Should I fast before taking my test?
We recommend that you fast for eight hours before collecting your blood sample. This will allow our labs to attain the clearest results to measure your health.
The easiest time to do so is first thing in the morning before breakfast — and having had a shower helps get the flow going too.
Make sure to drink lots of water — because being hydrated is one of the best things you can do to prepare.
And drinking black coffee and tea before taking your sample is absolutely fine ☕️
When should I take the blood sample?
We recommend taking your sample first thing in the morning during the week. And posting your sample as soon as possible after it's collected. If you take the test during the day, it's best to post the sample before the last postbox collection of the day.
The lab is open to receiving delivery of samples on Saturday and Sunday — but confirmation of receipt emails are only sent out from Monday to Friday.
Please note if you're taking a testosterone test — it's important to collect the sample first thing in the morning around 9am, before eating.
I've been unwell - can I still collect my sample?
If you've been unwell and haven't been taking medication, then we'd recommend waiting at least two weeks before taking your Thriva test. Or until you feel completely recovered.
But if you have been taking medication, we’d recommend waiting around four weeks before collecting your sample.
Please note: you shouldn't come off of any medication that's been prescribed to you by your GP, in order to take a Thriva test.
When should I do my test after my COVID vaccine?
Short answer: after two weeks.
The following test results may be impacted by a recent COVID-19 vaccination:
hs-CRP test
and Ferritin.
The results for hs-CRP (high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein) may be raised in response to the COVID-19 vaccine. This means you may see higher hs-CRP levels if you have recently received the vaccine.
Ferritin is a marker of iron stores and is also found in our Advanced Iron Profile test. It's also an ‘acute-phase reactant’. This means it's a marker that increases rapidly when you currently or recently had an infection or virus — or when there is a level of inflammation within the body.
Vaccines help develop immunity by imitating an infection and triggering an immune response. So CRP and Ferritin levels can increase because of infection or inflammation caused by this response.
We recommend waiting two weeks to do these tests after having the vaccine.
How often should I take a test?
We believe it's most effective to monitor your internal health regularly over time. So we recommend taking your test every three months. This is the amount of time it takes to see the impact of health and lifestyle changes.
It's completely up to you though. Some people might want to test monthly, whilst others would prefer every six months — you can change the frequency of your subscription from your Thriva dashboard at any time.
How do I collect my sample?
Collecting your sample might be a bit daunting. But don’t worry, follow our video guides and you’ll get the hang of it.
Autodraw sample:
Click here to view the autodraw sample collection guide.
Finger-prick sample:
Before sample collection
We recommend giving yourself thirty minutes to do your test, especially if it’s your first time.
Check your emails for any extra instructions. Some tests have additional requirements you might need to follow.
Wait after recent health events. If you've had a recent infection or injury, wait 2 weeks before testing.
Stop taking certain supplements:
Creatine: Stop 2 weeks before
Iron: Stop 24 hours before
Biotin: Stop 8 hours before
Avoid intense exercise. Stop intense exercise 3 days before your test. If testing liver function, stop 7 days before instead.
Intense exercise means activity that raises your heart rate significantly and makes you breathe hard, such as:
long distance running or sprinting
high-intensity interval training (HIIT)
heavy strength training
Gentle or moderate activity, such as walking, light cycling, yoga, or everyday tasks, is absolutely fine.
Avoid meat for 12 hours before your test. Don't eat meat for 12 hours before taking your sample.
Fast for 8 hours before your test. Don't eat anything for 8 hours before taking your sample (you may drink water).
On the day of your test
Drink at least 2 glasses of water. Have at least 2 glasses of water 30 minutes before taking your sample - being well-hydrated helps with accurate results.
Take your sample in the morning. If testing hormones, check your emails for any test-specific instructions on timing.
Do your test Monday-Saturday. Results take as little as 2 working days once posted. Post your sample when the outside temperature is above 0°C and below 25°C. Avoid Sundays, as your sample might sit in the post too long.
Set aside 30 minutes. This gives you enough time to prepare, set up and collect your sample.
During autodraw sample collection
1. Prepare your kit
Get your equipment ready.
Lay your kit out on a table
Read the printed instructions in your kit
This guide is here to take you step-by-step through the process of taking a sample quickly and easily. Before you start, make sure to read the printed instructions that come with your kit. They include important health and safety information, including any risks.
If your kit has a RED tube check your emails (and spam folder), you may have more instructions from us.
If possible, position yourself in front of a mirror or have a pocket mirror to hand
This will make filling your tube(s) easier.
Make sure you are in a warm place
This will help your blood to flow.
Wash your hands with soap and water and dry with a clean towel
Assemble your Autodraw device
Remove your Autodraw device from its pack
Remove the cap from your first collection tube
You might have 1 or 2 tubes - depending on what you're testing.
If your kit has a purple collection tube, the YELLOW tube should be used first and the PURPLE tube should be used last.
Press the collection tube into the bottom of the Autodraw device, fill lines facing out
Avoid overtightening - it will be more difficult to remove the tube after collection when the device is on your arm.
Get your blood flowing
Ensure the upper part of your non-dominant arm is free from obstructions such as clothing
If you have an excessive amount of arm hair, use a razor to remove hair from the upper arm.
Prepare your heat pack
Flex the metal disc in the heat pack back and forth until you hear a click. The pack will stiffen and start to warm up.
