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Blood

chris66

chris66

Well-Known Member
Messages
161
Location
Harlow Essex
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
I constantly struggle to get blood when i test and end up having to prick my finger several times to get sufficient amounts, always wash hands and leave them under a hot running tap then rub them together with little success any ideas?
 
Is your lancing device set deep enough?
 
Don't squeeze your finger tip, as you'll cut off the blood flow from the rest of your finger. Rather start at your hand and squeeze up, like milking a goat.
 
Antje77 said:
Don't squeeze your finger tip, as you'll cut off the blood flow from the rest of your finger. Rather start at your hand and squeeze up, like milking a goat.
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Ive never milked a goat lol, but i understand what you mean thanks will try that next time
 
Perhaps coincidentally I used to have this exact same issue when first diagnosed. As my numbers started coming down it became much easier to get blood out. At the time, I put it down to poor flow in the capillaries due to the diabetes. But I was a metabolic disaster, so in my case it probably was indeed bad circulation in my hands.

Top tip though - I find the skin puncture much more effective if I don’t push the lancing device into the finger tip with pressure.

PS. I think I actually did milk a goat once on a school trip.
 
Jim Lahey said:
Perhaps coincidentally I used to have this exact same issue when first diagnosed. As my numbers started coming down it became much easier to get blood out. At the time, I put it down to poor flow in the capillaries due to the diabetes. But I was a metabolic disaster, so in my case it probably was indeed bad circulation in my hands.

Top tip though - I find the skin puncture much more effective if I don’t push the lancing device into the finger tip with pressure.

PS. I think I actually did milk a goat once on a school trip.
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Thanks will try and refrain from doing so but tend to do it after a couple of unsuccessfull attempts, im wondering if, when i go to hospital to have blood tests, it isn't always easy to get blood from my veins, my Mum and eldest Brother are the same maybe theres a connection there maybe i should have more fluids inside me.
 
Antje77 said:
I think everyone should milk a goat some time. It's been years since I last had the chance, but I loved it, and there's nothing better than fresh, still warm goat's milk!
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Can't see the appeal tbh so dont think ill be rushing out to try :D
 
What thickness lancet are you using?
You might be able to get a thicker one.
I agree with @Jim Lahey about the side of the finger - I find the side of my middle finger about parallel with the base of the nail is a good place.
If you work with your hands that can also toughen them up especially the finger tips so you should perhaps look for a soft place.
Finally I find it easier to get blood after exercise; I assume the blood is flowing and the capillaries have opened up to help keep me cool. Certainly easier after a bike ride than first thing in the morning.
 
LittleGreyCat said:
What thickness lancet are you using?
You might be able to get a thicker one.
I agree with @Jim Lahey about the side of the finger - I find the side of my middle finger about parallel with the base of the nail is a good place.
If you work with your hands that can also toughen them up especially the finger tips so you should perhaps look for a soft place.
Finally I find it easier to get blood after exercise; I assume the blood is flowing and the capillaries have opened up to help keep me cool. Certainly easier after a bike ride than first thing in the morning.
Click to expand...
Yes thats pretty much where i try both sides but still difficult seems to be getting worse as each day goes by, even had occasions whereby ive pricked my finger and dont even get the tiniest spot of blood, think the lancet i use is the only size to fit the meter i could be very wrong but although i have it set at its deepest its almost as though it isnt going in deep enough, ive checked and its screwed together tightly and set to max.
 
chris66 said:
think the lancet i use is the only size to fit the meter
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Is the lancet a part of your meter? There are many different prickers (or whatever you call the thing you put the lancet in to prick your finger) and it could of course be you've got that one in a million faulty one...
 
chris66 said:
Yes thats pretty much where i try both sides but still difficult seems to be getting worse as each day goes by, even had occasions whereby ive pricked my finger and dont even get the tiniest spot of blood, think the lancet i use is the only size to fit the meter i could be very wrong but although i have it set at its deepest its almost as though it isnt going in deep enough, ive checked and its screwed together tightly and set to max.
Click to expand...
Lancets are different. The one I got with my Glucomen Areo is thinner, and I struggled to get enough blood. I swopped it for the lancet that came with my old Freestyle Lite, and that has helped, somewhat.
I wash my hands, wipe them, of course, then I swing my arms till my hands are completely dry and use the centrifugal force to get the blood flowing to my hands. This also exercises my shoulder joints. Win-win.
 
Antje77 said:
Is the lancet a part of your meter? There are many different prickers (or whatever you call the thing you put the lancet in to prick your finger) and it could of course be you've got that one in a million faulty one...
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Probably be my luck i got the dodgy one, the pricker thing came with the meter maybe i should look and see if i can get one without having to buy t as a set with a meter
 
chris66 said:
maybe i should look and see if i can get one without having to buy t as a set with a meter
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Both Abbot and Accu-Chek meters come with a lancing device, Accu-Chek's FastClix device is better than Abbots though.
 
All great advice above..
My advice sounds a bit "lovey," but try shaking your hands loosely to the side as if warming up for "improvised acting class.." (Before lancing.)

I'm serious, & it's the only graphic way I can describe it. :)
 
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