DIAGNOSTICS

Blood test instructions

Step-by-step instructions for taking an at-home sample.

Important details before you take your blood sample

Taking a blood test from home is relatively simple, but we’ve put together some instructions to prevent errors and ensure the process runs smoothly. Before you get started, either give this page a read or watch our blood test kit tutorial video.

1
Take the test between Monday and Thursday only (so that there are no delays in getting it to the lab).
2
Take your test in the morning, ensuring that you've fasted for at least 8 hours overnight.
3
Drink two glasses of water within the 30 minutes before the test.
4
Post your sample shortly after drawing your blood. This helps provide a more accurate reading.

How to collect your blood sample

Before getting started, watch our short instructional video.

Here's how you do it

Instructions for test kits with 1x yellow tube

1
Open the package and check the contents of your kit. There should be a tube, lancets, alcohol wipes, plasters specimen bag and a security seal sticker.
2
Lay out the lancets, clean tissues, plasters and alcohol wipes on the table. Remove the cap of the tube and stand upright on a flat surface.
3
Wash your hands thoroughly in warm water and soap.
4
Dry your hands with a clean towel and ensure they are completely dry, otherwise it can hinder the blood collection process.
5
Use the alcohol wipe to clean the tip of your ring finger of your non-dominant hand (the opposite hand to the one you write with). Allow the skin to air dry completely.
6
Open the lancet by twisting off the blue cap - you are now ready to take your sample. You will get the best results if you keep your arm pointing down and below the level of your waist.
7
To pierce the skin, place the lancet to one side of the fleshy pad of your fingertip as indicated, and press firmly against your finger to activate the lancet - you should hear a click.
8
Wipe away the first drop of blood with a clean tissue.
9
Massage down to the pierced site but don't touch the pierced site directly. Guide blood droplets in with the lip of the tube until blood reaches the top line. Don’t scrape your finger on the tube as this can damage blood cells.
10
If you are not getting enough blood, wipe away the blood with a clean tissue and wait a few seconds for drops to reform. If there is still not enough blood, use another finger and go back to Step 5. Try using the ring finger on your other hand, and don't use your pinky finger or thumb.
11
Collect blood to the top line of the tube. Close the tube immediately after collecting the blood by putting the cap back on the tube and firmly pushing until you hear a click. Wipe away excess blood from your skin and put on the plaster provided.
12
Gently turn the closed tube upside down 10 times. Don't worry if the blood looks like it hasn't mixed.
13
Fill in your details on the sticky label provided with the kit. Ensure all fields are populated and legible.
14
Place the tube in the centre of the sticky side of the label and bring the two ends together like a luggage tag. Make sure the barcode is visible. Place the tube in the specimen bag and seal it closed. Do not remove the absorbent pad from the bag.
15
Place the sealed specimen bag into the white collection kit box. Dispose of all used tissues, lancets and wipes. Place the blue security sticker over the dotted lines on the collection box and seal it closed. Post the kit in your nearest Royal Mail late collection postbox.

Here's how you do it

Instructions for test kits with 1x yellow tube and 1x purple tube

1
Open the package and check the contents of your kit. There should be a purple and a yellow tube, lancets, alcohol wipes, plasters, specimen bags and a security seal sticker.
2
Lay out the lancets, clean tissues, plasters and alcohol wipes on the table. Remove the cap of the tubes and stand upright on a flat surface.
3
Wash your hands thoroughly in warm water and soap.
4
Dry your hands with a clean towel and ensure they are completely dry, otherwise it can hinder the blood collection process.
5
Use the alcohol wipe to clean the tip of your ring finger of your non-dominant hand (the opposite hand to the one you write with). Allow the skin to air dry completely.
6
Open the lancet by twisting off the blue cap - you are now ready to take your sample. You will get the best results if you keep your arm pointing down and below the level of your waist.
7
To pierce the skin, place the lancet to one side of the fleshy pad of your fingertip as indicated, and press firmly against your finger to activate the lancet - you should hear a click.
8
Wipe away the first drop of blood with a clean tissue. Start with the purple tube.
9
Massage down to the pierced site but don't touch the pierced site directly. Guide blood droplets in with the lip of the tube until blood reaches the bottom line. Do not scrape your finger on the tube as this can damage blood cells. Only when filling the purple tube, swirl the blood every 30 seconds.
10
If you are not getting enough blood, wipe away the blood with a clean tissue and wait a few seconds for drops to reform. If there is still not enough blood, use another finger and go back to Step 5. Try using the ring finger on your other hand, and don't use your pinky finger or thumb.
11
Collect blood to the bottom line of the tube. Close the tube immediately after collecting the blood by putting the cap back on the tube and firmly pushing until you hear a click. Wipe away excess blood from your skin and put on the plaster provided.
12
Gently turn the closed tube upside down 10 times. Don't worry if the blood looks like it hasn't mixed.
13
Repeat the process from Step 9 for the yellow tube. Do not swirl the blood this time. Collect blood to the top line of the tube and close the tube immediately. Do not forget to gently turn the closed tube upside down 10 times.
14
Fill in your details on both of the sticky labels provided with the kit. Ensure all fields are populated and legible.
15
Place the tubes in the centre of the sticky side of each label and bring the two ends together like a luggage tag. Make sure the barcodes are visible. Place one tube in each specimen bag provided and seal them closed. Do not remove the absorbent pads from the bags.
16
Place the sealed specimen bags into the white collection kit box. Dispose of all used tissues, lancets and wipes. Place the blue security sticker over the dotted lines on the collection box and seal it closed. Post the kit in your nearest Royal Mail late collection postbox.