Blood Testing

[Debbstar]

Hi, I'm thinking of getting my bloods tested using Blue Horizon. Can anyone advise if they have used the private testing how easy or hard to get the blood from yourself using fingerpricking method or did you ask your Gp to assist.

Thanks In advance

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Debbstar Some GP surgeries will do a blood draw for private testing, mine won't nor will the local hospital unless the GP requests it. You could ask your surgery and if they agree you can order the vacutainer option from BH. If they won't do a blood draw for you then you could ask your local hospital, and if they won't then you can pay BH £45 for a nurse to visit your home to do a blood draw or you can order the microtainer fingerprick test.

I have done the fingerprick test 4 times now. The first time I found it difficult because my blood clotted to quickly but I've worked out how to do it now.

Firstly, make sure you are well hydrated, drink plenty of water the day before and before you do the test.

Have a bowl of very warm water to hand (as warm as you can stand it), use this to warm your hand up immediately before the fingerprick, I make sure my hand goes red. If blood slows down I re-warm my hand on the hot water.

I find that pricking my finger on the side near the nail bed is the best place and I use my middle or ring finger.

I stand on a stool so that I am higher than the container the blood goes into therefore my arm is straight.

I also stopped my Vit D/K2 combo supplement for a week, it was the K2 that was causing my blood to clot so quickly the first time I did the fingerprick test.

[Debbstar in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank u susie, you'v been very helpful. Much appreciated x