Taking a blood test at home may feel unfamiliar at first. If you need to, ask someone at home to help you or go to a pharmacy for support.
Before you start
- Do your test Monday to Saturday. Avoid Sunday because the sample will sit in the post too long.
- Drink 2 glasses of water 30 minutes before your test to improve blood flow.
- Set aside 30 minutes - this gives you enough time to prepare, set up, and collect your sample.
Step-by-step instructions
1. Prepare and set up
- Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, then dry them with a clean towel. Avoid using skin cream before you take the test.
- Lay out all the items from your kit on a low table. Keep the box your test came in – you will need this to return your sample.
- Get a tissue and a bowl of warm water.
- If you are prone to fainting, sit down while you take your test.
2. Get the blood flowing
- Soak your non-dominant hand in warm water for 2 to 3 minutes until your fingers are slightly dimpled. Then dry your hand with a clean towel.
- Prepare the plasters so they’re ready to apply to your finger.
- Stand up for the whole process if you’re able to and are not prone to fainting.
- If you can, swing your arm a few times to get the blood flowing.
- Your hand must be lower than your elbow to maintain blood flow.
Important
If you feel faint at any point, lie down and raise your legs. If you continue to feel unwell, call 111.
3. Collect your sample
- If you have two tubes in your kit, start with the yellow tube.
- Clean a finger (your ring finger works well) with the alcohol wipe.
- Twist off the top of the lancet.
- Place your hand palm-up on a table.
- Press the lancet down on the outer centre of your fingertip until you hear a click. Each lancet is single-use only.
- Firmly wipe away the first drop of blood with a clean tissue.
- Massage down from the top of your palm toward the finger-prick. Stop before you reach the pricked area. Repeat every 3 to 4 seconds.
- Tap the blood into the tube.
Fill the tube to the correct level
- Fill the yellow tube to the 600 line.
- Fill the purple tube to the 250 line.
If it’s taking more than 30 seconds to fill the tube, swirl it gently after each drop to make sure the blood touches the sides.
If your blood stops flowing, wipe the pricked finger to stimulate blood flow again.
Mix the tube
- Gently turn the yellow tube upside down at least 10 times to allow the blood to mix with the gel.
- If you have a purple tube, swirl it slowly for 20 seconds to keep the blood liquid.
- Clean your finger with the cleansing wipe and apply a plaster.
Label and pack your sample
Complete the label(s) with your information and apply to the tube(s).
Important
Make sure you attach the correct label to the correct tube. Each label has a coloured edge that matches the tube's colour:
- a yellow edge for the yellow tube
- a purple edge for the purple tube
Put the tube(s) into the clear plastic transport bag(s).
Fill out the return form.
Your contact details must match those on your NHS health record.
Put the form and plastic bag(s) into the box.
Place the box into the prepaid envelope provided.
Post
Check that everything is included before you seal the envelope:
- Sample tube(s) labelled and in plastic bag(s)
- Return form completed
- Plastic bag(s) with tube(s) and return form in box
- Box in envelope
Seal the prepaid envelope and aim to post your sample in a postbox that has late collections. To find the nearest postbox and its collection times visit www.royalmail.com/services-near-you
Dispose of all equipment safely.
Further help and support
If you need further help and support with your blood sample, contact the NHS App and account team.