Instructions for capillary blood collection with the Tasso+
Step-by-step guide for safe, hygienic, and reliable sample collection at home.
Instructions for the Process
- Your test kit includes an overview of the general testing procedure. Please read it carefully first.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid coffee and sugary drinks to facilitate blood flow.
- Please make sure to fill the tubes up to the upper mark. Otherwise, your sample cannot be evaluated.
- Please only collect samples between Monday and Wednesday . Send the sample immediately afterward. This ensures it arrives at the lab in time before the weekend.
- For stability reasons, the sample must be transported at temperatures between 5 °C and 25 °C . Therefore, do not send the sample during severe frost or very high outdoor temperatures.
- If your test kit contains multiple tubes, please also refer to the information on tube changes under point 5.
Phase 1: Preparation for Optimal Retrieval
1. Prepare material
a. Wash your hands thoroughly.
b. Take out the instructions and read them completely.
c. Spread out all materials on a clean surface.
d. Remove the caps from all tubes and place the tubes in front of you on the table.
2. Prepare Tasso+
a. Remove the Tasso+ from the compartment.
b. Securely place the tube onto the Tasso+ without pressing it down. It should be easy to remove again, especially if you want to fill multiple tubes. Ensure that the fill lines are facing outward.
c. Pull the tab off the Tasso+.
d. Remove the cover and place the Tasso+ on the table with the red button facing down.
Phase 2: Sample Collection
3. Start withdrawal
a. Warm your upper arm with a heat pack or by rubbing it several times to ensure good blood circulation.
b. Clean the sampling site with the enclosed alcohol swab and let it dry for 10 seconds.
c. Place the Tasso+ on your upper arm with the adhesive surface; the tube must point downward so that blood can flow into it.
d. Press the button firmly once to start the collection.
4. Perform withdrawal
a. Let the blood flow into the tube. Be patient: It may take up to 120 seconds for the first drop of blood to appear.
b. Regularly check the fill level.
c. End the collection when the tube is filled up to the upper of the two indicated lines.
d. If your test kit contains a second tube, now switch the tube according to the "Tube Change" instructions below.
5. Perform tube change
a. Carefully unscrew the first tube.
b. Firmly press the lid onto the tube until a distinct "click" is heard.
c. Carefully screw on the new tube.
d. Firmly press the red button again to continue the extraction process.
6. End withdrawal
a. Remove the Tasso+ by gently pulling it off your upper arm.
b. Remove the tube.
c. Press the lid firmly onto the tube until a distinct "click" is heard.
d. Turn and tilt the sealed tubes upside down 10 times slowly and gently swirl them to mix the blood and stabilizer. Please do not shake!
7. Completion and Wound Care:
a. Treat the wound with swabs and a plaster.
b. Dispose of the used material according to the instructions.
Phase 3: Packaging, Shipping, and Result Retrieval
8. Pack and send samples
a. Place the sealed tubes in the Speci-Bag sample bag and seal it.
b. Then insert the bag into the return envelope. Carefully remove the red pull-off strip and seal the envelope tightly.
c. Drop off the return envelope at a post office immediately after sample collection or place it in a mailbox that will be emptied the same day.
9. View result
a. Your sample is now on its way to our specialized laboratory for analysis.
b. Once your sample has been analyzed, you will receive a notification and can immediately view your result online.
