How to Send in a Sample to the Lab From Home

At-home lab tests can potentially save you hundreds of dollars, especially if you do not have any health insurance. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the tests and has approved some for home use. Several of the tests, including glucose, cholesterol and pregnancy, show results within a few minutes. Other tests, such as HIV, TSH or paternity, require you to collect a sample at home and then mail it to the lab. Once the results are available, the lab will send them to you. If your results are abnormal, make an appointment with your doctor.

Things You'll Need

• Home lab test kit

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Instructions

• 1

  Read all of the instructions that came with the test kit. Lay the testing supplies out on the table and familiarize yourself with them.

• 2

  Complete all of the paperwork that came with the lab kit. Follow all of the instructions exactly.

• 3

  Clean your finger with the alcohol swab if the test requires blood.

• 4

  Prick your finger with the lancet from the kit to draw blood.

• 5

  Collect the sample. Place the blood drops on the card, test strip or filter paper that came with the kit.

• 6

  Place everything into the mailing pouch and send it to the lab. Expedited shipping may be recommended by the directions in the test kit.

• 7

  Wait for your results. They will usually be sent to you in the mail within a few days. Contact your doctor if the results are abnormal.