Home blood test help!

[spidernose]

I've tried to do the home blood test that I ordered from Blue horizon but couldn't get nowhere near enough blood. Have I wasted £100? Please help I'm at the end of my tether

[Sewnsew]

It can be difficult, I presume you were doing a finger prick. I did one myself this morning. I'm sure you followed the instructions, warming your hands in warm water etc. I struggled last time but this morning it wouldn't stop bleeding, even when I'd collected enough blood!

I don't think you will have wasted your money. Just contact Blue Horizon and they will advise you.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

spidernose Contact Blue Horizon. They will send you our another kit, either a fingerprick one or a venous one to get a blood draw from somewhere.

I did one this morning (I'm an old hand now!). What I do is -

1) Stop taking D3/K2 for about 5 days. Mine is a combo supplement and my blood flows better if I leave this off. Some sources say K2 aids clotting as well as K1.

2) Drink plenty of water the day before and at least a full glass on the morning, this makes sure you are well hydrated.

3) Have a bowl of hot water (as hot as you can stand it) ready.

4) Stand on a small stool so your arm is straight when collecting the blood.

5) Wash hands, get everything ready as per instructions and put rubber band on finger. Swish hand around in hot water, make sure your hand goes red. Pat hand dry. I use middle finger and prick on the side nearer to nail bed rather than the tip.

6) Prick finger, quick wipe away of first drop, and keeping hand pointing down so the blood drips of end of finger into the tube. Mine flowed like a river this morning, took no longer than 30 seconds.