Fettle - how to take a blood sample

Watch how to take a Fettle finger prick blood sample at home.
FAQS
How long does this test take?
It is best to do this when you have 5-10 minutes spare. Watching this video will help you take your sample more quickly whilst being warm and keeping your arm straight will really help blood flow to your finger.
Does it hurt?
Some people say it doesn't hurt at all, others say their finger is still a little sore a couple of days later. The lancet will make a cut into your finger. Some people find the centre of their fingertips are sensitive and so they prick the side of their finger.
When should I take this test?
It takes time before STIs can be detected in a test. You should wait 7 weeks after you think you could have been exposed to HIV and 12 weeks for syphilis, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C. You can do this test at any time of day.
What will this test for?
Depending on what kit you order, we can test your blood samples for syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
Check your lab card to see which tests will be carried out on your samples.
Do I need to write my name on the samples?
No, we have already labelled your samples with a unique code, this is to ensure your experience is as easy and discreet as possible.
Find more information about STIs, testing and treatment on our website fettle.health/sti
[Video Description: A white femme person with dark red hair stands calmly in front of a light coloured background, we can just see their head and shoulders, they say...
"I’m going to show you how to take a small blood sample and share some top tips that will make it even easier."
The screen turns yellow and reads "warm up" in white writing. The person says...
"It’s best to do the test when your body is warm as this helps blood flow.
To warm up just before you do the test try taking a hot bath or shower, hold a warm drink for a few minutes, do some physical exercise, or run your favoured hand under warm water for a few minutes."
When the person says "hot drink", they hold up a mug in two hands.
The camera switches to show a white surface, with a blood tube, a lancet, two alcohol wipes and two plasters laid out.
The person says...
"Find a clean flat surface, and lay the test kit out."
The person picks up the blood sample tube and says...
"Keep standing up, with your hand below your waist."
The video cuts to different shots of the following instructions. The person says...
"Take out the sample tube and remove the yellow cap."
"Stand the tube in the closed packaging."
"Twist and pull the blue tip off of the lancet."
"Wash and dry your hands and clean your chosen finger with an alcohol wipe."
The person points to their 2nd and 3rd finger and says...
"You're going to take blood from one of these two fingers"
The video continues to show each of the instructions while the voice says...
"Press the top of your finger with your thumb, so that the tip of your finger turns pink."
"With your thumb still in place, press the lancet firmly against the middle of the tip of your finger and push hard."
"You will feel a tiny prick."
"Wipe away the first drop of blood with a clean tissue."
"Gently massage your finger from the knuckle to the tip and allow the drops of blood to fall into the tube."
The video cuts to a view of the full blood tube and the person says…
"It's important that you fill the tube to the 600 line. This usually takes about 16 drops."
"If you struggle to get enough blood, you can use another lancet to repeat with another finger."
The video follows the instructions again as the person says…
"Push the yellow cap firmly back onto the tube."
"Gently turn the tube upside down five times."
"Place it back into its protective packaging."
The video shows the blood sample tube in it’s protective casing, showcasing the labels that are attached and the person says…
"Your samples are already labelled with a unique code so you don't need to write anything on them."
The video shows the person putting the samples in the return envelope and the person says...
"Put your samples back into the prepaid UN3373 return envelope, along with the white lab card."
The screen turns yellow and helpful tips show up in white writing. They read:
Helpful tips:
Relax
Warm up (have a hot shower or bath just before)
Stay standing and keep your arm straight, with your hand below your waist.
push the lancet firmly against your finger.
Aim for the middle of your finger not too close to your fingernail.
If you're nervous, ask someone to help you.
The next screen reads:
If you would like help or advice, text us or email:
07400 370 855 | [e-mail]
Finally the screen changes to the Fettle logo.]

[@ashjc2011]

This was a lifesaver. We’d been following the instructions that came with the kit and used 2 lancets to get barely to the 200 line in over 10 minutes. This got us to 600 in about 20 more seconds

[@chrisssiiy]

This was soo helpful! Thank you. First try I got about 3 tiny drops. I was so stressed. I ran my hand under water and held a cup of tea. I did it where she said and wow 😂 I couldn’t stop it. It was done within a minute.

