First, get clear on the best practice when collecting a sample by watching our ‘how to video’ here. You can use up to 5 lancets on both hands (on all fingers except the 5th (little) fingers as the tissue is not deep enough and we don’t want the lancets to cause injury) although please don’t use a lancet on a finger you have already pierced.
Still struggling? Here are some of our top tips:
- Drink a pint of water, or more if you can. Hydration is key!
- Warmer hands = more circulation. So, submerge your hand in warm water before collecting your sample to get that blood pumping.
- Prick the fleshy part of your ring or middle finger, this is the best part to get the kind of drops we want to see.
- Don’t forget to wipe away the first droplet! But once it has been wiped away you’re free to drop as many as you want in the tube.
- Avoid squeezing your finger. Instead, massage the palm of your hand down towards the pierced finger.
- Get gravity on your side! Holding your hand down whilst massaging it will encourage blood flow.
- Use the cartwheel method! Take the arm that is not being used for the sample and swing in a cartwheel motion for about a minute.
- If you can, try doing some star jumps to get the blood pumping.
- Pierce a second finger if the blood stops flowing on the first (remember, you can pick any except the little finger).
- It might take you a little longer to get the amount of blood you need, but filling it up to the line is always the goal!
If you can’t collect enough blood after using 3 lancets, please contact us at info@hertilityhealth.com or call 0808 501 5860 and we’ll guide you through the next steps.
When should I return a sample?
In the UK? Pop your sample in the prepaid envelope (no need to get a stamp) and post it back on the same day it was taken, using any Royal Mail post box in the UK.
If you’re in Ireland, you’ll need to return your sample to us using a post office on the same day you took your sample. This is so you can get your tracking details.
Testing on a weekend? Saturdays should have postal collections so collect a sample and post as planned, just be sure to post it before the last collection time! If your testing day falls on a Sunday, collect a sample as planned then keep the sample at room temperature (this stops your sample from ageing) and post it first thing on Monday. Please check the postal website for more information on your local services. If you are posting from Ireland, please check your postal service operation dates before sending as postal services may be paused over the weekend.
Which day of my cycle should I test?
Your answers to the Online Health Assessment determine which hormones to test and on what day of your cycle. But whichever day you test, it’s always best to test in the morning, within 3-4 hours of waking up after fasting for at least 8 hours. Some hormones also fluctuate throughout the day - so collecting your sample first thing gives the most accurate readings.
We usually recommend testing on the third day of your period. This is because whilst hormones such as Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and Prolactin can be tested any day, some hormones such as Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinising hormone (LH), and Oestradiol (E2) fluctuate throughout your cycle.
Since different hormones fluctuate throughout your cycle, if you are not on hormonal contraception and your cycles are regular, you must collect your sample on day 3 of your menstrual cycle. This is when your fluctuating hormones are at a baseline and therefore we get the most accurate results. But, if you use hormonal contraception you can test on any day. This is because we don’t test your cycling hormones (LH, E2, FSH) that need to be tested on day 3 of your cycle as these hormones are affected by your contraception.
Please note: If you are on hormonal contraception we will only be able to test your AMH, TSH and Free-T4 levels. If you’d like to test additional hormones, you will need to come off of your hormonal contraception for at least 3 cycles.
If you have short periods, please test on Day 3 of your cycle. You don’t need to be bleeding as testing does not depend on flow. If your cycles are shorter than 21 days, please test on Day 2 of your cycle instead.
If you have irregular periods we generally advise you to test on your next day 3, rest assured you can wait, you just need to use before the expiry date stated on the back of the kit. However, if your cycle is longer than 45 days, we advise you to test on any day, as it can be difficult to identify what’s causing your irregularities and means you can get the information you deserve, sooner.
When does my kit expire?
Our at-home blood collection kits have a shelf-life of 1 year. The kit expiry date is on the bottom of the box.
I don’t want to prick myself. Can I get blood drawn by a professional?
The idea of collecting your own blood sample can be slightly daunting for some people, so if you feel like you’re unable to do it yourself, it’s fine to get a friend or family member to help you.
If that idea still doesn’t settle your nerves, we also offer a service (currently in the UK only) where we can send a professional nurse to your home or workplace to take your sample for you. This service is an additional £79, and the nurse will collect a venous sample from the crook of your arm (as opposed to the finger-prick collection method).
When will I get my results?
Your doctor-written report will be ready for you to view within 10 days of the lab receiving your sample. As soon as it’s ready, you’ll receive an email confirmation with a link to view your report on your Hertility account.
During these 10 days, our rigorous Quality Assurance process takes place where two of our handpicked women’s health specialists will analyse both your online health assessment results along with your blood test results and write your report. Your report will clearly explain what’s going on and what you need to do next.
Will my results be inaccurate if my sample is delayed in the post?
Our sample collection tubes contain protective components that help preserve and stabilise your blood sample whilst it’s in transit. This means that samples can remain viable for up to 1 week in transit.
In case of some postal delays (these things are out of our control sometimes!), the lab will let us know if it has been too long, and we’ll send you a replacement kit free of charge if this is your first blood collection kit.
Can I test if I’m on hormonal contraception?
Yes, you can still test whilst using hormonal contraception. We’ll ask you about your current contraception in your Online Health Assessment.
