How to take your sample
A clean blood sample, taken at home, ready to post within 15 minutes. Here's exactly how to do it, with the same care a phlebotomist would take in a clinic.
Your kit comes with everything you need
2× safety lancets
Push-button, single-use. Backup included in case you need a second attempt.
Collection tube
Pre-filled with preservative. Fill to the marked line.
Alcohol wipes
Sterilise your fingertip before lancing for a clean sample.
Biohazard bag
Sealed pouch to safely contain your sample tube.
Freepost envelope
Pre-paid return. Drop in any Royal Mail postbox same day.
Instruction card
Step-by-step guide and your activation code.
Set yourself up properly
Hydrate
Drink plenty of water the day before. Hydrated veins = easier draw.
Fast 8-12 hrs
Only if your panel needs it. Water is fine. Check your kit instructions.
No alcohol
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before sampling. Skip intense exercise too.
Warm hands
Warm fingers means better blood flow. Hold under warm water for 2 min if cold.
15 minutes
Total time including prep, sampling, and sealing the tube.
Post same day
Get to a Royal Mail postbox the same day you collect.
5 steps to a clean sample
Prep your space and warm up
Find a clean, well-lit surface and lay out your kit components. Wash your hands in warm water for 30 seconds and dry thoroughly. Warm hands means better blood flow, so if your fingers feel cold, hold them under warm running water for 2 minutes.
Prepare your finger
Choose your middle or ring finger on your non-dominant hand. These have the best blood flow. Wipe the side of the fingertip (not the pad) with the alcohol pad and let it air-dry for 10 seconds. Hang your arm down for 30 seconds to encourage blood to pool.
Activate the lancet
Twist off the lancet's safety cap. Press the lancet firmly against the side of your fingertip (not the centre). Press the button until you hear a click. Wipe away the very first drop of blood with gauze (it can contain tissue fluid that affects results). Two lancets are included in case you need a second attempt.
Fill the collection tube
Hold your hand below your heart and gently massage your finger from base to tip, letting drops fall into the collection tube. Fill to the marked line. Don't squeeze hard or scrape your finger against the rim, this damages cells. If bleeding slows, gently re-warm and re-massage the finger.
Seal, pack and post the same day
Press the cap onto the collection tube until it clicks. Gently invert the tube 8-10 times to mix the blood with the preservative. Place in the biohazard bag, then in the freepost envelope. Drop into any Royal Mail postbox the same day. The lab processes within 24-48 hours of receipt.
If something doesn't go to plan
Can't get enough blood?
Run hands under hot water for 2 minutes. Hang your arm down by your side. Milk the finger from base to tip in slow strokes. If still struggling, the spare lancet is for a second attempt — switch fingers. Contact us and we'll send a free replacement kit.
Best time of day?
Early morning, fasted, before exercise or caffeine. Sampling at the same time of day across retests gives the cleanest trend data.
Sample quality issue
If your sample arrives at the lab degraded (haemolysed), the lab flags it and we send you a free replacement kit automatically — no questions asked. You'll receive an email if this happens.
What if I take it on a weekend?
Saturday post is fine if it goes by the last collection — sample reaches the lab Monday. Avoid Sunday/Bank Holiday sampling unless you can post Monday morning.
Still have questions?
Read the full FAQs or drop us a message — we reply within one working day.