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.

Here's how you do it

Instructions for test kits with 1x green or orange tube

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.