How It Works
We’ve designed our home blood testing service to make checking your health as simple, private and convenient as possible.
There’s no need to arrange a traditional blood test appointment or travel to a clinic. Your testing kit is delivered directly to you, you collect your sample at home, return it using the prepaid packaging provided, and your sample is then sent for professional laboratory analysis.
You’ll receive everything you need, together with full illustrated step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process.
1. Your Test Arrives at Home
Your blood testing kit is delivered directly to your chosen address, allowing you to complete your test privately and at a time that suits you.
Inside your kit you’ll find everything required to collect and safely return your sample.
For a Tasso collection, this includes the single-use Tasso device, collection tube, heat pad, alcohol swab, cleansing wipe, plasters, protective specimen pouch, patient request form and prepaid UN3373 return envelope.
There’s no specialist equipment to buy and no need to visit a clinic.
Before starting, simply read through the instructions supplied with your kit and make sure you have everything laid out and ready.
2. Full Step-by-Step Instructions Are Included
You don’t need any previous experience to collect your sample.
Every kit comes with clear, illustrated instructions that guide you through the entire process — from preparing for your test and positioning the Tasso device through to collecting, packaging and returning your sample.
You can take your time and work through each stage at your own pace.
The instructions recommend allowing around 30 minutes to prepare and complete the test, so there’s no need to rush.
If you would prefer to see the collection process demonstrated before you begin, the instructions also provide access to an instructional video for additional guidance if required.
Everything you need to know is provided with your kit.
3. Prepare for Your Test
A little preparation can help make collecting your sample easier.
Around 30 minutes before your test, drink at least two glasses of water to help improve blood flow.
Find somewhere comfortable where you can sit down and lay everything from your kit out on a clean, flat surface.
Having a mirror nearby can also be useful, as it allows you to easily see the collection tube and monitor the amount of blood collected.
The supplied instructions recommend completing the test while sitting down, as some people can occasionally feel light-headed during blood sampling.
We also recommend completing and posting your test Monday to Thursday and avoiding Friday and the weekend to help prevent delays while your sample is in transit.
4. Set Up Your Tasso Device
The Tasso system is designed to allow you to collect a small capillary blood sample from your upper arm at home.
Take the Tasso device from its packaging, remove the gold cap from the collection tube and keep the cap somewhere safe — you’ll need it again when you\\\\\\\'ve finished.
The collection tube then attaches directly to the Tasso device.
Make sure it is securely fitted, but not so tightly that it will be difficult to remove once your collection is complete.
Then simply follow the illustrated instructions included with your kit.
5. Prepare Your Arm
Your kit includes a heat pad to help encourage blood flow before collecting your sample.
Activate the heat pad according to the supplied instructions and rub the warmed pad over the upper area of your arm for around two minutes, until your arm feels warm.
Clean the same area using the supplied alcohol swab.
The Tasso device is then applied securely to the prepared area of your upper arm, with the collection tube positioned vertically to help the blood flow into the tube.
If you have a mirror nearby, you can position yourself so that you can easily see the fill markings on the collection tube.
6. Collect Your Sample
Once the Tasso device is correctly positioned on your upper arm, you’re ready to begin.
Press the red button firmly until you hear it click, then release it.
Give the device a little time for the blood to begin flowing.
Your sample will then collect directly into the attached tube. You simply allow it to fill to the required 600 mark.
The supplied instructions advise that around five minutes should usually be enough to fill the collection tube. You can set a timer if you wish or use a mirror to monitor the collection.
Once the tube reaches the required level, gently peel the Tasso device away from your arm.
Clean the area using the supplied cleansing wipe and apply a plaster.
Remove the collection tube from the Tasso device, replace the original gold cap securely and gently turn the tube upside down and back around 10 times, following the supplied instructions.
That’s your sample collection completed.
For many people, the thought of collecting a blood sample themselves can sound more daunting than the actual process. The Tasso system has been designed specifically to collect small capillary blood samples, allowing you to complete the process privately in your own home.
And remember, you’ll have full illustrated instructions with you throughout the process, plus access to an instructional video should you want additional guidance.
7. Designed With Safety in Mind
The Tasso supplied with your kit is a single-use medical device intended for collecting small capillary blood samples. The device should only be used once and then disposed of after use.
Your kit also includes the items needed to prepare the collection area, clean your skin afterwards and safely package your sample for transport.
