1× Blood collection card with desiccant

2× Sterile alcohol prep pads

3× Lancets

2× Adhesive bandages

1× Plastic bag

1× Sterile gauze

1× Return envelope

This test is not intended for people who have received whole blood transfusions or gamma globulin blood derivatives within the last six months. If you are taking blood-thinning medications or if you have a blood clotting disorder, discuss the safety of this test with your healthcare provider.

GlycanAge is not recommended for individuals aged 18 or younger. This is due to the significant growth and developmental changes the body undergoes up to the age of 18. These natural processes can elevate chronic inflammation levels, potentially leading to unpredictable changes in GlycanAge.

Contraceptives or hormonal therapy: Pregnancy can affect your results, therefore we advise you to take this test upon reoccurrence of a normal menstrual cycle.

Medications: Different medications can affect your results. If you are taking any medications, please report it in your Dashboard Health Profile.

Age: Currently, GlycanAge results range from a minimum of 20 years to a maximum of 80 years. If you are aged between 18 and 20 and receive a GlycanAge result of 20, this indicates an optimal result.

Before you begin:

• Review the "Limitations and Special Considerations" section above.
• Avoid excessive alcohol and high-fat meals for at least eight hours prior to blood collection. While these don't directly affect your results, they might compromise the quality of your blood sample.

Preparation:

• Lay out the GlycanAge kit components on a clean, dry, flat surface.
• Do not touch the filter paper on the blood collection card.
• Keep a plaster and clean tissue close by for immediate use.

• Relax Your Hand: Before collecting your blood sample, make sure your hand is warm and relaxed. Clench and unclench your fist several times to promote blood flow to the fingers. 
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water makes collecting your blood sample easier.
• Warm-up: A hot shower or some quick physical activity, like jumping in place for a minute, facilitates easier blood sampling.
• Hang Arm Down: Before pricking your finger, let your arm hang by your side for a minute or two. This uses gravity to help increase blood flow to the fingertips.
• Choose the Right Finger: The ring finger and middle finger usually work best. Avoid using your thumb or pinky.
• Prick the Side: Instead of pricking the pad of your finger (directly under the nail), prick the side of the fingertip. This area usually produces blood more easily and is less sensitive.

Step 1: Prepare for collection

Wash your hands with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly. Set a plaster and gauze within easy reach.

Step 2: Prepare your finger

Rub your hands together briskly for 20-30 seconds to warm your fingers. Clean your chosen finger (preferably the middle or ring finger) with the alcohol swab and allow it to air dry.

Step 3: Collect the blood

Twist off the lancet's protective cap. Press the lancet firmly against the side of your fingertip to prick it. A drop of blood should appear shortly.

Step 4: Apply blood to the collection card

Let a drop of blood fall onto each circle on the collection card without touching it with your finger. Fill each circle, allowing a large drop to form before each application. Refrain from squeezing your finger excessively. If the blood flow stops, use a spare lancet to prick a different part of your finger.

❌ Not all circles are filled

❌ Do not drip over the existing drop of blood & try to keep the drops within the circle

❌ Avoid touching the collection paper with your finger

✅ Well collected sample - all four circles are filled in with enough blood

Step 5: Drying your sample

After applying the blood, leave the collection card undisturbed in a well-ventilated area to air-dry for at least 2 hours. This ensures that your sample dries completely.

Step 6: Label your sample

Underneath your unique GlycanAge code, carefully write the date of the sample collection. It's important to use the day-month-year format, spelling out the month to avoid any confusion caused by varying international date formats. For example, write "05 June 2023" instead of "05/06/23". This detail is crucial for the accurate tracking and processing of your sample.
Step 7: Packaging your sample

Once dry, place your blood collection card and the desiccant back into the plastic bag provided. Seal the bag securely to protect your sample.

Step 8: Mail your sample

Place the blood collection card with the desiccant into the plastic bag provided. Seal the bag and put it into the return envelope. Dispatch the envelope on the same day via any postal service box, if possible.*

*If mailing on the same day isn't feasible, store your sample in the refrigerator or freezer. You can hold it there for a few days before posting.