Check when to collect your sample

Read all of the instructions, including the warnings provided in your kit box.

You should collect your sample in the morning on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday and return the sample on the same day.

Some laboratory tests require samples collected while fasting or collected at a specific time, please visit LetsGetChecked.ie/sample-collection and select your kit type to learn what is required for your sample collection.

Activate your kit

Before collecting your sample, activate your kit on the LetsGetChecked App or online at LetsGetChecked.ie/activate. Your unique activation codes are located on the biohazard bag. Make sure to use your own personal LetsGetChecked account when activating your kit. The information and sample you provide must be your own.

Complete the details on the label

It is important to fill in the label located on the biohazard bag with the date of collection and your date of birth and sex.

This is essential for the lab to process your sample.

Prepare for your sample collection

It may be easier to collect a sample if you are warm. Taking a shower or running your hand under warm water before collecting your sample can be helpful. Ensure you are well hydrated when taking your sample. Nails that are too long can make it more difficult to collect your sample.

Wash your hands

Wash your hands in warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly.

Open the blood collection tube

Twist the cap to open the blood collection tube and place it so that it will be easy to collect your sample.

Select the finger for sample collection

We recommend selecting your ring finger (4th finger) on your non-dominant hand to pierce. Do not pierce or collect blood from the smallest (baby/pinky) finger, or any other body part not indicated in the instructions.

Please ensure you are seated when collecting your sample.

Prepare the lancet

Take a lancet from the kit box. Twist and remove the thin tab. The lancet is now ready to use. We provide extra lancets in case you need to pierce extra fingers to collect your sample.

Pierce your finger

Clean your finger with the alcohol swab provided and allow your finger to dry.

Position the lancet on the rounded end of the right or left of your chosen fingertip. Press down firmly until you hear a click.

Wipe away the first drop of blood

Wipe away the first drop of blood with the gauze provided. Ensure your hand and arm are angled downwards. Firmly massage your hand and finger to form new droplets of blood. Do not touch or squeeze the fingertip.

Collect your sample in the blood collection tube

Lightly tap the droplets of blood against the inside of the sample tube.

The sample tube must be filled to the top line marked on the side of the tube.

An under-filled blood collection tube will be rejected by the laboratory.

Note: If the blood flow stops, you will need to use another finger.

Firmly seal the blood collection tube and mix your sample

Once you have finished collecting your sample, wash your hands and apply the adhesive bandage to your finger. Replace the lid on the blood collection tube and press down firmly until you hear a click. Turn the tube upside down ten times to mix your sample. Ensure the blood collection tube is properly closed before you do this. This is vital to ensure the sample is preserved for the laboratory.

Seal your sample in the biohazard bag

Place the blood collection tube in the biohazard bag. To seal the biohazard bag, remove the plastic strip and fold down the flap. Do not remove the white pad located in the biohazard bag.

Ensure you have completed the label which is located on the biohazard bag.

Place the biohazard bag into the kit box.

Place the biohazard bag back into the LetsGetChecked kit box.

Ensure you have folded the biohazard bag flap to seal it.

Return the sample

Place the kit box in the return envelope provided. Send the kit back on the same day (check the return label for your delivery method).