If not already filled in, complete the test request form. Make sure the sample date is completed.

Using a ball point pen fill in the sample label with:

• Your First name
• Your Surname
• Your Date of birth
• Sample type: Blood

Don’t stick it onto the tube.

Take the tube and insert it into one of the smaller holes in the tray. Remove the cap and put it to one side.

It is best to a finger prick the side of your middle or ring finger. Open the pack of lancets now.

Wash your hands in warm soapy water.

Dry them thoroughly with a clean, dry towel.

Using the Alcohol Swab clean your chosen finger, then wipe dry with a clean tissue.

Make sure your finger is completely dry.

Take one lancet, twist and remove the blue stick.

Position the lancet against the side of your finger. Press the lancet firmly against the skin until a click is heard. 

If you need to repeat the process to obtain enough blood use a new lancet.  

Hold your hand/arm downwards, massage your hand down to your finger, without squeezing, to encourage blood flow. 

Massage your hand and finger, without squeezing, to help the blood drop into the blood collection tube.

Aim to fill the blood collection tube to the upper line on the side of the tube. 

Can’t collect enough blood?

Use a new lancet on a middle or ring finger on the other hand or try wiping the finger you have been using with a dry tissue. Wait for 5-10 seconds so blood drops reform, and you can then start collecting again.

Once you have filled the tube up to the top fill line, or just over, stop collecting. Clean the finger with a moist wipe, dry it with a tissue and apply the plaster to stop the bleeding.

Push the cap back onto the tube, you will hear a click to confirm it is firmly closed.

Gently turn the collection tube upside down 5 to 10 times, do not shake the tube.

Make sure the label has your details on, unlabelled samples cannot be accepted.

Place the tube in the middle of the label and wrap it around the tube.

Follow the instructions included in your kit to take other samples or to complete the process for returning your samples. If returning your sample by post please make sure you have written down the tracking code.