If you're on hormonal contraception we can still test for Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH), Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and Free Thyroxine (T4) which will give you an insight into your ovarian (egg) reserve and general hormone health although it’s important to be aware that your AMH levels might be temporarily lowered if you’re on hormonal contraception. We may also test more hormones such as testosterone and prolactin, depending on your online health assessment answers. However, as hormonal contraception affects ovulation and influences some hormones, we cannot test for LH, FSH, Oestradiol as your results would be inaccurate.
If you want to test for LH, FSH & Oestradiol, we recommend coming off your hormonal contraception and testing on your 3rd cycle (or 3 months if your cycle has not returned). This allows your hormones to revert back to their natural levels and allows us to get an accurate measurement.
The bespoke panel of hormones which you will be tested for will be displayed prior to checkout after you complete your online health assessment. Please note that if you purchase a Hormone & Fertility Test, collect your sample and receive your results, we are then unable to provide a refund if you claim to not have understood which hormones we were able to test you for.
Do I need to fast before taking the test?
We recommend collecting your sample first thing in the morning before breakfast, as you will have fasted for at least 8 hours. This is because eating can affect certain hormone levels, so if you have eaten before taking your test, the results may not be accurate. Liquids such as water however, are fine.
If you have eaten before taking the test, don’t worry. Your kit has a shelf life of 1 year so you can always hold off until next month. If you eat before taking your test and have already sent it back to us, please just drop an email to customer service at info@hertilityhealth.com and let us know so we can inform you on next steps.
How much blood do I need to collect?
So that we can do the necessary amounts of testing, we ask that you fill your tube to the top line marked on the side of the tube.
If you have managed to fill the tube to the first line (0.5ml), please return your sample to the lab. They will be able to confirm if there is enough blood to test. If there isn’t enough then we will contact you and arrange for a free replacement if this is your first blood collection kit. If you can’t collect enough blood to reach the first line, please email us on info@hertilityhealth.com and we can help you organise next steps.
Has the lab received my sample?
You’ll receive an email confirmation when the lab has received your sample. Please check your junk/spam folders as sometimes our emails end up here. If it has been over a week since you posted your sample, please contact our customer service team on info@hertilityhealth.com.
I couldn’t fill the collection tube, what should I do?
If you have managed to fill the tube to the first line (0.5ml), please return your sample to the lab. They will be able to confirm if there is enough blood to test. If there isn’t enough then we will contact you and arrange for a free replacement if this is your first blood collection kit. If you can’t collect enough blood to reach the first line, please email us on info@hertilityhealth.com and we can help you organise next steps.
How do I activate my kit?
1. Create your Hertility account.
Create your account and complete your online health assessment to begin your Hertility journey.
2. Order your sample collection kit.
Your at-home blood collection kit will arrive in the post within 3-5 business days. If you have ordered a nurse visit with your test, no kit will be dispatched to you and you will not need to activate your kit.
3. Activate your kit
Enter the 6-digit barcode number found on your sample return card at www.hertilityhealth.com/your-orders.
If you haven’t done so already, please ensure your online health assessment has been completed.
We can only accept and test your sample if:
- Your kit has been activated
- Your online health assessment has been completed
4. Collect your blood sample
Once you have activated your kit, check which day to test & collect your sample.
5. Fill in your details
Before sending your sample back to us, make sure you’ve filled out the details on your sample return card, and completed & attached your tube label.
6. Pop it in the post
Pop your sample, return card and lancets in your nearest post box (or post office if you’re in Ireland) before the last collection time of the day.
7. Track your kit
Be sure to make a note of the tracking number on your returns envelope, so you can follow its journey back to us!
8. Receive your doctor-written report
Receive an email within 10 days with a link to view your report on your Hertility account.
9. Next steps
Once you’ve received your report, book in with one of our female health specialists (at an additional cost) to answer any questions and get clear on next steps.
What happens if I don’t activate my kit before sending it in?
If you do not activate your kit before returning your sample, we will be unable to test your sample. You can purchase a second test for £25 (this is just to cover our fulfilment fees).
Can I send my test to you from another country?
Unfortunately our kits cannot withstand air travel so they need to be posted from within the UK or Ireland. If you do not live within the UK or Ireland and wish to take a Hertility test, we are happy to dispatch a kit to your temporary address. Please note however that we are unable to offer a refund if for any reason you are unable to take your test and return it to us before your departure date.
Can I use your services if I am pregnant?
Our tests are designed to provide insights into your reproductive health before you become pregnant. This is because your hormone levels spike during pregnancy, and as such our tests would not provide accurate results. If you are pregnant and wish to avail of our services, we’d be delighted to set up an appointment with our nutritionist to discuss your pregnancy journey.
How can I purchase a Hertility product?
Once you have completed your virtual health assessment, you will be directed to the checkout page and cart summary. You are able to complete your purchase via Stripe using a major credit or debit card, PayPal, or Apple/ Google Pay. We also offer a buy-now-pay-later option with Clearpay.
Can I use a discount code towards my purchase?
If you have a discount code, you can enter it in the ‘promo code’ infill box at the payment stage of the checkout. Please note that discount codes have set expiration dates and not all codes may be used on all purchases.
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