Finger pricking

M

Mark Rawlinson

Member
Is there any one else who has problems drawing blood ? This morning was so bad after wasting 5 test strips I gave up and guessed. I warmed my fingers under hot water for 2 minutes, held them down by my side and used different fingers. Not only that the Contour Blue plus kept saying E1 then E2 (different strips) because it was taking that long to get enough blood so I gave up
 
Hi,

Sounds frustrating.

Silly question time.
Were you allowing the drop to “wick” up the end of the strip as opposed to scooping the blood?
Did you try puncturing on the side of the finger giving a gentle squeeze behind the knuckle?

Appreciated, it can be a juggling act.
 
Jaylee said:
Hi,

Sounds frustrating.

Silly question time.
Were you allowing the drop to “wick” up the end of the strip as opposed to scooping the blood?
Did you try puncturing on the side of the finger giving a gentle squeeze behind the knuckle?

Appreciated, it can be a juggling act.
Click to expand...
Yes to both of these it took the blood right from the tip (not "on" the strip) and yes the side of finger with pressure.
And to think I am on blood thinners also :/
Thank you for your reply
 
Mark Rawlinson said:
Yes to both of these it took the blood right from the tip (not "on" the strip) and yes the side of finger with pressure.
And to think I am on blood thinners also :/
Thank you for your reply
Click to expand...
Try shaking the hand down by your side like flicking of water prior to using the lancet? (I call it “jazz hands.”)
 
this is a good idea, i rarely have a prob getting blood, but it has happened on a few occasions and i have done this out of frustration because my finger hurt, then managed to get the test done.... so if it happens again i'll do this ....
 
Yes, I've also been having a lot of trouble getting a drop of blood. It's easier when the weather's warm but I can still take up to 6 attempts before succeeding. The jazz hands seem to help, but the only thing that works consistently is sitting in an upright chair with my hand as low as possible for at least 10 minutes. Very frustrating as I really need to test in bed but it just isn't happening for me.
 
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