Collecting a blood sample is quick and simple. If you require assistance at any point during your collection, please contact our Customer Support Team.
Blood Collection Instructions (Video):
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Blood Collection Instructions
Important! Read through the instructions included with your kit before collecting your sample. Some tests may have specific collection instructions that are not included in this article.
- Fill in your details on the specimen label
Write your name and collection date on the label. Your sample may be rejected by the lab if this information is missing. - Warm your hands
Wash your hands in warm soapy water for at least 2 minutes, then dry thoroughly. It is easier to collect your sample if your hands are warm. - Remove the lid of the blood collection tube
Place the blood tube on a clean and flat surface. - Prepare your finger
Select the finger that you will use to collect your sample, then clean the finger using an alcohol wipe. A good location is the side of the 4th finger on your non-dominant hand, near the fingertip. - Use the lancet
Twist and pull the cap off of the lancet. Press the lancet firmly down against the selected location on your finger until you hear a “click”. - Wipe the first drop of blood
Use the gauze pad to wipe away the first drop of blood. Angle your finger and hand downwards facing the blood tube. Massage your finger from the base to the fingertip to encourage blood flow. Do not squeeze your fingertip directly. - Collect your sample
Allow full drops of blood to form on your finger, then gently tap the blood droplets against the inside of the collection tube. If your blood stops flowing, warm your hands and try again with a new lancet on a different finger. - Ensure that you collect enough blood
Check the blood tube to make sure that it is filled to the top line. Your sample may be rejected by the laboratory if the tube is under-filled or over-filled. - Replace the cap on the blood tube
After you finish collecting your sample, push the cap on the blood tube until you hear a "click". - Gently invert the blood tube 10 times
Turn the tube upside down 10 times to mix the sample. Do not shake the blood tube. - Place the blood tube into the biohazard bag
Remove the strip on the flap of the biohazard bag, then fold the flap to seal the bag. Do not remove the pad inside the bag. - Return your sample to the laboratory
Place the biohazard bag into original box, then place the box into the return shipping envelope. Refer to the instructions inside your test kit to return your sample to the laboratory.