1
Take the test between Monday and Thursday only (so that there are no delays in getting it 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.
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
Check your kit includes a tube, lancets, alcohol wipes, plasters, a specimen bag with the absorbent pad and a security seal sticker.
2
Lay out the lancets, clean tissues, plasters, and alcohol wipes. Remove the cap of the tube and stand upright on a flat surface.
3
Wash your hands thoroughly in warm water and soap. Dry your hands with a clean towel and ensure they are completely dry, otherwise it can hinder the blood collection process.
4
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.
5
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. To pierce the skin, place the lancet to one side of the fleshy pad of your fingertip and press firmly against your finger to activate the lancet - you should hear a click.
6
Wipe away the first drop of blood with a clean tissue.
7
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.
8
If you’re not getting enough blood, wipe away the blood with a clean tissue and wait a few seconds for the drops to reform. If there still isn’t enough blood, use another finger and go back to step 4. Try using the ring finger on your other hand, and don’t use your pinky finger or thumb.
9
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.
10
Gently turn the closed tube upside down 10 times. Don't worry if the blood looks like it hasn't mixed.
Fill in your details on the sticky label provided with the kit. Ensure all fields are populated and legible.
11
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.
12
Place the sealed specimen bag into the collection kit box. Apply the security seal to the box. Your kit is now ready to be shipped – follow the online instructions to return your kit.
Here's how you do it
Instructions for the test kits with 1x yellow tube and 1x purple tube
1
Check your kit includes a purple and a yellow tube, lancets, alcohol wipes, plasters, specimen bags with the absorbent pads and a security seal sticker.
2
Lay out the lancets, clean tissues, plasters, and alcohol wipes. Remove the cap of each tube and stand the tubes upright on a flat surface.
3
Wash your hands thoroughly in warm water and soap. Dry your hands with a clean towel and ensure they are completely dry, otherwise it can hinder the blood collection process.
4
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.
5
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. To pierce the skin, place the lancet to one side of the fleshy pad of your fingertip, and press firmly against your finger to activate the lancet - you should hear a click.
6
Wipe away the first drop of blood with a clean tissue. Start with the purple tube.
7
Massage your finger down to the pierced site but don’t touch the pierced site directly. Guide blood droplets in the tube until blood reaches the bottom line. Don’t scrape your finger on the tube as this can damage blood cells. When filling the purple tube, gently swirl the tube every 30 seconds to mix the blood.
8
If you’re not getting enough blood, wipe away the blood with a clean tissue and wait a few seconds for the drops to reform. If there still isn’t enough blood, use another finger and go back to step 4, using a new lancet. Try using the ring finger on your other hand, and don’t use your pinky finger or thumb.
9
Collect blood to the bottom line of the purple 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.
IMPORTANT: Gently turn the closed tube upside down 10 times. Don’t worry if the blood looks like it hasn’t mixed.
10
Repeat the process from Step 7 for the yellow tube. Do not swirl the blood this time. Collect blood to the top line of the yellow tube and close the tube immediately. Do not forget to gently turn the closed tube upside down 10 times.
11
Fill in your details on the sticky label provided with the kit. Ensure all fields are populated and legible.
12
Place one tube in each specimen bag provided and seal them closed. Do not remove the absorbent pads from the bag. Place the sealed specimen bags into the collection kit box. Apply the blue security seal to the box. Your kit is now ready to be shipped – follow the online instructions to return your kit.
Posting your sample
We provide everything you need to post your sample to our lab – including prepaid postage.
ONE
Package your sample
Place your sample in the specimen bag and seal it closed. Do not remove the absorbent pad from the bag. Place the bag in the white collection box.
TWO
Securely seal the box
Take the blue security seal provided and stick it over the dotted lines on the edge of the box, pressing down gently to ensure it's sealed tight.
THREE
Post it in a priority postbox
No need to use any stamps or queue at the post office: simply pop your box in your nearest Royal Mail priority postbox. Find out where yours is on the Royal Mail website.
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.
3. Treat your deficiencies
Optimise your lifestyle and address health concerns.
4. Track your improvements
Use the app to stay on top of your health and keep track of key biomarkers.
