Take your blood sample with an Autodraw device
- Lay your kit out on a table
- Read the printed instructions in your kit
Read the printed instructions in your kit This guide is here to take you step-by-step through the process of taking a sample quickly and easily. Before you start, make sure to read the printed instructions that come with your kit. They include important health and safety information, including any risks.
- If possible, position yourself in front of a mirror or have a pocket mirror to hand
This will make filling your tube(s) easier.
- Make sure you are in a warm place
This will help your blood to flow.
- Wash your hands with soap and water and dry with a clean towel
If your kit has a RED tube check your emails (and spam folder), you may have more instructions from us.
- Remove your Autodraw device from its pack
- Remove the cap from your first collection tube
You might have 1 or 2 tubes - depending on what you're testing.
- Press the collection tube into the bottom of the Autodraw device, fill lines facing out
Avoid overtightening - it will be more difficult to remove the tube after collection when the device is on your arm.
If your kit has 2 collection tubes, the YELLOW tube should be used first and the PURPLE tube should be used last.
- Ensure the upper part of your non-dominant arm is free from obstructions such as clothing
If you have an excessive amount of arm hair, use a razor to remove hair from the upper arm.
- Prepare you heat pack
Flex the metal disc in the heat pack back and forth until you hear a click. The pack will stiffen and start to warm up.
- Using the heat pack, stimulate blood flow
For a full 5 minutes:
- Rub your upper arm with the heat pack until the area is red and warm to touch
Before you get started collecting, take care to:
- Prepare your kit
Complete all the steps in 01 Prepare your kit. - Sit down to take your sample
Fainting may occur with any blood sampling procedure. If you feel faint, dizzy, or unwell, stop and, if safe to do so, lie down and raise your legs. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice.
- Wipe the upper arm with the alcohol wipe
Allow to air dry fully.
- Remove the clear cover from the red button and peel off the device
- Stick the device on the warmed area of the upper arm
Do not place over broken skin or an existing wound.
- Set a timer for 5 minute. Watch the tube fill using a mirror
You might have 1 or 2 tubes - depending on what you're testing.
- Keep the Autodraw device on your arm. Remove the tube only when your sample reaches the required level
Do this with a slight twist and pull down.
- Close the tube
Place the correct coloured cap onto the tube and push down until it clicks.
Fill first to the top line - marked 600 or 0.8.
Fill to the top line - marked 500.
Fill last, to the top line - marked 250.
If any of your tubes aren’t full (whether it’s one or both), unfortunately, we won’t be able to process them. Please dispose of them and drop us a message at hello@thriva.co. We’ll send you a replacement kit, completely free of charge.
- If you have a second tube, attach it to your Autodraw device
Skip this step if you only have 1 tube in your kit.
- Re-press the red button for 1 second. Your skin will not be punctured again
- Set a timer for 5 minutes. Watch the tube fill using a mirror
Wait for the blood to fill to the correct line:
- Keep the Autodraw device on your arm. Remove the tube only when your sample reaches the required level
Do this with a slight twist and pull down.
- Close the tube
Place the correct coloured cap onto the tube and push down until it clicks.
If your kit has 2 collection tubes, the PURPLE tube should be used last.
Fill first to the top line - marked 600 or 0.8.
Fill to the top line - marked 500.
Fill last, to the top line - marked 250.
If any of your tubes aren’t full (whether it’s one or both), unfortunately, we won’t be able to process them. Please dispose of them and drop us a message at hello@thriva.co. We’ll send you a replacement kit, completely free of charge.
- When all tubes have been filled (or if your blood flow stops earlier than expected) remove the Autodraw device
Gently peel it off from one side.
- Apply pressure to the upper arm with the sterile gauze
Apply a plaster (if you are not allergic to plasters).
Apply firm pressure to the wound site and raise your arm. If this doesn’t work, seek medical advice.
- Mix your tubes in the order below:
- Mix the purple tube first
Swirl tube slowly for 20 seconds, ensuring the blood touches the sides of the tube. Your blood will remain liquid.
- Mix the yellow tube next
Turn it upside down at least 10 times. Your blood will become thicker and solidify. It shouldn’t mix with the yellow gel.
- Your do not need to mix the red tube
Before you get started, take care to:
- Follow these steps carefully
We’ll help you make sure you’ve attached the correct labels and included everything in your return package. - Post your sample today
It’s important to post your sample the same day you’ve taken it, to ensure it reaches our lab on time and your results are accurate.
- Add the labels
Peel each label from the return form and apply to each tube vertically along the length of the tube, matching the colour of the label border to the colour of the tube.
- Put each tube in its protective plastic case and close firmly
- Fill in the returns form
The lab needs to know when you collected your sample. Match your details to your Thriva account information.
Please ask someone to help you identify which label goes on which tube.
- Pack your sample and form back in the box
Using the box your kit arrived in, put the following into the section of the box labelled ‘03 SEND’:
- Protective case(s) containing the labelled tube(s) filled right up to the required line(s)
- Completed return form
- Put the box into the prepaid envelope
This envelope has the lab’s address on it.
- Seal the prepaid envelope
- Post your sample
- Dispose of cardboard box in household recycling
Everything else should go in normal household waste.
