Sample Collection

Blood card collection guide

Follow these instructions exactly to ensure excellent blood flow and a successful sample. The test takes about 2 minutes, plus 20 minutes drying.

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

Before you begin

  1. 1

    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.

  2. 2

    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
  3. 3

    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

Collection

  1. 4

    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
  2. 5

    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 drop being applied from a fingertip onto a square on the collection cardDiagram of a correctly filled card: blood in each square, spread into the rectanglesCorrectly filled blood card — blood has spread past the first black line into the rectangles
  3. 6

    Dry the card

    Stand the card upright and allow 20 minutes to dry completely. Do not touch the sample area or attempt to speed up drying.

Packaging & return

  1. 7

    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
  2. 8

    Book your Royal Mail return

    Use our Royal Mail returns page to send your sample back. Enter 1 as the order number and add the barcode of every test kit you are returning.

    Book your Royal Mail return

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