About our tests – Edge

What’s included in a home blood test kit?

Carter Stevens — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 10:18:41 +0000

Our finger prick blood test kit contains everything you need to take your sample and return it to our lab:

Test tube/s
3/4 lancets
Sterilising wipes
Plasters
Lab request form with labels
Plastic case to protect your sample in transit to the lab
Tracked24 prepaid return envelope

If you’ve chosen to have a nurse take your blood sample or to visit one of our partner clinics, then we’ll send you a phlebotomy test kit which contains:

Test tubes
Syringe
Sterilising wipes
Plasters
Lab request form with labels
Plastic case to protect your sample in transit to the lab
Tracked-24 prepaid return envelope

Accuracy of our sports blood tests

Carter Stevens — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 10:17:28 +0000

We only uses laboratories with UKAS accreditation ISO 15189, this is an internationally recognised accreditation for laboratories. It’s the gold standard in the industry and the same standard met by NHS laboratories.

Each biomarker analysed is validated for both accuracy and repeatability through ISO 15189 and an ongoing external quality assessment scheme which our lab voluntarily participates in.

When you’ll receive your results?

Carter Stevens — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 10:16:34 +0000

Results will be released to your app within 2 working days from receipt of your sample at our lab; with the exception of tests that include omega which takes up to 15 working days.

Once the lab has received your blood sample it’ll be analysed. Our team of healthcare professionals will then review the results and provide advice on any results that aren’t within the normal range for your gender and age before the results are released to your app.

How to view your results?

Carter Stevens — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 10:15:32 +0000

Your results will be released to your secure results app within 2 working days after the lab has received your sample (tests containing omega take up to 15 working days) and we’ll email you when your results are available to view.

Downloading your results

Carter Stevens — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 10:14:45 +0000

You’re able to download your results from your app to share with your GP or coach.

Personalising your test

Carter Stevens — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 10:13:59 +0000

All of our tests can have additional biomarkers added and we also offer the option to build your own, personalised test from scratch – so you can tailor your test to your needs.

You can do this by selecting ‘Personalise Your Test’ on the product page. This will allow you to add any biomarkers which are not currently included within the test you have selected.

Be aware that the blood sample collection method may change if the number of biomarkers added requires a larger blood sample. In this case, you won’t be given the finger prick collection method option during checkout.

Amending your order after purchase

Carter Stevens — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 10:11:55 +0000

If you need to make a change to your order, please contact our support team by emailing help@edgesupport.co.uk as soon as possible after purchase. If your kit has been despatched already, we may not be able to make changes to your order, but we can offer further advice on what to do next.

Our customer service team is available from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) and aims to respond within two working days.

Test kit expiry date & storage

Carter Stevens — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 10:09:53 +0000

The tubes within your test kit will have an expiry date, which is displayed on the side of the tubes.

If you aren’t ready to take your test, please store your kit in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight or any other extreme temperatures as this can affect the analysis of your sample.

Requesting a replacement kit

Carter Stevens — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 10:08:55 +0000

You can order a replacement kit via the ‘My Orders’ section within your account. A replacement kit costs £10.00.

Alternatively, you can contact our customer support team by emailing help@edgesupport.co.uk and request a replacement kit – please include your original order number within the email.

Who reviews your results?

Carter Stevens — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 10:08:03 +0000

Our team of sports doctors review all results after they’ve been released by the lab and will provide advice on any results that are out of range.

Please note, we are not a medical advice service. The tests are for information purposes only. We will always recommend you follow up with your own GP if any of your results need further investigation.

Laboratory accreditation

Carter Stevens — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 10:05:02 +0000

We only use UKAS accredited labs here in the UK for analysis of all our tests.

Each of the laboratories has achieved UKAS 15189 accreditation, which means they reach the very highest standards with each biomarker validated for accuracy and repeatability. This is the same standard as laboratories used by the NHS.

It’s a quality assurance mark which means the results you receive are as accurate as those you would expect from your regular GP.

Cost of nurse and clinic blood sample collection

Carter Stevens — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 12:02:38 +0000

The cost to have a nurse visit your home to take a blood sample from your vein is £60 on top of the price of the kit. For a clinic appointment the cost is £45 on top of the kit price.

Age restrictions

Carter Stevens — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 12:01:12 +0000

Our service is only available to adults over the age of 18. We cannot process any samples for minors under the age of 18.

Phlebotomy vs finger prick blood sample collection

Carter Stevens — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 12:00:31 +0000

All our tests use a finger prick method of blood sample collection. A finger prick blood test (also known as capillary) is one that is collected from the finger using a lancet that pricks the finger with a small, sharp needle.

We also provide an option for you to have a phlebotomy blood draw. A phlebotomy blood sample (also known as venous) is where the blood is collected from the vein.

Both phlebotomy and finger prick blood samples are accurate ways of measuring your body’s key biomarkers.

Learn more about the accuracy of our tests.

As each collection type follows a different method of blood extraction the results won’t be identical, just as venous samples analysed at two different labs won’t have identical results.

However, independent research we’ve undertaken in collaboration with the University of the West of England found very little difference between venous and capillary sample types.

If you want to monitor your biomarkers we would recommend that you keep with the same methodology as reducing the variables will allow you to establish an accurate trend.