Shipping via medical post

For some tests you receive a test kit with a pre-paid envelope. After collecting your sample you send it yourself via PostNL medical post. Below you'll find exactly how it works.

This shipping page only applies if you received a test kit with an envelope. For many blood tests, the sample goes directly via the local laboratory and you don't need to send anything yourself.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Collect your sample

    Take your sample as instructed in your test kit — at a collection point or at home.

  2. 2

    Check the envelope

    Make sure all tubes or materials are in the envelope, properly sealed, and the referral letter is included.

  3. 3

    Check the collection time

    Search for a medical mailbox near you below. You'll see the collection time and whether you can still post today.

  4. 4

    Post the envelope

    Put the envelope in an orange mailbox or in the mail bag at a PostNL point. Never hand the envelope loose to the counter.

  5. 5

    Send the same day

    The sooner the sample goes in the post, the better the analysis quality. Preferably send on the same day as the blood draw.

Find a medical mailbox

Search for a medical mailbox near you. You'll see the collection time and whether you can still post today.

Important rules

Do

  • Always use the provided pre-paid envelope — it is approved for medical post.
  • Posting at a PostNL point? Place the envelope in the mail bag for letters. Do not hand it loose to the counter.
  • Send as soon as possible after collection. The sooner, the better the results.
  • Store the envelope in the fridge (2-8 °C) if you cannot post immediately.

Don't

  • Do not hand the envelope loose at a PostNL point or counter. This creates a track & trace code, which can cause up to 3 working days of delay — undesirable for blood samples.
  • Do not use your own envelope. Only the provided envelope has the medical post logo and the correct postage.
  • Do not send samples on Friday evening or Saturday via a regular mailbox. Use a PostNL point with a late afternoon collection instead.
  • Do not store tubes for more than 24 hours. Longer storage may reduce the quality of the sample.

Weekend and weather

Friday and Saturday

On Friday and Saturday, always post at a PostNL point with a late afternoon collection. Regular mailboxes are often not emptied (or emptied late) during the weekend, meaning your sample is in transit too long. Check collection times via the PostNL Location Finder.

Extreme weather

At temperatures above 25 °C or below 3 °C: use a PostNL point instead of a mailbox. Mailboxes in the sun can get very hot. Place the envelope in the mail bag for letters — do not hand it in as a package or mailbox parcel and do not use track & trace. Keep the sample refrigerated and minimize time outside the fridge.

From shipping to results

Average turnaround time after posting your sample.

Day 1: Shipping

Your sample travels via medical post to the sorting centre in Valkenburg.

Day 2: Collection and analysis

The laboratory courier collects all medical samples daily. Your sample is analysed — turnaround time varies per test (average 1-10 working days).

Result by email

You receive your results securely via Zivver at the email address you provided with your order.

Problems with shipping?

Unsure if your sample was sent correctly, is the envelope damaged, or do you have another question? Contact us immediately — we're happy to help.

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