Knowing your sugar result by using a glucose monitor has made testing for glucose very easy and convenient. No more do you have to wait for results from a laboratory or the hospital. You can test your blood sugar level at the convenience of your home.
There are times when you may need to have a glucose test done at the hospital or lab, like when your glucose readings are very high or if you are doing a medical procedure or something else that requires a lab test. But in general, a glucose monitor reading is good. The test can be done before eating anything or after having something to eat depending on the purpose for the test.
So, how is a finger prick test for glucose done? Before you can do the actual test, you first have to gather your supplies.
Preparing For the Test
a. Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary supplies:
- Glucose Meter: If this is a new device, brand or your first time using one, make sure to read the instruction manual.
- Test Strips: Specific to your glucose meter. Make sure they are not expired. If they are get new ones, as using an expired one can affect test results
- Lancing Device: To prick your finger to obtain the blood sample.
- Lancets: Small, sharp needles used with the lancing device.
- Alcohol Swabs: For cleaning the finger before pricking.
- Cotton Balls or Gauze: To stop bleeding after the test.
- Logbook or App: To record your results.
b. Wash Your Hands
After you have gathered your supplies, wash your hands with warm, soapy water before doing the test. This will help remove any substances on your hands that might affect the accuracy of the test. When you are done washing, dry your hands thoroughly, as wet hands can dilute the blood sample.
c. Prepare the Lancing Device
There are two types of lancets you can use for pricking your finger:
- Single-use, auto-disabling finger stick devices: Single-use devices are meant to be used once and then thrown away. They have an auto-disabling feature that prevents the lancet from being used again and makes them safe to dispose of.
- Reusable devices: Reusable devices look similar to a pen. They allow you to replace a used lancet tip with a new one.
Whether you are using a single-use device or a reusable one, follow manufacturer’s instructions. Load a new lancet into the lancing device. Set the depth of the puncture on the lancing device. A shallower depth may be sufficient for children or those with delicate skin, while a deeper setting might be necessary for those with thicker skin.
You may need to adjust the depth of the device more than once in order to get the right depth. Single-use devices have different lengths, so use the one that will work for you.
Performing the Test
a. Insert the Test Strip into the Glucose Meter
Insert a new test strip into your glucose meter. Ensure the meter is turned on and ready to receive a drop of blood. Many meters will turn on automatically when a test strip is inserted. One device may work differently from another so follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific device.
b. Prepare Your Finger
- Select a Finger: The sides of your fingers (not the pads) are ideal for testing as they tend to be less painful.
- Clean the Area: Use an alcohol swab to clean the selected finger. Allow it to air dry completely to prevent alcohol from interfering with the test.
c. Perform the Finger Stick
- Prick Selected Finger: Press the lancing device against the side of your finger and press the release button to prick your finger.
- Obtain a Blood Drop: Gently squeeze your finger from the base towards the tip to form a drop of blood. Be careful not to squeeze too hard, as this can affect the accuracy of the test. Also, some manufacturers may suggest to wipe off the first drop of blood. So, follow the instructions specific to your device.
d. Apply Blood to the Test Strip
- Collect the Blood Sample: Touch the edge of the test strip to the drop of blood. The strip will draw up the blood through capillary action.
- Wait for the Reading: Most glucose meters will display the result within a few seconds.
After the Test
a. Stop the Bleeding
When you are done use a cotton ball or gauze to apply gentle pressure to the puncture site until the bleeding stops. This should only take a minute or two. You may put a band aid over the prick to protect it if you desire.
b. Dispose of Used Supplies
Dispose of the lancet in a sharps container. Dispose of the used test strip according to local regulations or the manufacturer’s manual. Do not leave lancets or test strips lying around. Protecting yourself and others is important in preventing needle sticks, cuts or punctures.
c. Record Your Results
Write down your glucose reading in a logbook or enter it into a digital app. Recording your results helps track your blood sugar levels over time and identify patterns that can inform your diabetes management plan.
Tips to Reduce Finger Stick Pain
If you experience finger prick pain it’s not unusual. People who have diabetes may have to prick their fingers several times a day. So, that may cause some pain. There are some things you can do to lessen the pain that comes with finger sticks. Here are a few things you can do:
- Prick the sides of your finger instead of the tip. The sides of your finger have fewer nerves than the tip and therefore may pain less.
- Try alternating which fingers you prick. If you prick the same finger all the time it will definitely hurt more. Try using a different finger for each time and see if that helps.
- Some people use the same area over and over again which results in a callus forming. That means they have to use a longer lancet or more depth but it may mean less pain.
Tips to Help With Getting Enough Blood
Sometimes, after pricking your finger you may not get enough blood. It could be the depth was not enough or other reasons. Here are a few things you can do to help with getting enough blood:
- Before you do the finger stick, shake your hand down at your side to increase blood flow.
- Gentle squeeze your finger from the base and work your way up to the tip
- Rub the site on your finger that you are going to prick until it gets warm
- Use a rubber band or something similar, around the middle of the finger you have selected to prick. Doing so will cause the fingertip to swell with blood. After you have pricked your finger, remove the rubber band or other similar thing you used immediately.
Tips for Accurate Results
In order to obtain correct readings and accurate blood glucose results doing the following is important:
- Check Expiry Dates. Ensure that your test strips and lancets are not expired. Expired supplies can lead to inaccurate readings.
- Avoid Contamination. Always use a new lancet for each test to avoid contamination and infection. Do not share your lancing device or glucose meter with others.
- Maintain Your Meter. Regularly clean your glucose meter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Proper maintenance ensures accurate readings and prolongs the life of the device.
- Consistency in Testing. Try to test your blood sugar at the same time each day. Common times include before meals, two hours after meals, and before bedtime. Consistent testing times help create a clear picture of how your levels fluctuate throughout the day.
- Understand Your Targets. Know your target blood glucose ranges. These targets can vary depending on whether you are fasting, before a meal, or after a meal. Consult with your healthcare provider to establish your specific goals.
How to Troubleshoot Some Common Issues
Here are some basic issues that may show up while you are using your glucose monitor and how to fix them:
a. Insufficient Blood Sample
If your glucose meter indicates that the blood sample is insufficient, you may need to re-prick your finger or try a different finger. Ensure your hands are warm to promote better blood flow. Refer to the tips shared above.
b. Inaccurate Readings
Several factors can lead to inaccurate readings, including:
- Dirty Hands: Trace amounts of food or drink can affect results. Remember to wash hands with soap and water.
- Expired Supplies: Using out-of-date test strips or lancets. Always use test strips and lancets that are not expired.
- Meter Calibration: Some meters require periodic calibration. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
c. High or Low Readings
If you receive an unexpectedly high or low reading, wash your hands and repeat the test. If the second reading is still abnormal, contact your healthcare provider and follow their advice on what to do.
Which Finger is Most Accurate for Blood Sugar?
According to WHO, using your third and fourth (middle and ring) fingers will give the best results. Also, go according to the instructions given in the glucose monitor’s manual.
Why is it Important to Wipe Away the First Drop of Blood?
Some facilities or manuals tell you to test the first drop of blood. Others require you to wipe away the first drop of blood with gauze and test the second drop. Follow the instructions where you are and according to what glucose monitor you are using.
Conclusion
Finger prick blood test for glucose is quite a simple and straightforward procedure. Done properly, you can know your blood sugar level within seconds and have a way of monitoring your diabetes or checking on your blood glucose level. And. better yet, you can do it at the comfort of your home.