How are At-home Capillary Blood Tests taken?

Taking an At-home Capillary Blood Test is easy and convenient. Just follow the simple steps below. Full instructions will be included in your test kit. Please do your test between Monday and Thursday, then post the test on the same day. This helps ensure a more accurate reading by avoiding delays in getting the sample to the lab.

Please be aware that the blood test you are purchasing is intended for personal use only and should not be given to someone else. The results of this blood test will be uploaded to your Numan account, so using it for another individual could result in a breach of medical data privacy.

Scan the QR code on the box to receive essential instructions and further guidance for your next steps.

You should set aside around 30 minutes first thing in the morning, before you have eaten, to complete the whole process, especially if it’s your first time taking a blood sample at home. We recommend having a normal evening meal the night before, and drinking plenty of water (2 glasses) 30 minutes before taking your sample. This will ensure the most accurate results and avoid any fainting or dizziness. Some tests require that you avoid eating for at least 6–8 hours overnight, so check the instructions provided.

Seeing the sight of your own blood can also make some people feel dizzy or faint. If you think this could happen to you, we advise taking the test in a comfortable, safe environment and ask someone to assist you in taking your sample.

To get your blood flowing, go for a brisk walk, do a few jumping jacks, or maybe take a hot bath - whatever works for you.

Set up a clean workspace with your lancets, alcohol wipes, plasters, and other kit contents. Open the vial and stand it upright on a flat surface. You may notice a small loop inside the vial; please leave it in place and refrain from removing it.

Wash your hands in warm water for 4 minutes and then dry them completely. This is essential for a successful blood collection.

Wipe your chosen finger (one of the middle three is best) with the alcohol wipe and allow it to air dry.

Twist off the blue tab from the end of the lancet. Press it firmly against the side of your fingertip. Make sure to stand with your hand on a hard surface, palm up, to get the best results. You will hear a click and feel a slight prick.

After you've pierced your fingertip, use a clean tissue to wipe away the first drop of blood. Gently massage down towards the pierced sit to encourage blood flow, guiding the droplets into the vial without scraping. Collect blood to the top line of the vial.

If you need more blood, no worries. Wipe the area clean with a tissue and wait a few seconds for more drops to form. If it's still not enough, move onto the ring finger on your dominant hand. Avoid your little finger and thumb.

With enough blood collected, close the vial by placing the cap back on. Wipe excess blood from your skin and apply the provided plaster. Now, gently turn the closed vial upside down 10 times.

Please fill out your details as instructed in your kit and follow the step-by-step guide provided. Place the vial in the specimen bag and seal them closed. Then, safely dispose of the used materials.

Great job! Your kit is ready to be shipped. The sample can now be posted for free via any UK post box.

For further information, check out our video How do you take an at home blood test? and our blog 10 tips to help you take a finger tip blood test. If your kit looks different, please visit our website for further instructions.

In case of an urgent medical problem, please contact NHS 111 via 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.