[@stanleycoleman]

Needles and blood freak me the eff out. I used up two lancets and couldn’t get a single drop out. I was about to give up but then followed the tips in this video and it made all the difference. I was able to get to just a little below the 600 line, which is hopefully going to be enough. Thanks for making this video!

[@CharlieSDee]

Wipe away the first drop? Are you bloody crazy! Each drop of my flow is precious as I barely managed to get 3 drops!!!!

[@Titan_JSV]

Reason being is the first drop of blood is diluted with the alcohol pad they usually tell you to wipe with hope this helps

[@andysilver9642]

I used all my lancets and I just got 1 drop of bloob😣😐

[@Htrac]

How are you having these enormous drops of blood flowing like raindrops?! My blood coagulates almost immediately after leaving the hand, and the wound seals within 30 seconds. The blood won't even drip off, but it would take about 200 drops to fill a tube, not 16. And they do not flow like this.

[@minty777]

Same here

[@fucheree]

Are you hydrated enough?

[@Htrac]

@@fucheree I have Raynaud's syndrome, so the blood supply to my extremities isn't great. I eventually got enough by going to the gym first and coming home pumped and sweaty with my heart beating.

[@easternb905]

They should provide with a suck

[@David-zm3ch]

​to @@minty777and original poster, if your blood coagulates almost immediately it could be a sign of a health issue even if you have Raynaud's syndrome. Please consider speaking to your doctor about it! Keep safe everyone :)!!

[@austinleong3319]

Everlywell and Let's Get Tested (similar at-home testing companies in the US) should just delete their info videos and link to this one instead. SOOO much more helpful.

[@kremekaramel2734]

I could never get enough blood out this method but I’m gona try this thank you! Saves me a long trip to the clinic!!

[@dylanmurphy572]

I thought it would be a needle, this looks much easier than I expected

[@sylviebuckle7263]

I tried this with UK NHS test kit but couldn't get blood to flow without clotting in just a couple of minutes. Do other people not face this problem?

[@kito96]

Tie a rubber band at the joint before the fingertip

[@sonad1213]

Have a hot shower before!

[@Titan_JSV]

Is getting up to 400 enough? That’s as far as I got it to

[@TheZelvan]

I managed to get almost to the 600line. Cant mix it up tho. it's all solid.

[@oliverryan8428]

Facts!!

[@williamsidwell9253]

You'll feel a little prick, no need to be rude.

[@RobsterRulzDude0518]

Why are the fingers the chosen spot for these blood test sample things ? Why not somewhere that it will be so much less painful,like the abdomen or the forearm ?!,front or back,especially the back of the forearm for me. My forearms are mega veiny in the back,so they would be a great spot for these blood tests. My fingers are ultra sensitive. I've accidentely poked myself in the fingers various times at work,and even at home doing stuff. I always yelp out like a wild animal in distress,so the idea of getting a finger-poke blood test is totally a "no-can-do" for someone like myself. I used to see those commercials where they'd show an innovative diabetic blood testing kit where you poke the forearm instead of ones highly-sensitive fingers with they're very ultra sensitive nerve endings. The forearms dont have those types of ultra sensitive nerve endings. Even the abdominals dont have that type of ultra sensitivity. How come i dont see those types of commercials anymore ? Is finger-pricking En Vogue ?

[@BayaniMagtanggol]

if your life is on the line you wouldn't even think about getting hurt smh

[@sniperwolf786]

Prick your Willy

[@Britain_and_Rome]

I imagine it is easier to direct drops of blood from your finger than your abdomen.

[@nigelbenn4642]

This thing goes into your skin a long way, hit a vein and you'd need medical attention ASAP

[@SurgePvP]

I did one of these today but because it took me so long to get the blood to the 600 line the blood clotted. Can they still test with that sample?

[@Death88758]

Fuck sake i used them all and couldnt get enough

[@victortorres8813]

Ur so funny

[@victortorres8813]

I love the ascent

[@dredre8039]

I fucking hate it 😥😩😩😩

[@zakgaming7871]

S bro