Tips for collecting a successful blood sample

Tips for collecting a successful blood sample

To collect a sufficient sample please follow the step-by-step tips below:

  1. Drink plenty of water 30 minutes before collection.
  2. Warm your hands well. Take a warm shower beforehand or run your hands under warm water for a few minutes.
  3. Do jumping jacks or swing your arms and clench and unclench your fists for 1 minute.
  4. Stand up, keep your finger downwards and below your waist.
  5. Start by pricking your ring finger, slightly to the side of the fingertip where the skin is soft.
  6. Do not prick your finger with anything other than the lancets provided in your test kit.
  7. Wipe the first drop of blood away with the included alcohol-free disinfectant wipe.
  8. Massage your hand, starting with your palm and first two thirds of the finger.
  9. Avoid applying too much pressure to the fingertip as this can damage blood cells and cause the sample to become unusable.
If using a collection tube:
  1. Don’t scrape your finger on the edge of the tube.
  2. Let the blood drip into the tube or gently touch the blood droplet to the edge of the tube.
  3. If you need to prick a second finger, use the middle finger next.
  4. Once you have filled the blood tube, gently invert the tube 8-10 times.
If using a DBS card:
  1. Wait until a blood droplet forms and let it drop onto the card. Avoid pressing your finger on the card.
  2. Ensure you fill in at least 3 full circles up to the edges. 
  3. If you need to prick a second finger, use the middle finger next.
  4. Once you have filled the circles, let the card dry for 3-4 hours away from direct heat.

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