As with any form of blood collection, you may occasionally experience some temporary bleeding, bruising or marking around the collection area.
If bleeding doesn’t stop, the supplied instructions advise applying firm pressure and raising your hand. If this does not work, you should seek medical advice. You should also seek medical advice if the collection site subsequently becomes red, hot or swollen.
The test is intended for adults aged 18 and over. The supplied instructions also advise that you should not use the device if you take anticoagulant medication because of the increased risk of bleeding, and collection should not be performed if the temperature is above 25°C.
Always read the complete Instructions for Use included with your kit before starting your collection.
8. Package Your Sample
Once you’ve finished, preparing your sample for return is straightforward.
Attach the supplied barcode label containing your details securely to the collection tube.
Place the tube inside the protective specimen pouch and seal it according to the supplied instructions.
The completed patient request form and sealed specimen pouch then go back into the box.
Place the box inside the supplied prepaid UN3373 return envelope and seal it securely.
Don’t forget to include your patient request form. The laboratory will not be able to process your sample without it.
It’s also a good idea to keep a record of your order/barcode reference and Royal Mail postage tracking reference until your results have been received.
9. Return Your Sample
Your return packaging is already provided, so getting your sample back to the laboratory is simple.
Once securely packaged, return your sample using the prepaid service provided.
There’s no need to arrange a separate courier or pay additional postage.
For the best chance of your sample reaching the laboratory promptly, collect and return your sample Monday to Thursday and avoid Fridays and weekends.
This helps minimise the possibility of your blood sample being delayed in transit.
10. Your Sample, Expert Laboratory Analysis
Once your sample reaches the laboratory, it is processed using professional laboratory testing procedures and quality controls.
Modern automated laboratory technology helps samples to be efficiently processed and tracked, while biomedical scientists provide professional oversight.
Depending on the test selected and when your sample reaches the laboratory, results can be available quickly.
So while your sample is collected in the privacy and convenience of your own home, the analysis itself takes place within a professional laboratory environment.
11. Receive Your Results
Once your results are ready, you’ll receive an email notification.
Simply log into your secure account to access your results.
Your report is designed to make your results easier to understand rather than simply presenting you with a page of numbers and medical terminology.
Depending on the test you\\\\\\\'ve selected, your results may include explanations of the individual biomarkers tested and the laboratory reference ranges against which your results have been assessed.
Clear, Easy-to-Understand Results /Traffic-Light Guidance
Quickly identify which health markers are within range and which may warrant further attention.
Individual Biomarker Results
See your result for each health marker included within your test.
Reference Ranges
See how your result compares with the laboratory reference range.
Detailed Explanations
Understand what individual biomarkers measure and why they may be relevant to your health.
Your Own Private Health Record
Keep your results for your own records or choose to share them with your GP or another healthcare professional.
12. Monitor Your Health as You Drink Less
If you’re reducing your alcohol consumption, blood testing can provide another useful way of monitoring your health alongside the progress you’re already making.
Rather than relying entirely on how you feel, blood testing provides objective information that can be monitored over time.
Our liver testing options can include important markers such as:
ALT • AST • GGT • ALP • Bilirubin • Albumin
These biomarkers can provide useful information about different aspects of liver health and function.
For Drink Less Method customers, this can provide an additional way to monitor health while making positive changes to alcohol consumption.
Some customers may also choose to repeat their test at an appropriate interval, allowing them to compare their results over time.
It’s important to remember that blood tests cannot diagnose or rule out every liver condition, and results should always be considered alongside your wider health and medical history.
What Happens If Something Is Abnormal?
A result outside the laboratory reference range does not necessarily mean that something is seriously wrong.
Individual results can be influenced by numerous factors and should be considered in the context of your overall health, symptoms and medical history.
Your report will help you identify results that fall outside the laboratory reference range.
If a result is significantly abnormal, you have symptoms that concern you, or you’re unsure what your results mean, you should discuss them with your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.
Home Blood Testing Made Simple
Order your test → Receive your kit → Prepare at home → Collect with Tasso → Return your sample → Laboratory analysis → Receive your results
No unnecessary clinic appointments or waiting rooms. Just convenient home sample collection, secure return and professional laboratory analysis.
And you don’t need to remember the process before your kit arrives.
Full illustrated step-by-step instructions are included with every kit, with access to an instructional video if you would like additional guidance.
