Finger Prick Blood Test Kit | How to take your sample

Relax and follow these simple steps

A blood sample can test for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C. This involves pricking your finger with a special needle called a lancet and it shouldn’t be too painful. 

You might find the following tips helpful:

• Allow plenty of time. Collecting blood can take patience, but most people can do it.
• To help your blood flow, drink a large glass of water 30 minutes before collecting your sample, then warm up your hands by either taking a shower or holding a hot water bottle / hot drink.
• It also helps if you exercise before taking your sample.
• Take your samples standing up, if you can. And if you’re nervous, you could ask someone to help.

Here's your step-by-step guide on how to collect your sample

Before you start

• Wash your hands.
• Unpack your kit.

1. Prepare your kit

• Get a tissue.
• Fold the cardboard tube holder, inserting the tab into the slot to secure it.
• Lay your kit out, gently remove the lid from the collection tube. Place the tube into the cardboard tube holder to keep it steady.
• Keep the lancets and alcohol wipes close by.
• Wash your hands.

2. Collect your sample

• Clean your finger with the alcohol wipe. Twist the tip of the safety lancet to remove the cap.
• Use your middle or ring fingers as these may be less painful than your index fingers.
• Place your hand on a hard surface, and push the safety lancet firmly into the side of your finger until you hear a click. The lancet works once.
• Wipe away the first drop of blood with a clean, dry tissue. 
• Gently massage the finger from wrist to finger tip (using a milking motion) and allow drops to fall into the tube.

• Once your blood is flowing, drip blood into the collection tube. It should take no more than a couple of minutes to fill the tube. 

3. Fill your sample tube

• Fill the collection tube above the 400 line, ideally reaching 600. Both lines are shown on the side of the tube.
• If you can’t get enough blood with one finger, use a spare lancet to try another finger (or two).
• Then push the cap onto the tube. Press firmly until you hear a click.
• Gently turn the tube up and down at least three times.
• Wipe the outside of the tube ensuring there is no blood on the outside. 
• Put the plaster on your finger.
• Put your used lancets into your household waste bin once you have collected all the blood necessary for your sample.
• Place the sample collection tube in the transport bag, fold the top of the bag over and seal it.

4. Complete the form

• Write the date your samples were collected. If you can’t complete the form yourself, ask someone for help.
• Place the form and your samples back into the kit box and return the box.

5. Returning your samples  

• Your samples should be returned on the day they were collected. If this is not possible, store them in a refrigerator until returned.
• Check that each sample has been closed tightly and is in a sealed transport bag.
• Place your samples and your completed form back into the kit box. Close it securely by inserting the two large tabs on the box lid into the slots, pressing down firmly to lock them into place. Apply the clear security seal provided or add tape for extra security.
• The return postage has been pre-paid, just drop the kit box into a Royal Mail post box.