At-Home Shoulder Prick
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Prep for your test
1. Wash hands with soap and warm water to warm up your hand to increase blood flow.
2. Activate the heat pack by locating the inner pouch. Squeeze firmly to rupture the inner fluid pouch. Shake briefly to mix contents.
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3. While waiting, remove the device from its bag. Pull off the cardboard tab guarding the device's activation lever.
4. Unscrew the collection tube cap and press the tube into the end of the device. Use a slight twist for a secure fit. Lightly pull tube to ensure tight seal.
5. Choose a collection site on your upper arm.
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Note: Choose an area on the upper arm with minimal hair for better adhesion.
6. Wrap the heat pack in a soft cloth and place it on the collection site for 3 minutes. Rub the location with your hand if the heat pack does not warm up
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Note: Take heat pack off if the temperature becomes uncomfortable.
7. Clean the area with provided alcohol wipe. Allow to air dry.
8. Peel white sticker from back of the device.
Step 2: Collect your sample
1. Stick the device in the center of the heated portion of your arm with the tube hanging below. Keep arm to your side and steady.
2. Slide the lever down until a click is heard and the lever turns green. Relax your arm by your side.
3. Relax your arm at your side and wait for blood flow to start—this may take 30 to 90 seconds. ​
4. Fill the tube past - 400μL (near 600μL mark), then remove the device by peeling it off your arm.
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Note: Do NOT overfill - can prevent the cap from closing.
5. Remove the tube using a gentle pull and twist.
6. Press the cap onto the tube firmly until a click is heard. A slight twist may be needed.
7. Vigorously flip the tube 10 times to mix contents. Liquid should move from the cap to the bottom of the tube.
8. Use the provided gauze to wipe the blood from the collection site.
9. Apply a bandage to the collection site.
Step 3: Ship it our way
1. Place the tube into the middle of the plastic specimen bag, and ensure it is surrounded by the cotton balls on all sides.
2. Seal the bag. Do not remove anything from the bag.
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3. Put the specimen bag along with cold ice packs into the mailer with the shipping label.
4. Drop off the mailer at your nearest FedEx on the same day as collection.
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Note: Collect and ship your sample Monday–Thursday ONLY to avoid weekend delays.
You are all set!
The results will be available on the web portal - we will send you an email when your result is ready.