How to take your blood sample
For best results, we recommend collecting your sample on Monday to Tuesday – and mail it on the same day it was collected (within 24 hours, please consider any public holidays).
Step 1 | Receive testing kit in the mail Image with text
When you have received your testing kit, please open it. Fill out the blood submission form with the required details as you will need to return this form with your blood submission.
Please read these instructions carefully before you begin. Please do not take your blood sample immediately after strenuous exercise. If you have difficulty taking your blood sample, then please contact our customer service department who are always willing to help.
Step 2 | Taking the sample
- Open the blood spot card. Fold the paper back to reveal the collection paper. Do not touch the sample area.
- Hold your hand under warm water for at least one minute to stimulate blood circulation then carefully dry your hand with a towel.
- We recommend standing up and swing your arm around in a circular motion 5-10 times, with your arm fully extended if possible. This helps stimulate blood circulation. Please remain standing until you’ve finished taking your sample, if possible.
- Remove the provided disinfectant cloth from its film and use it to disinfect the entire tip of your index or middle finger. Wait for it to dry.
- Hold the lancet horizontally, rotate the yellow protective cover one full turn then carefully remove it.
- Place your hand on a stable surface. Hold the lancet diagonally against the top of your selected finger. Press firmly with your thumb on the yellow button.
Step 3 | Fill the blood spot card with your sample
- Keep your hand horizontal at hip height and massage your finger from the palm of the hand to the fingertip until blood droplets form.
- Hold the base of the collection card to prevent it from moving. Allow blood to drip onto each of the circles, filling each one fully. Ensure you do not touch the collection paper.
- Once you have filled the five circles, slightly bend the collection card away from the cover to allow air to flow beneath the blood spot collection card. Leave on a flat surface to dry.
- After collecting your blood sample, press the swab firmly against the location of the blood to stem the blood flow.
- When the bleeding begins to slow, apply the band-aid to the puncture.
Step 4 | Post your sample to our labs for testing
- Keep your hand horizontal at hip height and massage your finger from the palm of the hand to the fingertip until blood droplets form.
- Hold the base of the collection card to prevent it from moving. Allow blood to drip onto each of the circles, filling each one fully. Ensure you do not touch the collection paper.
- Once you have filled the five circles, slightly bend the collection card away from the cover to allow air to flow beneath the blood spot collection card. Leave on a flat surface to dry.
- After collecting your blood sample, press the swab firmly against the location of the blood to stem the blood flow.
- When the bleeding begins to slow, apply the band-aid to the puncture.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an allergy and an intolerance?
Allergies
An allergy is an immune system response. It is caused when the body mistakes a protein as a harmful substance and creates a defence system (antibodies) to fight it.
Allergic reactions are immediate reactions, and they can be life-threatening in some cases.
Intolerances
An intolerance is a non-immune system response. Symptoms of intolerance usually occur several hours after exposure to a trigger, whereas an allergy can result in an immediate reaction.
Often people need to be exposed to larger amounts of food types to trigger an intolerance unlike an allergy. A food intolerance is not life-threatening.
Find out more about the differences between allergies and intolerances.
What's the best blood test for me?
Allergy testing:
We have IgE ELISA food and non-food allergy testing. IgE antibodies are involved in Type I allergies and can cause rapid type immune reactions, with symptoms occurring within a few minutes up to two hours after eating a specific food.
Read more about IgE testing science.
Intolerance testing:
We have Intolerance (IgG4) ELISA testing because we are investigating delayed symptoms that could be associated with food intolerances.
Read more about IgG4 testing science.
Allergy & Intolerance testing:
We also have a range of combinations for the ultimate allergy & intolerance test.
How do I take my blood sample?
1. Receive your testing kit in the post.
2. Clean your finger and use the finger prick to take your sample
3. Fill the blood spot card with your sample.
4. Freepost your sample to our labs for testing.
Read more about how to take your blood sample.
Does it hurt to take a blood test?
We provide you with easy-to-use lancets designed to give you a tiny prick on the finger to start the blood flow.
It’s precisely the same as a pinprick and, if administered correctly following our provided instructions and tips, will not hurt.
Can I complete a blood test on a child?
While we allow children from the age of 2 and above for blood allergy and intolerance testing.
There is evidence that allergies are not fully developed until the age of 7. Please check with a medical professional before purchasing.
Will medication affect my test results in any way?
There are a few types of medication that may stop your test from being accurate.
Immune suppressant medications can also affect the results of the testing, we advise that you check with our team prior to testing regarding medications.
Antihistamines have been shown to affect results; we advise stopping antihistamine use for 3-5 days before taking your sample.
However, we would recommend seeking advice from a medical professional before changing any medication.
Can I complete a hair test on a child?
Children can complete a hair sensitivity test once they reach five years old due to their immune system changes and the importance of eating a varied diet. Infants have not yet built up their tolerance levels to items, highlighting false positives in their test results. However, it is up to the parents or guardians if they would still like to proceed knowing this.
Can you test for coeliac disease?
We do not test for coeliac disease; however, we can test for a gluten intolerance on selected tests; please look for this in the list of items tested on the products. To test for coeliac disease, you should speak to a medical professional. The blood testing usually carried out is total IgA and IgA tissue transglutaminase antibody (tTG).
Can I complete a blood test on a child?
While we allow children from the age of 2 and above for blood allergy and intolerance testing, there is evidence that allergies are not fully developed until the age of 7. Please check with a medical professional before purchasing.
What health tests do you offer?
Although the products can vary for different regions, we currently have an extensive range on offer. We have blood allergy and intolerance testing, hair sensitivity testing, urine sample liver function testing, vitamin D at-home blood testing, urine kidney testing and many more.
Do I need to visit a health practice for this testing?
No, all of our health tests come with complete instructions so you can complete the tests at home quickly and easily. This means you can get a faster result with minimal fuss! Why not complete regular testing to understand your health entirely.
Are your health tests scientifically validated?
Yes, all the health tests we offer on our site are scientifically validated, easy-to-use, and delivered to your front door.
How often should I complete a health test?
We recommend to our clients to complete health tests once or twice a year, as they are the fastest way to get easy-to-understand results that you can act on. Completing them frequently means you always understand how your health is doing and can amend your diet and lifestyle if things are not improving.
How do I order a test?
Ordering a test is simple if you follow our four simple steps. 1, order the best test for you securely online. 2, receive instructions and your test kit through email or the post (depending on the product chosen). 3, follow the instructions to take your sample. 4, receive your results and make positive changes. It’s that simple.
Where are my results?
If you have returned your test to us, and the 5-7 working days have passed from us receiving your sample, which is confirmed by email, please use the test finder at the top of this page to track where it is. We have strict lab protocols to ensure that we always return tests within this time frame, so maybe it’s gone to your junk mail, or we have reached out with an issue. We are always available on 24/7 LiveChat to resend these tests to you or resolve any problems.
What if I'm not satisfied?
We pride ourselves on our 99.6% customer satisfaction rating. However, if you are not satisfied with any of our services, please contact us directly via email or LiveChat as soon as possible to assist you in resolving any issues.
Where are the samples tested?
Samples are tested by a panel of in-house and approved testing facilities at various locations depending on demand and the location of the site you purchase from. Facilities include the UK, Pakistan and the US. Once the hair sample has been received at the testing facility, you will receive your results within 3-5 working days. Tests are completed in facilities which follow Good Laboratory Practice. These are a set of principles intended to ensure the quality and integrity of non-clinical laboratory studies.