Using the heat pack, stimulate blood flow
For a full 5 minutes, rub your upper arm with the heat pack until the area is red and warm to touch.
2. Collect your sample
Before you get started collecting, take care to:
Prepare your kit. Complete all the steps in section 1.
Sit down to take your sample. Fainting may occur with any blood sampling procedure. If you feel faint, dizzy, or unwell, stop and, if safe to do so, lie down and raise your legs. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice.
Position the Autodraw device
Wipe the upper arm with the alcohol wipe.
Allow to air dry fully.
Remove the clear cover from the red button and peel off the device
Stick the device on the warmed area of the upper arm
Do not place over broken skin or an existing wound.
Fill your first (or only) tube
Set a timer for 5 minutes. Watch the tube fill using a mirror.
You might have 1 or 2 tubes - depending on what you're testing.
Yellow tube
Fill first to the top line - marked 600 or 0.8
Red tube
Fill to the top line - marked 500
Purple tube
Fill last, to the bottom line - marked 250
If you can't manage to fill the tube(s)
If any of your tubes aren’t full (whether it’s one or both), unfortunately, we won’t be able to process them. Please dispose of them and drop us a message at hello@thriva.co. We’ll send you a replacement kit, completely free of charge.
Keep the Autodraw device on your arm. Remove the tube only when your sample reaches the required level
Do this with a slight twist and pull down.
Close the tube
Place the correct coloured cap onto the tube and push down until it clicks.
Fill your second tube (if you have 2 in your kit)
If your kit has a purple collection tube, the PURPLE tube should be used last.
If you have a second tube, attach it to your Autodraw device
Skip this step if you only have 1 tube in your kit.
Re-press the red button for 1 second. Your skin will not be punctured again
Set a timer for 5 minutes. Watch the tube fill using a mirror
Wait for the blood to fill to the correct line.
Yellow tube
Fill first to the top line - marked 600 or 0.8
Red tube
Fill to the top line - marked 500
Purple tube
Fill last, to the bottom line - marked 250
If you can't manage to fill the second tube
If your test contains two tubes, both need to be filled and sent back to the lab together. If you can't fill the second tube, please dispose of both samples and drop us a message at hello@thriva.co. We’ll send you a replacement kit, completely free of charge.
Keep the Autodraw device on your arm. Remove the tube only when your sample reaches the required level
Do this with a slight twist and pull down.
Close the tube
Place the correct coloured cap onto the tube and push down until it clicks.
Remove the Autodraw device
When all tubes have been filled (or if your blood flow stops earlier than expected) remove the Autodraw device
Gently peel it off from one side.
Apply pressure to the upper arm with the sterile gauze
Apply a plaster (if you are not allergic to plasters).
If bleeding doesn't stop (rare cases)
Apply firm pressure to the wound site and raise your arm. If this doesn’t work, seek medical advice.
Mix your tube(s) in the order below:
Mix the purple tube first
Swirl tube slowly for 20 seconds, ensuring the blood touches the sides of the tube. Your blood will remain liquid.
Mix the yellow tube next
Turn it upside down at least 10 times. Your blood will become thicker and solidify. It shouldn’t mix with the yellow gel.
Your do not need to mix the red tube
3. Label and post
Before you get started, take care to:
Follow these steps carefully
We’ll help you make sure you’ve attached the correct labels and included everything in your return package.
Post your sample today
It’s important to post your sample the same day you’ve taken it, to ensure it reaches our lab on time and your results are accurate.
Label the tube(s)
Add the labels
Peel each label from the return form and apply to each tube vertically along the length of the tube, matching the colour of the label border to the colour of the tube.
If you have a colour vision deficiency, please ask someone to help you identify which label goes on which tube.
Put each tube in its protective plastic case and close firmly
Fill in the returns form
The lab needs to know when you collected your sample. Match your details to your Thriva account information.
Pack your sample
Pack your sample and form back in the box
Using the box your kit arrived in, put the following into the section of the box labelled ‘03 SEND’:
Protective case(s) containing the labelled tube(s) filled right up to the required line(s)
Completed return form
Put the box into the prepaid envelope
This envelope has the lab’s address on it.
Seal and post
Seal the prepaid envelope
Post your sample
Dispose of cardboard box in household recycling
Everything else should go in normal household waste.
You did it!
Your results should be with you in as little as 48 hours, or up to 15 working days if your test package includes Omega 3 & 6.
During finger-prick sample collection
Stand up for the whole process — gravity helps your blood flow to your finger.
Massage your hand in a firm downward motion — beginning below your wrist to just before the prick on your finger. Don’t squeeze too hard as it can damage your blood cells and we won’t be able to test it.
Wait 3-4 seconds between each massage — you need a little time for your blood to refill.
If the blood stops flowing then wipe the piercing with clean tissue — this helps remove any clots that can stop your blood flow. If this doesn't work, re-prick a different finger using a new lancet. You can warm your hand again before re-pricking if needed.
Fill the yellow tube to at least the second line — then put the cap on and turn upside down about ten times so your blood touches the gel at the bottom.
Fill the purple tube to at least the first line (not all kits have a purple tube) then immediately put the cap on and swirl so your blood touches the gel on the sides of the tube.
What do I do if I'm still struggling to collect my sample?
If any of your tubes aren’t full (whether it’s one or both), unfortunately, we won’t be able to process them. Please pop your old samples in the bin and follow this link here to order a new kit.
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