Activate your test.

Your NAD+ Intracellular test kit has been pre-packed in a sterilised environment, ready for you to test. Unpack your Bien-Etre test kit and lay out all materials on a clean, flat surface. Ensure you have the blood spot collection card, lancet, alcohol wipe, gauze pad, bandage, and aluminium envelope ready.

Wash your hands with warm water for at least 60 seconds, paying special attention to your fingers. The warmth helps increase blood flow to your fingertips. Dry your hands completely with a clean towel. You can also massage your hands or swing your arms to increase circulation further.

Select your ring or middle finger of your non-dominant hand for the blood draw. Clean the chosen fingertip for approximately 30 seconds with the provided alcohol wipe. Let it air dry completely - this is crucial as any remaining alcohol can affect the blood drop formation and test results.

Twist and remove the cap from the lancet. Hold your hand downward, below heart level. Press the lancet firmly against the side of your fingertip (not the pad or tip). Push the lancet until you hear a click. The lancet is designed for a quick, relatively painless puncture.

Gently wipe away the first drop of blood with the provided gauze or tissue, as it may contain tissue fluid that can dilute the sample. Then gently massage your finger from the base toward the tip using your other hand, applying steady but not excessive pressure. Your goal is to encourage a fresh, large, hanging drop of blood to form at the puncture site. Do not squeeze too hard and avoid milking the finger. The drop should be round and suspended, not smeared.

Place the blood collection card under your finger. Touch the blood drop to the centre of the circle and allow it to spread naturally to fill the entire circle. The blood should soak through to the back of the card. Try to fully fill all circles using the same technique. If this isn’t possible due to low blood flow, focus on filling as many circles as you can, massaging your finger between drops if needed. Once you have completed the blood draw, lay the card flat on a clean, dry surface for at least 3 hours, or overnight. Avoid direct sunlight and heat to preserve sample quality.

Once the blood has completely dried, apply the NAD fixing buffer. The NAD fixing buffer helps preserve the sample during transit. Open the NAD fixing buffer applicator and carefully apply 2-3 drops to the front centre of the first two blood spots only. Let the NAD fixing buffer absorb and leave it to dry for approximately 2-3 minutes. Repeat on the back of the first two spots, applying 2–3 drops of the NAD fixing buffer and letting it dry for a further 2–3 minutes.

Before placing your blood spot collection card in the aluminium sleeve, ensure that you have activated your test, and it is registered in your account, and you have filled in the front of the collection card with your name, date of birth and date of collection. When the collection card is fully dry, place it into the protective aluminium sleeve provided. Seal the aluminium sleeve securely and follow the return instructions included with your kit. Samples are sent directly to our certified lab, with secure tracking.