Top tips for taking a finger-prick blood test

Everyone can be a little anxious when taking a blood test - whether it is your first time or your fourth. You may wonder which is the best finger to get blood from or how to get more blood flow for a home finger-prick blood test. 

Well, worry no more. Our top tips for taking a finger-prick blood test will help.  
 

1. Check the contents of your kit
 

Before you do anything else, empty your box and lay everything out on a clean surface.  

Next, familiarise yourself with the contents of your kit, such as the lances, plasters, and cleansing wipes. Then, place your blood tube upright in the specified hole to make taking your test a little easier. 
 

2. Get hydrated
 

Drink a glass of water in the hour before you take your test. 

Making sure you have had enough to drink before taking your test can help to get your blood flowing.  
 

3. Increase your blood flow
 

When taking a blood sample, you need your hands and fingers to be warm and to get a good flow of blood around your whole body.  

Increase your blood flow by: 

• Taking a warm shower 
• Washing your hands with warm water  
• Yoga 
• Star jumps  
• Walking up and down the stairs 

You do not need to be sweating or to overexert yourself, but make sure that your hands and fingers are not cold to touch.  
 

4. Choose (and clean) the best finger 
 

The best finger to get blood from is your ring finger. 

When performing a finger-prick test, use the side of your ring finger. It is where circulation is at its peak, and you are more likely to collect a complete sample from this one finger.  

Always wash your hands in warm water first, then use the alcohol wipe included in your kit to clean your chosen finger. 
 

5. Follow our simple step-by-step instructions
 

When you open the kit, you will find a sheet with our step-by-step instructions.  

Make sure you read these BEFORE you start. It’s best to familiarise yourself with the process first to reduce the chances of any mistakes.  

If you're unsure about something, you can get in touch with our dedicated Customer Care team who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.  
 

6. Use gravity
 

Point your hand and finger downwards towards the floor when taking your sample to help the blood flow. If the blood still doesn’t flow smoothly, try standing up.  
 

7. Send your sample and await your results
 

Post your sample the same day you collected it, between Monday-Thursday, using your Freepost pack.  

We’ll email you as soon as your sample arrives at one of our labs. All you need to do is log into your MyMedichecks account and update your health and lifestyle information to help our doctors report on your results more accurately.  

You can check the estimated turnaround time of your test on the website. Once your results are ready, we will email you and you will be able to view them in your MyMedichecks account.  

If you have any questions, check out our FAQs as they are full of lots of information and could answer some of the queries you may have. Alternatively, if you are having trouble taking your test, our Customer Care team will be happy to help. 

Ready to take your finger-prick blood test? Take it today and your invaluable health insights will be with you in days.