Wrong Position for Finger Pricking

[Rachox]

Why, oh why do so many stock photos show finger prick tests on the tip of the finger, not correctly on the sides?

 

[Juicyj]

Sadly these stock images are taken by companies who have no knowledge of medical conditions, perhaps we can sell some images of our own online of our poor fingers instead ?! Also notice the perfectly manicured, healthy looking finger tips, some of which don't look like they have ever worked either !! I would also hazard a guess that they are pretty old images too..

 

[Rachox]

I guess so. I hope newbies pick up on the correct position quickly. I wonder also if they’ve got out the cochineal bottle and it’s not even real blood!

 

[Deleted Account]

For the same reason electronic toothbrushes are shown on the top of the tooth - because it looks aesthetically pleasing.
Who would do a finger prick test after seeing my knackered nails and pock-marked fingers with blood dripping down them?

 

[woodenone46]

I had a pre Cataract op check a couple of months ago & the nurse wanted to do a BG test & guess where she went to prick my finger. Yes you've got it right in the middle & when I shouted t her & removed my finger she turned round & said, 'Tkat's were we always prick' So I said perhaps then you all need to be retrained because when I was a medic in the navy we were taught to prick on the side & that was over 50yrs ago. She looked absolutely dumbfounded & then did it correctly

3 years of training for a nurse yet my training was 6 months & that included a lot more than nurse outside of naval life & we were not even recognised by the nursing profession as Registered nurses

 

[Bluetit1802]

I have always used my finger tips!

Not because I haven't seen all the advice on here about using the sides, but because A) it hurts less and B) I can't get enough blood out of the sides.

I've only had one finger prick test by a medical person, and that was a paramedic. She used my finger tip.

 

[Pura Vida]

I always test on the side because I need my fingers for delicate art work all donated to raise money for
Charities.

 

[barrym]

While in hospital earlier this year, I had my blood tested by an old school nurse. She said you must always test on the side of your fingers, as being a diabetic you are at risk of losing sight, and to read brail the last thing you need is desensitised finger tips.

A bit pessimistic but valid point I suppose.

 

[Rachox]

View attachment 24212 View attachment 24213 View attachment 24214 I always test on the side because I need my fingers for delicate art work all donated to raise money for
Charities.

Wow! Beautiful painting!

 

[woodywhippet61]

I have always used my finger tips!

Not because I haven't seen all the advice on here about using the sides, but because A) it hurts less and B) I can't get enough blood out of the sides.

Me too.

 

[Struma]

While in hospital earlier this year, I had my blood tested by an old school nurse. She said you must always test on the side of your fingers, as being a diabetic you are at risk of losing sight, and to read brail the last thing you need is desensitised finger tips.

A bit pessimistic but valid point I suppose.

And a really old school Nurse might use your ear lobes, so all fingers can read Braille!
Or even ask the patient where they would like it done

 

[Deleted member 308541]

Also notice the perfectly manicured, healthy looking finger tips, some of which don't look like they have ever worked either !! I would also hazard a guess that they are pretty old images too..

Probably one of those hand models that are paid a ship load of money getting pix taken of them.