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