Sample Collection

Blood card collection guide

Follow these instructions exactly to ensure excellent blood flow and a successful sample. The process takes less than 10 minutes.

⚠ Important

Please follow these instructions exactly. Unmarked or improperly collected cards cannot be refunded, and replacement cards carry a fee.

Before you begin

Pre-test preparation

01

Complete your health survey

You must complete the online health survey before testing. The lab cannot process your results without this. Note your barcode number.

02

Prepare your card

Complete all blood card details before collecting blood. Write your email on the back of the card. Take a clear photo of the barcode for your records.

MeScreen blood collection card showing labelled sections, barcode area, and sample squares
03

Optimise blood flow

Follow these four steps approximately 20–25 minutes before collection:

  • Drink 2 big glasses of water
  • Warm your hands under running water for 30–60 seconds
  • Jog in place to elevate your heart rate
  • Windmill your arm (like bowling) to direct blood to your fingertips
Arm windmill technique — swing your arm in large circles like a bowler to direct blood flow to your fingertips
Collection

Blood sample collection

04

Prick your finger

Press the lancet firmly against the side of your fingertip for good blood flow. A firm press is important — don't be tentative.

Lancet being pressed firmly against the side of a fingertip
05

Apply blood to the card

Apply 5 drops into each square on the collection card (not the rectangles). Ensure blood spreads into the rectangles and goes past the first black line.

Blood drops being applied to the collection card squares Correctly filled blood card — blood has spread past the first black line into the rectangles
06

Dry the card

Stand the card upright and allow 60 minutes to dry completely. Do not touch the sample area or attempt to speed up drying.

Packaging & return

Specimen handling and submission

07

Package your sample

Once fully dry, place the card in the white specimen bag, then into the biohazard bag, then into the bubble return envelope provided in your kit.

Sealed biohazard specimen bag ready for posting
08

Arrange collection

Email info@mescreen.co.uk with your full name, mobile number, email address, barcode number, and collection address. We will arrange Royal Mail collection from your door.

What happens next?

Your sample is shipped to our accredited partner laboratory for analysis. Results are typically delivered to your secure portal within 3–4 weeks.

Ready to order?

Get your MeScreen test kit.

Everything you need for collection is included in the box.

Order Your Test Kit