How to Use Your Blood Test Kit

Welcome! This page will guide you through how to correctly collect, label, package and return your blood sample to our laboratory.

Whether you are a phlebotomist, nurse, or taking your own sample, this step-by-step guide will make the process simple and stress-free.

Once your sample reaches our lab results are usually available within 24 hours.

Who should read this page

If you are taking a blood sample from the vein you need to be a healthcare professional with training to take a venous sample – Phlebotomist, Nurse, Doctor ect.

Do not try to take a sample without training

The notes below are for reference and a general guide for our service.

What’s Inside Your Kit

Your foil pack includes everything needed for a safe and successful collection:

SST (Gold/Yellow) – Serum
EDTA (Purple) – Whole Blood
Fluoride Oxalate (Grey) – Glucose

Needle and Vacutainer system
Tourniquet
Alcohol cleansing wipe
Gauze / cotton pad
Plaster
Lab Request Form
Absorbent safety material
KPA Bag (UN3373 compliant)
Pre-paid Track24 Return Label
Pre-paid Return Envelope

Order of Draw (Important)

When collecting more than one tube, please fill in this order:

After filling each tube, gently invert 5–10 times (do not shake).

Before You Begin

Please check the following:

The full name and date of birth of the person giving the sample
You have all items listed above ready
Collect and post your sample Monday–Thursday only
If self-testing: drink a glass of water 20–30 minutes beforehand and warm your arm/hands
Ask for consent of the Person that they are aware your taking a blood sample and that they are happy for you to do this.

Do I Need to Fast Before My Test?

Some blood markers are affected by food and drink. If your test requires fasting, this will be stated in your order confirmation. If you are unsure, please check with us before taking your sample.

How Long Should You Fast For?

Fast for 8–10 hours before your blood draw (water only)
You may drink plain still water only during the fasting period
Avoid tea, coffee, juice, chewing gum, mints and supplements

Most people fast overnight and take their sample first thing in the morning.

Markers Affected by Food Intake (Fasting Recommended)

Glucose & Diabetes	Glucose
Lipids / Cholesterol	Total Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, Triglycerides, Cholesterol Ratio
Metabolic Health	Uric Acid, Liver Function (ALT, AST, GGT)
Inflammation & General Health	CRP (can be affected by recent alcohol or heavy meals)
Triglycerides are the most affected	eating can cause a temporary rise, making results appear higher than they really are.

Markers Affected by Food

Glucose

Total Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, Triglycerides, Cholesterol Ratio

Uric Acid, Liver Function (ALT, AST, GGT)

CRP (can be affected by recent alcohol or heavy meals)

eating can cause a temporary rise, making results appear higher than they really are.

What to Avoid Before a Fasting Sample

For 8–10 hours before your test, avoid:

Food of any kind
Alcohol
Coffee, tea, energy drinks or flavoured beverages
Supplements unless medically prescribed

For 24 hours before:

Avoid very high-fat meals
Avoid heavy alcohol consumption
Avoid unusually intense exercise

What If You Accidentally Eat Before a Fasting Test?

Don’t panic — it’s not the end of the world.

Eating before a fasting test does not make your results invalid, but it can temporarily raise certain markers.
The most common effect is higher Triglycerides and Glucose than your true baseline
Cholesterol results may also be slightly altered — especially LDL and Triglycerides.
If you need to repeat the test later, fasting each time gives a more stable comparison.

If you forgot to fast, you can still send your sample — just be aware that some results may look slightly higher than usual.

You Do Not Need to Fast for These Tests

Thyroid (TSH, T3, T4, Antibodies)
Full Blood Count
B12, Folate, Vitamin D
Kidney Function
Most hormone tests (unless your order states otherwise)

Taking Your Sample — Simple Step-by-Step

Follow these steps calmly and carefully. If you’re self-testing and unsure at any point, please contact us before continuing.

Wash and dry hands.
Apply tourniquet and cleanse the area with the alcohol wipe.
Perform venepuncture following standard safe practice.
Fill the tubes in the correct order of draw listed above.
Release tourniquet, withdraw the needle and apply pressure with gauze.
Apply plaster once bleeding stops.
Invert each tube gently 5–10 times.

Labelling & Paperwork

Correct labelling prevents delays and rejection.

Please ensure:

Full name, date of birth and date of collection are written clearly on each tube.
The Lab Request Form is fully completed and matches the tests ordered.
The person’s details on the form match the details on the tubes

Packaging & Posting Your Sample

Place the labelled tubes and the completed lab form into the KPA bag and seal.
Insert the sealed bag into the pre-paid return envelope.
Attach the Track24 label to the front if not already attached.
Write down or photograph your tracking number for your records.
Take the envelope to a Post Office counter (do not use a postbox).
Ask for proof of postage and keep it safe.

Tracking Your Sample

Use your Track24 tracking number to follow your sample’s journey to our lab.

Helpful Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do :

Do Not :

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I post my sample on a Friday?

No — please post Monday to Thursday to avoid weekend delays.

Friday is possible with a saturday delivery option but not recommended.

When will I get my results?

Results are usually available within 24 hours of your sample reaching our lab.

What if the tube didn’t fill completely?

Some tests require a minimum volume. If you’re unsure, contact us before posting.

I ate before my fasting test — is my sample wasted?

Not at all. You can still send it — your results may simply look a little higher than your true baseline.

Do I need to fast?

Only if your order confirmation states that fasting is required. If unsure, please contact us.