How to collect my sample?

Important: Failure to collect an adequate sample may result in an additional test required. Please, make sure to fill in all four circles of the blood collection card with sufficient amounts of blood.

Your test kit should include the following items:

1. Sterile alcohol prep pads x2
2. Lancets x3
3. Blood collection card with desiccant x1
4. Adhesive bandages x2
5. Plastic bag with desiccant x1
6. Return envelope x1

PREPARE

Make sure you read the Limitations and Special Considerations on your Instructions sheet before you start.

We advise you to refrain from consuming excessive alcohol or high-fat meals for eight hours before having your blood taken. Although this won't have direct impact on your result, it could interfere with your blood sample quality.

Place the contents of the GlycanAge kit on a clean, flat and dry surface. Avoid touching the filter paper of the blood collection card. Have the plaster and a clean tissue ready to hand.

There are a couple of things you can also do before you collect your sample so the process is as smooth as possible:

• drink a lot of water - being hydrated makes it easier to collect your blood sample
• stay warm - having a hot shower or jumping on the spot for a minute makes it easier to collect your blood sample

STEP 1

Wash your hands with soap and water, then dry. Prepare a plaster and have a clear tissue ready.

STEP 2

Warm-up your fingers by rubbing your hands together for about 20-30 seconds. Wipe the selected finger (preferably middle or ring finger) with the sterile alcohol swab and let it dry.

STEP 3

Twist off the top of the lancet. Press it firmly down on your finger (preferably the outer centre of your fingertip). After a few seconds, a drop of blood will appear.

STEP 4

Without touching the card with your finger, apply at least one drop of blood per circle on the blood collection card. Do not press the finger against the collection paper. Ensure all collection circles are filled - wait for a large drop of blood to form up between each attempt and add a second one if needed. Avoid "milking" the finger as this will speed up clotting and slow down the bleeding.

Make sure you add enough blood to ensure sample quality and avoid repeating the test.

STEP 5

If the flow stops before you are able to fill in all circles, you will need to re-pierce with the spare lancets provided.

STEP 6

Leave the blood collection card to air-dry for 2 hours before enclosing back into the plastic bag with desiccant provided. Make sure to write the date of your sample collection underneath your unique GA code on the inside of the blood collection card.

STEP 7

Place only the plastic bag with blood collection card and desiccant in the provided envelope and post ideally the same day in any red post box (you might need to visit your local post office if you are posting outside the UK). Please, ideally keep in the fridge until you are ready to post.

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