Purple tube into the hole in the box and remove the tube’s cap.
2. Collect your blood sample
Make sure you are stood up, twist the end off the white and purple lancet, hold against the side of your chosen finger and firmly click the purple button on the top.
Wipe away the first droplet with the wet wipe and massage downwards toward your finger tip to form drops of blood. Hold your finger against the purple tube until the drops of blood slide in.
Do not squeeze as this will damage your blood cells & affect your results.
Purple Tube: this test is most sensitive to clotting, so gently shake the tube after each drop, fill to the top line, firmly press the cap back on the tube until it clicks and invert the tube 10 times to mix. Do not shake the sample tube.
Yellow Tube: fill to the top line. If blood flow stops, simply use another lancet on a different finger. Firmly click shut and invert both tubes 10 times.
2. Collect your blood sample
Make sure you are stood up, twist the end off the white and purple lancet, hold against the side of your chosen finger and firmly click the purple button on the top.
Wipe away the first droplet with the wet wipe and massage downwards toward your finger tip to form drops of blood. Hold your finger against the purple tube until the drops of blood slide in.
Do not squeeze as this will damage your blood cells & affect your results.
Purple Tube: this test is most sensitive to clotting, so gently shake the tube after each drop, fill to the top line, firmly press the cap back on the tube until it clicks and invert the tube 10 times to mix. Do not shake the sample tube.
Yellow Tube: fill to the top line. If blood flow stops, simply use another lancet on a different finger. Firmly click shut and invert both tubes 10 times.
3. Send in the post
Clean your finger(s) with the alcohol wipes, apply a plaster & ensure both tubes are fully clicked shut & mixed.
Fill out your details on the sticker and attach to each tube – make sure this is done or the lab won’t be able to process your results.
Complete the Lab Request Form (included in your kit) to send with your sample tubes.
Place your two samples into their protective plastic case. Add them with the Lab Request Form into the pre-paid return envelope and seal.
Send back in the post the same day, ensuring you meet the collection time.
More questions?
Send us a message and one of our team will be in touch soon.
