1
Take the test between Monday and Thursday only to avoid delays in getting it back to the lab.
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.
2
Taking the perimenopause or female hormone health test?
Test between day 2–5 of your cycle (Day 1 is the first day of bleeding).
No periods? You can test any day.
3
Take your test in the morning after fasting for 8 hours overnight.
If testing for testosterone, please take the test before 11am.
4
Drink 2 glasses of water within the 30 min before the test.
5
Post your sample shortly after drawing your blood. This helps 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 finger-prick test kits
1
Lay your kit out on a low table, so you can stand and have your hand below your elbow – gravity helps your blood flow.
2
Open the blood collection tube by twisting off the lid and stand the tube upright into the holder on the clamshell.
3
Wash your hands with soap and warm water.
4
Soak your non-dominant hand in warm water for 4-5 minutes.
5
Swing your non-dominant arm around in a circle 10 times, fully extended if possible. Then clench your fist 10 times. This will help stimulate blood flow.
6
Wipe your chosen finger with the alcohol swab provided. Ensure your finger is completely dry as blood will not form a drop on a moist finger. Your ring finger is usually best for sample collection.
7
Take a lancet and rotate the protective cover once before carefully removing. Remain standing and place your whole hand on a hard surface with your palm facing up, this is important so the lancet can work properly.
8
Press the lancet firmly against the side of your fingertip until the lancet releases. Wipe away the first drop of blood with the sterile dry swab.
9
Massage your hand in a downward motion and guide the blood into the tube. Don’t squeeze too hard or too close to where you pricked your finger. You should stop at your knuckle before the tip of your finger.
10
If it takes more than 2 minutes to fill the tube, re-warm your hand for 4-5 minutes, repeat the exercises, and re-prick a different finger with a new sterile lancet.
11
Once the tube is filled to the top mark, wipe your finger with the sterile dry swab, wash and dry your hands and apply the plaster.
12
Place the cap on the tube and press until you hear a click. Gently rotate the tube at least 10 times but do not shake.
13
Place the blood collection tube into the clamshell and seal.
14
Place the clamshell into the pathoseal bag and seal by removing the metallic silver strip.
15
Ensure the sample collection details on the
next section of the IFU are filled in, URN is attached and the IFU is placed into the
return kit box.
16
Insert the sealed pathoseal bag into the box provided and place the box into the large UN3373 return envelope. Seal the envelope by removing the metallic silver strip.
17
Return your sample using the pre-paid envelope provided. Samples should be posted in a Royal Mail late collection postbox, or at a post office, before noon on the same day you collect your sample.
What happens next?
At-home blood tests are an easy way of monitoring your health and preventing issues before they start. Simply follow these four steps:
1. Take your sample
After you've collected your blood sample, post to our lab for free.
2. Receive targeted advice
In a few days, you'll receive your blood test results with a broken down analysis that gives you actionable insights into your health.
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3. Treat your deficiencies
Optimise your lifestyle and address health concerns.
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4. Track your improvements
Use the app to stay on top of your health and keep track of key biomarkers.
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