Sample collection · preparation guide
How to take your test.
A few simple steps make the difference between a clean result and a repeat. Watch the short video, then follow the guide below — whether you’re using a finger-prick home kit or a nurse visit.
Can’t see the video? Open it on Vimeo.
Step by step
Prepare, collect, post.
For the most accurate results, follow these in order. The same preparation applies whether you collect at home or with a nurse.
1
Before your test
- Take your sample first thing in the morning, before breakfast — this gives the most accurate readings for cholesterol, glucose, and hormones
- Water is fine beforehand — stay well hydrated the day before and on the morning of your test
- Ideally collect before 10 am, when hormone levels are at their baseline
- Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your test
- If you take regular medication, take it as normal unless told otherwise by your GP
- Avoid intense exercise the evening before — it can temporarily affect some markers
2
If you’re using the finger-prick home kit
- Warm your hands under warm water for 2–3 minutes before collecting
- Use the side of your ring or middle finger (not the tip) for the best blood flow
- Let gravity help — keep your hand below your heart while collecting
- Gently massage your finger towards the tip; don’t squeeze hard
- Fill the tube to the marked line — an underfilled sample may need repeating
- Keep the sealed sample cool and out of direct sunlight until you post it — room temperature or cooler is best; don’t leave it in a warm car or by a sunny window
- Send it back in the prepaid return envelope already in your kit, and check you’ve scanned/used the return label (not the outbound one)
- Post at a Royal Mail Priority postbox (these have the latest daily collections) or hand it in at a Post Office counter and ask for free proof of posting — then keep the receipt
Important — when to post: Post on the same day you collect, Monday to Wednesday only. Royal Mail typically delivers next day, so your sample arrives at the lab fresh. Do not post on Thursdays, Fridays, or before a bank holiday — it must not sit in transit over the weekend, or the sample can spoil and the test may need repeating.
3
If you’ve booked a nurse visit
- Our phlebotomy partner will call you within 2 working days to arrange a convenient day and time for your visit
- A qualified nurse will come to your home at the agreed time
- The venous draw takes around 5 minutes — quick and straightforward
- Wear a short-sleeved top or loose sleeves for easy access
- Once collected, your nurse packages the sample and sends it to the lab for you — there’s nothing for you to post
- Venous samples give the lab a larger, higher-quality sample for the most reliable results
Nothing for you to do: With a nurse visit we take care of everything — your nurse sends the sample to the lab the same day. Just relax and wait for your results.
4
After your test
- Results are typically ready within 2 working days
- You’ll get a notification when your results are available in your dashboard
- Each marker comes with a personalised explanation of what it means for you
- If you use a health wearable (Apple Watch, Oura, Whoop, Garmin, etc.), connect it in your account after ordering — we’ll combine your blood data with daily metrics like sleep, activity, and heart rate for deeper, more personalised insights
Your sample is analysed by an NHS-approved and UKAS-accredited laboratory. Regulated and trusted across the UK.
Ready when you are
Questions before you collect?
Our team is here to help. Or browse the full range of longevity-grade tests.