Once you have received your kit, you will find all the required equipment and instructions included inside. Simply follow the instructions provided to take a small sample of blood from one of your fingers ready to send back to the laboratory for analysis.

Itʼs really important to be well hydrated before you try to collect your blood. Drink a pint of water at least 30 minutes before. We also recommend warming your hand in a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes beforehand, or taking a hot shower or bath to warm your hands and help blood flow.
To take the sample, press the lancet firmly against the side of the pad of your middle or ring finger on either hand, wiping away the first drop of blood. Keep the hand below your heart to use gravity, and gently squeeze your hand from the wrist down towards the finger tip to help aid blood flow down and out into the tube. After each drop, swirl the blood around the tube to ensure it is well mixed with the clotting agent coating on the inside.

No, you do not need to fast before taking our tests. If you are having a test taken on the advice of your GP or another medical professional, please check with them if they have any specific requirements, e.g testing your menstrual cycle, pausing any supplements, etc.

We always provide at least 2 lancets so if you cannot get enough blood using the first one, please use a new lancet on another finger, following the steps above (warm hands, gravity, firm press on side of fingerpad). Try to fill the tube to the top line, this will ensure we have enough blood for analysis. Too little and we may not be able to run the analysis, or the blood may clot or become unusable.