Customer Service

Using your SELFCHECK test kit

SELFCHECK self-tests aren't difficult to use but they are different to what you might expect, so it is really important to take time to read both sides of the instruction leaflet before touching any of the components or starting your test, then read it again. If you have one of our tests that require a blood sample we would also really recommend watching the videos below.

If you need some help to use your test don't worry - our technical team will help you to get a result.

How reliable is SELFCHECK?

SELFCHECK self test kits are assembled at our UK laboratories from high quality components, the same as those used in hospitals and clinics. User trials assessed by independent doctors and scientists have shown that your test will give you reliable results and most people find the tests are easy to use.

A review (March, 2021), of 5313 SELFCHECK users, only 17 users (0.32%) reported difficulties using a SELFCHECK test. Five people (0.09%) had a problem using the lancet, 10 (0.19%) people had difficulty collecting enough blood, two people (0.04%) added too much blood or diluent. Nevertheless, if you do have a problem using a SELFCHECK test please contact us as we are always happy to help.

Doctors are aware that all medical tests, whether used in a hospital laboratory or at home with a self test kit, may give a small number of false positive or false negative results and this is explained fully in the information provided with your test kit. Self test kits are not meant to replace established pathways for diagnosis by your doctor but SELFCHECK tests are based on the same technology and can help prompt you to speak with your doctor or pharmacist sooner than you might have.

The finger pricker (lancet)

The finger prickers provided with SELFCHECK tests are high quality lancets used in hospitals and clinics. The lancets are single use (for hygiene reasons) so once the trigger lever on the lancet has been pressed it cannot be reused. You won't see the needle at any time because it retracts instantly into the plastic case of the lancet immediately after activation.

  • DO NOT press the trigger lever until the lancet is firmly pressed against your finger tip
  • You must press the finger pricker FIRMLY against your finger tip as you press the trigger

A spare lancet has been provided but should not be needed if you have followed the instructions as written. Use the second lancet if you need to collect more blood but please do remember to press the finger pricker firmly against your finger tip and then press the trigger lever. If you don't press the lancet firmly against your finger tip you won't puncture the skin sufficiently to produce a large blood drop.

The pipette

  • You will find the pipette inside the foil pouch with the test cassette

The pipette is really just a hollow plastic tube which has been cleverly designed to collect the required amount of blood - it will automatically stop filling when enough blood has been collected for your test. The filling of the tube depends on capillary action and will always work providing the instructions are followed as written.

Important points - hold the pipette gently by the bulb when collecting the blood from your finger tip - but don't squeeze the bulb, it will fill automatically by capillary action.

  • Press firmly with the lancet - this will produce a large blood drop and allow you to collect your sample quickly and easily
  • If blood starts to smear across your finger tip then wipe away the blood with a tissue and gently squeeze again
  • If the pipette doesn't suck up the blood drop then there may be a clot in the pipette
  • Hold the pipette HORIZONTAL to the blood drop (blood won't flow 'up-hill')

Once the blood has been collected to the black line on the pipette it will stop filling. Just squeeze the bulb of the pipette to eject the blood sample into the SAMPLE well on the test cassette.

An alternative way is to hold your finger with a large (ladybird size) drop of blood hanging down from your finger tip and, holding the pipette horizontal to the drop to collect it. The important thing is to press firmly with the lancet so that you get good blood flow.

Reasons for an inconclusive result

Your test has been designed, developed and manufactured according to a strict quality assurance system for medical devices and assembled from high quality components - just like those used in your hospital laboratory. It is unlikely that an inconclusive result is due to a fault with the test.

The most common reasons for an inconclusive result (when the control line doesn't appear) are:

  • not enough drops of diluent have been added - this may have happened if a bubble was dispensed instead of one of the drops. If you have an invalid result, simply add a further 2 drops of the diluent and wait the amount of time described in the instructions
  • Not adding enough or adding too much blood
  • Adding the diluent to the result window by mistake

FAQs

If you are contacting us about an invalid result please add a further 2 drops of diluent to the Sample well - if you do not get a result after the time specified in the instructions please email a photo of your test result to our technical services - help@selfchecktests.com