1. Hydrate: Drink a glass of water before you do anything else. You can add a pinch of salt or a sugar-free hydration pack to improve hydration.
2. Wash hands: Wash your hands with soap.
3. Get your blood flowing: Jumping jacks or squats are both great exercises to warm your arms and get your blood flowing, which will make collection easier. Taking a warm shower just before the test also helps.

1. Prepare workspace: Make sure all care essentials (bandaids, gauze pads, alcohol pads) are accessible.
2. Ready the device:
   1. Unscrew the collection tube cap and press it into the end of the device.
   2. Slightly twist the tube into the device for a secure fit.

Note: The tube’s lip must face the back of the device. A small gap will remain after tube is installed.

1. Identify the collection site: Locate a flat area on the outside of your arm, about 10 fingers below the top of your shoulder (see figure 1 below).
2. (optional) Remove hair from collection site: If your shoulder has enough hair to interfere with the adhesive seal on the device then use a razor to remove the excess hair.
3. Warm your shoulder: Activate the heat pack by bending the coin back and forth. You will hear a click and the gel inside will slightly change color. Place the heat pack vertically on the upper arm for THREE minutes.
   1. Note: The heat pack may be taken off if the temperature becomes uncomfortable.
4. Clean collection site: Clean your heated shoulder with the provided alcohol pad to disinfect and remove oils, make sure the alcohol dries before proceeding to the next step.

1. Remove safety guard: Pull the safety tab out from under the trigger.
2. Remove adhesive liner: Peel the paper off the bottom of the device using the tab on the back of the device.
3. Place the device: Stick the device FIRMLY on the center of the heated portion of your arm with the tube pointing down.

Note: The adhesive’s main role is to maintain the device’s stored vacuum once activated.

1. Activate device: To activate, press the lever down while firmly pushing the device into your arm. Movement of the device during activation can break the seal and lead to failure.
2. Check indicator: The button on the device will turn green to indicate the draw has started.
3. Wait for blood flow: The flow of blood may take between 30-90 seconds to begin.

1. Remove device: Peel the device off (like a sticker) your arm once the blood level reaches just above 400 µL (just above the top marking on the collection tube) or after 3 minutes have passed. DO NOT FILL PAST 500 µL!
2. Remove collection tube: Remove the tube by gently pulling and twisting it off of the device.
3. Cap collection tube: Press the cap firmly onto the tube until you hear a click.
4. Flip collection tube 10 times: Tap the tube on table and then vigorously flip the tube 10 times to mix contents.

Note: content should be liquid and not clumpy after flipping

1. Wipe collection site: Use the provided gauze to wipe the blood from the draw site.
2. Apply bandage: Apply a bandage to the draw site.
3. Wash hands: After use, wash your hands with warm water and soap.

1. Place sample into specimen bag: Place the sample into the plastic specimen bag and seal. Remember to write your name, date of birth, and collection date on the specimen collection bag.
2. Pack cold pack and sample: Take out the cold pack from the freezer and place it into the insulated silver bag along with the sample and seal.
3. Place into box: Place the silver bag into the same box your kit came in and close the box.
4. Prepare for pickup: Place the package outside. Please text a picture of the package to (857) 465-6540. This will help us to coordinate the pickup.
   • Note: You can also return directly at an indoor FedEx location. Do not use drop boxes as these get extremely hot during the day.