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.

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

Tips for collecting the best sample

Good circulation

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

Use the lancet in the right spot

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

Once you’ve pricked your finger and wiped away the first drop of blood, hold your finger over the blood collection card in a vertical position, using your other hand as support. With your support hand, apply pressure to your fingertip and nail and massage down the finger.

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.

Tips for collecting the best sample

Good circulation

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

Use the lancet in the right spot

Use the correct hand position

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.