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Collecting a dried blood spot sample
Taking a MyHealthTest at-home dried blood spot test is different from taking a fingerprick test with your doctor or taking a daily blood glucose measurement. The drops of blood for this test need to be large and soaked through to the back of the card.
Watch our instructional video below to learn how to collect the best sample.
Download the step-by-step instructions for collecting a dried blood spot HERE
Acceptance criteria
DO
- Allow a large drop of blood to form before applying to the card
- Place one drop of blood that fills the entire circle
- Check that the blood spot has soaked through to the back of the card
DON’T
- Place more than one drop of blood in each circle
- Touch the card with your finger
- Be afraid to use the second lancet on another finger if you’re having trouble with blood flow
Before you start, ensure your hands are warm. This will help to stimulate blood flow, making it easier for you to get a large blood drop. You can increase circulation by:
- Holding your hands under warm water
- Doing some gentle exercise
- Rubbing your hands together
The best sample is often taken from the tip of the ring or middle finger (end of the finger in the centre). When you’re ready to take your sample, hold the lancet against the tip of your finger and gently push down until it activates. Try not to move your hand away.
Use the correct hand position
Allow a large drop of blood to form, enough to almost fall off the finger. Be patient as sometimes it can take a while for a large blood drop to form. Then touch the blood drop to the card but do not touch the card with your finger.
Good circulation
Holding your hands under warm water
Doing some gentle exercise
Rubbing your hands together
Use the lancet in the right spot
Use the correct hand position
Allow a large drop of blood to form, enough to almost fall off the finger. Be patient as sometimes it can take a while for a large blood drop to form. Then touch the blood drop to the card but do not touch the card with your finger.
Having trouble with blood flow?
- Get your heart higher than your hands – stand up but leave the blood collection card on the table
- Gently massage your finger while placing pressure on your fingernail. Be patient as sometimes it can take a while for a large blood drop to form.
- Use the second lancet on another finger, often the blood flow will be a lot better from another site.
