Prepare the skin
Wash and dry the hands thoroughly using soap and water.
(Do not use alcohol swabs as the alcohol can affect the result).
If you cannot wash the whole hand ensure the site to be lanced
is thoroughly cleaned.
Promote blood flow to the site
Allow the arm to hang down by the side for a few seconds and then
flex it as well as the fingers. If the hand is very cold allow it to warm
up before trying to obtain a blood sample.
Lance the finger
Use the side of the finger furthest away from the thumb and not
the pad. Avoid using the index finger and thumb.
Wait a few seconds before
‘milking’ the finger
Allow five seconds to elapse after lancing the finger and then rather
than squeeze at the site of puncture, milk the blood down the hand
towards the finger.
Reason
Washing the site ensures that no contaminants (e.g. any food residues
containing glucose) transfer to the test strip leading to a falsely high
result.
Reason
Stimulates the blood flow towards fingertips.
Reason
The side of the finger is less painful as there are fewer nerve
endings and it is easier to apply the drop of blood to the test pad
from the side. The index finger and thumb are the most used digits
and so it is less painful for the patient if you avoid lancing them.
Reason
The blood will flow more easily. If the finger is squeezed too hard
capillaries contract preventing blood flow and tissue fluid may
contaminate the sample.
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