A Numan blood test kit with lancets, a vial, and plasters

How to boss your blood test

Step-by-step instructions for a successful at-home sample.

Important details before you take your blood sample

Taking a blood sample from home is relatively simple, but we’ve put together some instructions to prevent errors and ensure the process runs smoothly. Before you get started, give this page a read and watch our blood test kit tutorial video.

Take the test between Monday and Thursday only.

Take your test in the morning, ensuring that you've fasted for at least 8 hours overnight.

Drink two glasses of water during the 30 minutes before the test.

Post your sample shortly after drawing your blood. This helps provide a more accurate reading.

How to collect your blood sample

Before getting stuck in, watch our short instructional video.

Here's how you do it

Instructions for the test kits with one yellow tube

1.
Check your kit includes a tube, lancets, alcohol wipes, plasters and a specimen bag with the absorbent pad.
2.
Lay out the lancets, clean tissues, plasters, and alcohol wipes. Remove the cap of the tube and stand upright on a flat surface.
3.
Wash your hands thoroughly in warm water and soap. Then dry with a clean towel.
4.
Use the alcohol wipe to clean the tip of your ring finger. Allow the skin to air dry.
5.
Open the lancet by twisting the blue cap. To pierce the skin, press firmly against your finger to activate the lancet - you should hear a click. Keep your arm pointing down and below the level of your waist.
6.
Wipe away the first drop of blood with a clean tissue.
7.
Massage your finger down to the pierced site but don’t touch the pierced site directly. Guide blood droplets in with the lip of the tube until blood reaches the top line. Don’t scrape your finger on the tube.
8.
If you’re not getting enough blood, wipe away the blood with a clean tissue and wait a few seconds for the drops to reform. If there still isn’t enough blood, use another finger.
9.
Fill in your details on the sticky label provided with the kit next to the barcodes.
10.
Place the tube in the centre of the sticky side of the label and bring the two ends together like a luggage tag. Make sure the barcode is visible.
11.
Place the tube in the specimen bag and seal it closed. Do not remove the absorbent pad from the bag. Place the bag in the collection box – your kit is now ready to be shipped – follow the online instructions to return it.

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Instructions for the test kits with two tubes - yellow and purple

1.
Check your kit includes a purple and a yellow tube, lancets, alcohol wipes, plasters and a specimen bag with the absorbent pad.
2.
Lay out the lancets, clean tissues, plasters, and alcohol wipes. Remove the cap of the each tube and stand the tubes upright on a flat surface.
3.
Wash your hands thoroughly in warm water and soap. Then dry with a clean towel.
4.
Use the alcohol wipe to clean the tip of your ring finger. Allow the skin to air dry.
5.
Open the lancet by twisting the blue cap. To pierce the skin, press firmly against your finger to activate the lancet - you should hear a click. Keep your arm pointing down and below the level of your waist.
6.
Wipe away the first drop of blood with a clean tissue. Start with the purple tube.
7.
Massage your finger down to the pierced site but don’t touch the site directly. Guide blood droplets in with the lip of the tube until blood reaches the top line. Don’t scrape your finger on the tube.
8.
If you’re not getting enough blood, wipe away the blood with a clean tissue and wait a few seconds for the drops to reform. If there still isn’t enough blood, use another finger.
IMPORTANT
9.
Only when filling the purple tube, swirl the blood every 30 seconds. Collect blood to the bottom line of the purple tube. Close the tube immediately after collecting.
IMPORTANT
10.
Gently turn the closed tube upside down 10 times. Don’t worry if the blood looks like it hasn’t mixed. Repeat the process from Step 7 to the top line of the yellow tube. Do not swirl the blood this time.
11.
Fill in your details on the sticky label provided with the kit next to the barcodes.
12.
Place the tube in the centre of the sticky side of the label and bring the two ends together like a luggage tag. Make sure the barcode is visible.
13.
Place the tube in the specimen bag and seal it closed. Do not remove the absorbent pad from the bag. Place the bag in the collection box – your kit is now ready to be shipped – follow the online instructions to return it.

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Posting your sample

We provide everything you need to post your sample to our lab – including prepaid postage.

1. Package your sample

Place your sample in the specimen bag and seal it closed. Do not remove the absorbent pad from the bag. Place the bag in the white collection box.

2. Securely seal the box

Take the blue security seal provided and stick it over the dotted lines on the edge of the box, pressing down gently to ensure it's sealed tight.

3. Post it in a priority postbox

No need to use any stamps or queue at the post office: simply pop your box in your nearest Royal Mail priority postbox. Find out where yours is on the Royal Mail website.

Find your nearest Royal Mail priority postbox

What happens next?

Blood testing has never been simpler. Get valuable insights into your health in these 4 steps.

A blood test kit from Numan with lancets and a vial

1. Take your sample

After you've collected your blood sample, post to our lab for free.

Two phones showing blood test results on Numan's diagnostics app

2. Receive targeted advice

In a few days, you'll receive your blood test results with a broken down analysis that gives you  actionable insights into your health.

A chart showing progress with cholesterol levels over time

3. Treat your deficiencies

Address potential health concerns and optimise your lifestyle for peak performance.

A bottle of supplements and a black Numan box

4. Track your improvements

Use the app to stay on top of your health and keep track of key biomarkers

Holistic healthcare, in one place

In the Numan app, we'll break down your results to give you clear, actionable insights into your health. You'll also have access to expert content to help you achieve your health objectives.

Start your online consultation now

What we treat

Knowledge