How to collect a blood sample

Collecting a sample from the comfort of your home is quick and simple.

Watch our video to learn more:

Sample collection tips

Collecting your finger prick blood sample is quick and easy, and each sample pack provides full instructions. To help ensure your sample is in ideal condition for our labs to test, there are a few simple things need to remember:

1.Know when to take your test

Some tests need to be done at specific times (such as before 10am) or on certain days of your menstrual cycle. Check the best time to collect your blood sample before starting.

2.Read the instructions

Read the instructions in full before collecting your sample. This will help you plan ahead and make the whole process easier. Set aside up to 30 minutes to prepare and collect your sample.

3.Stay hydrated

Make sure you’re well hydrated by drinking a large glass of water 30 minutes before you collect your sample. This helps with blood flow, making it easier to collect your sample.

4.Warm your hands

Warming your hands and body by collecting your sample immediately after a hot shower or after soaking your hands in warm water can help with blood flow.

5.Get your blood flowing

Get the circulation flowing by doing simple hand exercises, e.g., wriggling your fingers and repeatedly clenching your fist.

6.Stand up

a person in a circle with a black background

Standing up can help with blood flow, making it quicker and easier to collect a sample.

7.Use a tourniquet

Use an elastic band as a tourniquet around the knuckle of your finger (be sure to remove it immediately after sample collection or if it hurts).

8.Be gentle

Gently massage your finger when collecting your sample. If you apply too much pressure, blood cells can rupture, which means some of your markers will fail analysis.

How to collect a finger prick blood sample?

Hydration is key

Make sure your body is well hydrated by drinking a large glass of water at least 30 minutes before collecting your sample.

Hydrate by drinking a large glass of water 30 minutes before collecting your blood sample

Warm your hands

Wash your hands with soap and soak them in warm water for at least 2 minutes, then dry thoroughly.

Sterilise your finger

The best location to collect your sample is the 4th (ring) finger. Use the alcohol wipe to sterilise the finger and dry with a clean tissue.

Use the lancet

Twist and remove cap. Whilst standing, press the lancet very firmly on the side of the finger to activate it and wipe away the first droplet of blood with a clean tissue.

Use a lancet to collect a blood sample from fingertip

Collect blood

Starting from the palm, massage your hand down to the finger and collect the droplets in the tube. Be careful not to squeeze near the puncture wound as this can cause blood cells to burst.

Yellow tube

If you have a yellow tube, fill this to the top 600 marker line. If you are struggling to produce drops of blood, use a second lancet on another finger.

Purple tube

If you have a purple tube always fill this tube last as it is sensitive to clotting. To prevent this happening, only fill to the 250 line and swirl the tube after each drop ensuring the blood touches the sides.

Invert the tube(s)

As soon as you have filled your tube(s), put the cap on until you hear a click and invert the tube 10 times. Do not shake.

Label your sample

Complete the details on the label(s), attach the label(s) to the tube(s) and place in the protective plastic packaging. If you do not label your tube(s) your sample will not be processed but a cost will still be incurred.

10.

Fill in the lab form

Complete the lab request form, ensuring the name on the form is the same person as submitting the blood sample.

Complete your lab form before returning your sample

11.

Add the address label

Remove the return label from the form and attach to the return envelope.

12.

Package your sample

Put your labelled sample tube(s) back into the plastic protective case, and put this along with the lab request form back into the box. Put the box into the return envelope and seal.

13.

Post it back

Make a note of your Tracking number and place in a Royal Mail post box the same day you have collected the sample. Make sure you are in time for that day’s collection.

How to collect a MyFORM® sample?

Know your cycle

To collect your samples on the right days, you'll need to identify days 14 and 21 of your menstrual cycle. You can use a period-tracking app or set reminders on your phone or calendar to stay on track.

First sample - Day 14

Follow the sample collection steps provided in your test kit, including filling out the questionnaire, and post your sample to our lab immediately after collecting it.

Second sample - Day 21

Repeat the collection process on day 21 and send your sample back to us as soon as possible. Your results will be available once both samples have been analysed.

Review your results

Once your samples have been processed, your results will be uploaded to your account. You'll receive expert medical commentary, personalised insights, and health goals to help you take action.

What happens next

Once you have taken your sample, pop it in the post using the return envelope. Follow the instructions in the above video or instructions sheet in your kit.

1. Get your results

Your results will be available in your account within 2 working days of your sample reaching our lab. With HealthCoach, you'll receive expert commentary from our medical team, highlighting key areas of your health, detailed insights and achievable targets.

2. Take action

Once you have your results, it's time to take action. Whether it's making lifestyle changes or seeking further medical advice, you'll have the information you need to take the next step. Even small changes can have a big impact.

3. Track your progress

We recommend retesting every 6 months to monitor your progress and ensure your health is moving in the right direction. See how your changes are making a difference and stay in control of your long-term wellbeing.