At-home blood test is no longer a hidden thing; it’s all over the place. People love the idea of relaxing at home to take their blood samples themselves and send them off to a lab. However, no more worries about looking for compassion on the face of the nurse or doctor as they insert the needle into your vein to draw blood.
You see more of the convenience of at-home blood testing when you consider Theranos. They also claim to have an analyser accuracy that makes headlines, yet Baird Dickenson has owned a microtainer for so many years now. What’s beautiful about this is that the blood drawn can be evaluated with a conventional analyser available in a regular private or NHS lab.
Defining a microtainer of blood test
This is a small tube made of plastic containing a small quantity of coagulant at the bottom. The coagulant prevents the blood from clotting as it’s being taken to the lab. A microtainer comes with a lid that’s removed to place the blood sample drawn. And there is a label on the external part of the tube.
Other names in blood test
Microtainer is the trademarked name for the small plastic tube produced by Baird Dickenson. But other manufacturers have produced similar tubes. For example, Greiner is the producer of a tube called Minicollect. However, at Blood London, we utilise these two tubes following the lab to analyse the blood.
Another name for these tubes is TDL Tinies. TDL means “The Doctor’s Laboratory.” We use this lab, amongst others. Sometimes, they can be called “Home to Lab.”
The application may also determine the use. This is why another name for them is fingerprick kits. That brings us to the part where you should know that you’ll need a finger prick to draw the blood.
Fingerprick of blood test
Blood testing is all about testing blood samples. These devices are capable of identifying multiple samples. But to have your blood tested, it must be drawn out, which is why a lancet is used to make a tiny incision. It’s also called a finger pricker.
Among the 5 lancets put on trial, the BD High Flow Device seems to carry the day. They are a one-time use device. You start using them by first removing the cap protecting the opening by twisting it. Position the flat end against your finger. Also, using your free hand, squeeze the uneven areas between thumb and finger.
Don’t mistake this device to regular lancets where a needle pops out, pricks the finger and disappears in again. The BD device is different from a blade, not a needle that pops out and incises more than one capillary. You will feel some pain, no doubt; however, the sample collected will be able to survive independently.
What will a fingerprick involve?
Doing this test won’t be hassle-free. So get yourself ready by making sure to go through every instruction and tip that comes with the fingerprick kit before starting. Ensure all supplies are handy and prepped. You have about 18% chance of not getting a good sample. We can help you release to you another fingerprick kit at no cost, mail you a vacutainer kit, or refund your money. We may also refer you to a specialist for a blood test, but you may pay higher.
Blood test with hassles
Our typical advice is to avoid large profiles, complete blood count, liver function tests or potassium count. Because of the possibility of clotting or insufficient volume, there is so much risk to adopting this collection method.
Summary
What works
- You’ll enjoy the convenience and a money-back warranty
What doesn’t work
- It may not be functional, and not all tests can be done
The Discomfort
- Certain capillaries may be cut up
- Certain persons may experience slight bruising
Got any concerns? Need the best blood test in London? Feel free to reach us at Private Blood Tests London.
