Lab delays are causing a 3-5 day delay in getting your full results. Please contact our help centre if you require assistance
What to expect from your test
There are two ways to collect a blood sample: the venous or finger prick method.
A finger prick blood test – involves using a lancet to prick your finger and collect a small amount of blood in a collection tube.
Because you can do finger prick tests yourself – and because they’re less invasive than the venous method (where blood is collected from a vein), they’re a great choice if you’re short on time.
Learn
How to take a finger prick test
How it works
1
Register your test
When your finger prick test kit arrives, follow the steps to register your test in the H&B&Me app.
2
Do your test
Do your test between Monday and Thursday, following the step-by-step instructions in your test kit.
3
Send it back
Place your blood collection tubes in the packing wallet and post your sample back to us on the same day.
4
Get your results
You’ll get your results in the app in 48 hours. If you should follow up with a GP, we’ll let you know.
Preparing for your test
You can do a few things to prepare before your finger prick test. Here are some tips to make the process as smooth as possible:
- Drink plenty of water 30 minutes before your test
- Do your test right after a hot shower or bath, or soak your hands in warm water first
- Move around as best you can to get your blood flowing
- Take a few deep breaths – it’ll help you relax
- Stand up, if you can while taking your sample – let gravity do its thing
- Don’t squeeze your finger – use gentle pressure in a downward motion instead
Finger prick tests
FAQs
No, you don’t need to fast before a finger prick test. However, if you’re taking our cholesterol test, we recommend not eating a large meal beforehand as it could temporarily alter your blood sugar levels.
For all our finger prick tests, we recommend you fill two blood collection tubes to the top of the tube. However, if you can only fill one blood collection tube, don’t worry. One tube of blood should be enough for the following tests:
- Diabetes
- Iron
- Cholesterol
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12
- Testosterone
- Thyroid
Do your finger prick test between Monday and Thursday. Please don't do it on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, or Bank Holidays because of the potential for postal delays.
It's best to do your finger prick test first thing in the morning, just after you wake up. Taking your test in the morning gives you time to post your sample later on the same day.
There’s no medical reason you can't do your test when you’re unwell, although we recommend you wait until you’re feeling better.