We're so glad you've decided to begin this journey of getting to know your body through our powerful, at-home lab tests. The Jihi at-home lab tests are a convenient, accessible way to dive deep into your unique biomarkers, helping support your knowledge of your body and creating a timeline of your health.

Most of our panels are blood spot tests, except for our Advanced Stress Test, which is a salivary test.

Taking a home blood test requires a little bit of preparation and focus to make sure it's done correctly. The beauty of our tests are that they are "one and done," so if you've needed to fast, you can take your test first thing in the morning and move on! 

How to Complete Your Blood Test

Please follow the detailed steps below carefully to ensure your test sample is collected correctly and successfully processed by the lab. This process includes preparing your body, organizing your supplies, collecting your sample, and packaging it properly for return.

Before You Begin

• Read Through the Entire Instruction Guide: Familiarizing yourself with the full process from start to finish helps prevent mistakes or the need to redo your test.

• Label Your Collection Card: Using a pen, clearly write your full name, date of birth, and today’s date on the blood collection card in the spaces provided.

Quick Breakdown of Steps:

Here’s a quick overview of what to expect during your sample collection process. Following these steps will help ensure a smooth and successful experience.

1. Prep Your Test Supplies: Get everything ready before warming up.

2. Prep Your Body: Increase circulation to promote blood flow and spend some time warming up your hands.

3. Collect Your Sample: Follow the steps carefully to ensure proper collection.

4. After Collection: Clean up and let the sample dry.

5. Package & Return: Secure your sample and send it back promptly.

Now that you have a sense of the overall process, let’s dive into each step in detail to make sure you’re fully prepared.

Step 1: Prep Your Test Supplies

Before you begin your warm-up or workout, set up your test kit so everything is ready once you're finished getting your blood flowing.

Having your supplies prepped ensures you're ready to collect your sample immediately after warming up, when your circulation is optimal.

Lay out the following items on a clean, flat surface:

• Blood collection card(s)

• 3 sterile auto-lancets

• Alcohol prep pads

• Gauze pads

• Sterile bandages

• Foil return bag (with desiccant pack and O² scrubber inside)

• Prepaid return mailer

Step 2: Prep Your Body for Collection

Warming your hands and boosting circulation is essential for a successful blood spot collection. Cold or sedentary fingers make it difficult to produce enough blood for the sample.

Immediately before using the lancet, do the following:

1. Warm Your Hands:

• Run your hands under warm water for 1–2 minutes OR

• Use a heating pad for a few minutes on your fingers and palms

2. Increase Blood Flow

• Do 30 seconds to 1 minute of jumping jacks.

• If modifications are needed, try arm raises, brisk marching in place, or side steps.

The goal is to get your heart rate up to help circulate the blood flow.

Step 3: Collect Your Sample

1. Clean your finger: 

• Use the alcohol pad to clean the side of any finger on your non-dominant hand. 

• Let it air dry completely.

2. Prepare the Lancet:

• Twist the cap off the auto-lancet. Note that you will not see the needle.

3. Puncture Your Finger:

• Select the finger you plan to puncture. Choose any finger on your non-dominant hand, except for your pinky.

• Place the flat tip of the lancet against your fingertip, between the middle and side of your finger. You can also prick the top of your fingertip. Press firmly until you hear a click and feel the lancet pierce your skin. 

• Wipe away the first drop of blood using a gauze pad.

4. Begin Sample Collection:

• Allow large drops of blood to fall naturally onto the first square on the left side of your collection card.

• Avoid touching the card with your finger — let the blood drip onto it.

• Fill each square one at a time with 4 to 5 large drops of blood. 

• Continue filling all cards provided, unless instructed otherwise.

What if my card doesn't have enough blood on it?

Sometimes, after taking the blood and letting the card sit and dry, it becomes apparent there isn't enough blood in the square to flow to the first line. If you realize you need to add blood to your card, wait for the first sample to dry completely before adding more blood on top. Adding fresh blood to a partially dry sample can lead to coagulation and ruin the sample. If there isn't enough blood on the card, please allow it to dry for a full 1-2 hours before doing another draw and putting more blood on top.

Pro Tips for Encouraging Blood Flow

• Boost circulation before pricking. Warm your hands and gently shake them out. Squeeze your finger from the base downward to create pressure and encourage flow.

• Use firm pressure around the prick site. You want to see a bit of surface tension as the blood begins to form—this means it's ready to drop onto the card.

• If needed, try another finger. Use a second lancet if you're not getting enough flow. Your thumb can also be a good option.

• Keep your hand below your heart. After pricking, gently "milk" the finger to get the blood flowing. Be careful not to squeeze too hard - too much pressure can damage red blood cells.

• Let the blood drop onto the card. Avoid smearing; allow drops to fall naturally to fill the collection circles.

Common Ways Tests Are Compromised

• Each square should be fully filled with large drops of blood.

• Never add more blood to a dried spot.

• Do not tap, press, or smear the blood onto the card.

• Stay calm and keep your hands warm if you’re struggling - this process can take a few minutes. 

• It may take a few minutes for your blood to flow through the test window. 

• It may take several minutes, up to an hour, for the clear serum to show up on your collection card.

Step 4: After Collection

• Use a gauze pad to wipe off any remaining blood and apply a sterile bandage.

• Allow the collection card to dry in a clean, flat place for at least 45 minutes (preferably 1 hour).

Step 5: Package & Return Your Sample

1. Once completely dry, place the collection card inside the foil bag. Leave the desiccant pack and O² scrubber inside. Note: Place only ONE collection card in each foil bag, do not put them together in one.

2. Seal the foil bag tightly.

3. Place the sealed foil bag into the prepaid return mailer and seal it.

4. Mail your sample back to the lab within 24 hours of collection.

Note: You must mail your sample within 24 hours of collection to ensure accurate results.

Quick Checklist Before Mailing

[ ]  Did you label your collection card with your name, DOB, and date?

[ ]  Did you fully fill each blood square with large drops?

[ ]  Did you allow the card to dry for at least 45 minutes?

[ ]  Is your sample inside the sealed foil bag with the desiccant pack?

[ ]  Make sure to mail your sample the day after collection to ensure sample viability.

Need Help?

If you have any questions or need support, please call or text the Spot Health Team at (877) 760-2333. They are here to help you with any questions or to help walk you through the test if you are feeling nervous.

Thank you for choosing Jihi Cycles. We’re honored to support you on your wellness journey. And we promise - this test is the hardest part of the process toward whole-health wellness with Jihi. You've got this. It's absolutely worth it.