Collecting your samples

Our self-sampling kits have been used by over 1.7m people in 12 years, and we partner with the NHS and local authorities to deliver free public STI testing services in many areas of the country.

Your kit will arrive with full, illustrated instructions but you can always email us with any questions you might have.

Blood sample tips

Taking a blood sample yourself is a new experience for many so here are some tips to help make it easier:

  • Warm your hands up – take a shower, do some light exercise, hold a warm drink or run your hand under a warm tap for a few minutes.
  • If you ran your hand under the tap, make sure your chosen finger is dry before using the lancet.
  • Do the test standing up, with your favoured hand below your waist, this helps the blood flow.
  • Make sure your chosen finger is dry - blood won’t form at the puncture site if it’s wet.
  • If you find you can’t get enough blood with your first puncture – everyone is different – you can try another finger. We’ve provided extra lancets and plasters just in case.

Vaginal swab tips

  • When taking a vaginal swab it helps to relax.
  • Some people find raising one foot from the floor, as if inserting a tampon, helpful.
  • If there’s any reason a vaginal swab could be difficult, you can request a urine sample instead.

Urine sample tips

  • Don’t urinate for an hour before you take the sample.
  • Wash your hands before you open the packaging.
  • Place the pouch on a flat surface, ideally near a toilet.

Our kits have been developed with feedback from people who use them as well as NHS clinicians to make sure they are as easy-to-use as possible. They are CE marked indicating they comply with health, safety, and environmental protection standards for products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA).