Collection Instructions: Dried Blood Spot

Test Kit Contents

Start by identifying these elements of your test kit. If you are missing or have expired components, contact Mosaic Customer Service at 800-288-0383.

• Test kit box or envelope
• Lancets (blue-adult or yellow-pediatric)
• Collection card
• Sterile gauze pad
• Antiseptic wipe
• Bandage
• Clear zip-lock bag
• Desiccant pack
• Return shipping materials may include:
  • Purple shipping envelope
  • Shipping laboratory pak

Before You Start

• Drink plenty of water. We recommend drinking two or more 8 oz glasses a few hours before collection.
• If you take a blood thinner or medication for a bleeding disorder, check with your prescribing physician before completing this test.
• Common blood thinners include: Coumadin, Plavix, Effient, Brilinta, Pradaxa, Eliquis, Xarelto, and daily aspirin.

Let’s Get Started

1. Choose which finger to use. We recommend the non-dominant hand.
2. Wash hands with warm water and soap for at least two minutes, massaging the finger to increase blood flow.
3. Open one lancet. Wipe the selected finger with the antiseptic wipe and set aside.
4. Press your finger against a clean, hard surface and activate the lancet. Using the side of the fingertip can reduce discomfort.
5. Wipe the first drop of blood with the antiseptic wipe.
6. Squeeze your finger as needed to produce a full blood drop. Massage the entire finger if needed.
7. Allow blood drops to fall onto each circle of the collection card. Use additional drops as needed, but do not touch the card with your finger.
8. Ensure blood fully soaks through to the backside of the card.

After Completing Collection

• Wipe your finger with the sterile gauze pad and apply the bandage.
• If bleeding continues, hold your hand above shoulder height for one minute.
• Use a second lancet if necessary (lancets are single-use).
• Do not apply additional drops to circles already drying—use a different finger if needed.

After Collection: Drying the Card

• Avoid touching or smearing the blood spots.
• Bend the card along the dotted line to form a tent shape so both sides can air-dry.
• Place in a clean location away from pets, dust, cooking, makeup, or contaminants.
• Allow to dry for at least 3 hours before shipping.
• Keep away from sunlight or heat sources.
• Do not stack the card or allow it to contact other surfaces while drying.

Successful Collection Examples

Acceptable samples will show blood soaked through to the back of the collection card.

Unacceptable samples cannot be tested and will be rejected by the lab.

Preparing the Package

1. Complete the information on the barcode sticker AND the collection card (patient name, date of birth, and collection date).
2. Apply the barcode sticker so that written information remains visible. Use a blue or black ball-point pen only.
3. Note: Unlabeled samples will be rejected.
4. Place the collection card into the clear biohazard zip-lock bag, insert the desiccant pack, and seal.
5. Place the sealed bag into the purple bubble mailer or shipping laboratory pak.
6. Follow the shipping instruction card for complete shipping details.

Any Questions?

If you have questions about any part of the collection or shipping process, please contact us:

Phone: 800-288-0383 (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm CST)
Email: CustomerService@MosaicDX.com
Online Instructions: mosaicdx.com/instructions