How much blood needed for test

[Pastelart]

Hi, I’m really struggling with my my finger prick test for monitor my health. There is blood everywhere, but only collected half way to 400, then there’s a 600 mark too. Just had a call back from them requesting that I send what I’ve collected and if not sufficient, will send another test. How nice is that?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Which test Pastelart? If just basic thyroid - TSH, FT4 and FT3 (and maybe antibodies) there may be enough. If full thyroid/vitamin panel it's doubtful.

[Pastelart in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi SeasideSusie, it’s just for thyroid, thank you 😊

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Pastelart]

Fingers crossed then, there may be enough 🤞

[Pastelart in reply to SeasideSusie]

Here’s hoping 😊

[knitwitty]

Hi Pastelart,There's quite a knack to collecting blood from a finger prick test, the first few times I did it more blood went outside the container than in it. Here are a few tips which might work.

1. Ensure you are really well hydrated before you attempt the test, drink plenty of water the day before and have a glass before you start.

2. Either do it straight after a shower or wash your hands in fairly warm water for a few minutes before you begin.

3. Do a bit of stamping on the spot ( to get your circulation going) and shake your hands by your sides before you start.

4. Place the collecting container into the hole in the box so that it stays upright while you do the test, if your provider doesn't supply a box with a hole make sure it is propped up securely as you don't want it to fall over whilst you're collecting your blood sample.

5. When you use the lancet to pierce your fingertip twist it very slightly as you press the end and also place the lancet slightly to one side of your fingertip but not too close to your nail ( otherwise the blood will run towards your nail).

6. Allow your finger to hang downwards ( I always do my tests standing up as gravity helps the blood to drip into the container) and after wiping away the first drop hold your finger over the container and gently massage your fingerer to where it meets your hand, this usually gets the blood flowing for me if it is not already doing so.

7. Sometimes I have had to use a second finger but I always start with the middle finger and go on to the ring finger if I have a problem.

Good luck I hope this helps a little.

[Pastelart in reply to knitwitty]

Thank you knitwitty, there wasn’t a hole to stand it in and it did fall over! I resorted to using my art scalpel in the end 😱 Have asked them to enclose more lancets next time. My blood kept clotting, which wasn’t helpful, but there was a fair bit everywhere except in the vial 🤪😊

[knitwitty in reply to Pastelart]

I use Blue Horizon or Medichecks and they always include loads ( around 4 ) of lancets, be careful with the art scalpel as it won't be sterile, if you PM me your address I'll send you a few lancets as I have some spare ones.

[Pastelart in reply to knitwitty]

I can’t pm you as not recognising your username. Is there a number after your name?

[knitwitty in reply to Pastelart]

I'v e PM'd you. Just reply to that.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Pastelart]

If you click on knitwitty 's icon or name, it will take you to the profile. There you will see a button "Message" - click on that!

Screenshot of Message button on someone's profile.

[Pastelart in reply to helvella]

Thank you helvella ☺️