On your DBS card, each circle should be at least 75% full of blood. On average, members add 1-2 drops of blood to each circle. Kindly look below for an example of what your DBS card should look like.
When filling your DBS card, we recommend adding one drop of blood to each circle first. From there, you can add in a second drop as needed.
When adding your blood to the DBS card, please do not touch the sample area with your finger or the blood drop. Instead, hold your finger close to the card and let your blood drop fall into the circle.
Once you've filled your card, check the back of the DBS card. All 5 circles should be visible from the back. If the card has bled through the back, like in the example below, then the lab will have enough sample to analyze.
Are you having trouble collecting your sample? Here a few tips and tricks to make testing at home easier:
Drink a lot of water since the previous day: the general recommendation to keep an optimal level of hydration is taking 1L per 25Kg of weight, so if you want to be extra hydrated and get the blood a little more fluid try to at least drink that quantity the day before + a glass of water 20 mins before the collection.
Before taking the sample, leave your hands under warm water for a while (1 min is ok).
Clap your hands a few times really hard to increase blood flow in your hands just before pricking it.
Stand up while taking the sample and put your hand at your stomach height, so it is below your heart, this makes the blood flow much higher.
Massage your finger from the palm or even your wrist, until the top of the finger while the blood is flowing (don't stop until you are done collecting the sample). Just avoid the puncture so you don't get blood on you.
If you want some additional support when completing your test, schedule a finger prick tutorial with the Base team below!