A successful upper-arm collection depends on three things: good blood flow before you start, a firm seal between the device and your skin, and keeping your arm in the right position during collection. The tips below help the device fill the tube fully on the first attempt.
Set yourself up for good blood flow
Drink one to two glasses of water (8–16 oz) about 30–60 minutes before you collect. Warm, hydrated skin fills the tube faster.
If your kit includes a heat pack, apply it to the collection spot on your upper arm for the full 3–4 minutes before placing the device. Rubbing the heat pack activates it if it requires activation.
Get a firm seal
A strong adhesive seal is what creates the vacuum that draws blood into the tube.
Clean the collection area thoroughly with the alcohol rub before placing the device. The alcohol removes skin oils, lotions, and sweat that block the adhesive.
If your upper arm is very hairy, shave the collection spot. The device cannot form a vacuum through a dense layer of hair.
Place the device about 2–3 finger-widths below the top of your shoulder, centered on top of the arm muscle.
After sticking the device onto your skin, press firmly all the way around the button to ensure it is fully attached before you activate it.
Activate the device correctly
Do not press the red button before the device is on your arm. Pressing it beforehand releases the mechanism.
Once the device is on your arm, press the button firmly for about 1 second, then release. The suction that pulls blood into the tube starts when you release — not when you press.
Leave the device in place during the full collection, even if you do not feel the lancet. Feeling nothing is normal.
Keep your arm in the right position
Important: Keep your arm hanging straight down at your side the entire time the device is collecting. Resting your arm on a table or armrest slows blood flow into the tube and can cause clotting before the tube fills. A straight, hanging arm is the single most important position tip.
Mix the tube the right way
If your kit asks you to mix the sample after collection, invert the tube and flick it a few times first, then mix it gently by rolling or inverting it. Do not shake the tube hard — hard shaking can break down the blood cells and affect your results.
Need more help?
If the tube will not fill or the device keeps coming loose, contact our support team through chat. There is no cost for a replacement collection kit when a new sample collection is needed for the lab to complete your analysis.