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Finding it impossible to draw blood

Debmcgee

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,939
Type of diabetes
Prediabetes
Treatment type
Diet only
Help!
I'm so angry at myself for not being able to get enough blood out of my fingers to test. Nothing comes out despite it being painful. I've tried changing lancets but no different


Does anyone have any tips?

Thanks
X
 
Wash your hands in warm water and dry them well, also try squeezing the tip of your fingers pushing blood to the end before using the Lancet.
 
If that happens to me I stand with my arms by my side and try and get gravity to get some blood to the end of my fingers
 
Thanks guys. I gave up for tonight! So annoying
 
If I'm having trouble getting enough blood I put my hands on a warm radiator for a minute or two, then wash them in hot water before trying again.
 
Ironically had no problems this morning!

Think the secret is warmth and gravity!

Thank you x
 
Warmth is definitely the secret. I do all kinds of things, and finally rub my hands together vigorously. I do struggle and do have to squeeze most times, although I know this isn't advisable.
 
Definitely warmth and gravity for me too - and I certainly find it harder in winter than summer.

I had a new one for me last weekend. I reckon I've done something like 35,000 finger pricks and for the first time, must have hit a little artery in my little finger. As I fired the lancet, a jet of blood shot into my eye and covered my face and front with a mist of tiny red droplets. I did let out a wee astonished noise.

A few years ago my sister had an injection in her bum at the docs and he did something similar, hitting an artery, sending a reasonably substantial jet of blood over the carpet and up the wall opposite. The doc was making noises about the cost of cleaning the carpet and hinting my sister would be getting the bill to which she replied "you were the one steering the needle, not me".
 
spin your arms around and around first to force the blood to your finger tips. Try and do it before you prick your finger or you may get a red line on the ceiling
 
I had a similar problem and the lovely people here told me to warm my hands and also push the pen into your finger so the pin jabs you a little further under the surface. Works for me and I'm checking my blood quite regularly at the moment

Hope that helps
 
Yes washing your fingers in warm water and dry with a towel then put your hands down to lower than your waste should help.I myself have only got 3 fingers I can use on my right hand.I can't use my left hand fingers as I had breast cancer and was told never have any injections or my blood pressure taken from my left arm as it might cause lympvodaema
 
Hi I am experiencing the same problem! I was diagnosed 12 days ago. I think I'm getting a little better at drawing a little blob of blood and also making get a reading on the metre (sometimes it just wouldn't be absorbed on the test strips and the metre showed an error). My fingers and feet are always cold so I soak my hand on cold water and this does help I think! I'm sure this is a learning curve...what I really want to know is will I always have to test 4 times a day plus before driving or is this just for these first weeks.
 
I usually try warming my hands, rubbing them, shaking them in a downwards direction, and/or replacing or adjusting depth of thelancet. Sometimes in the summer my hands (with a weird logic of their own) get freezing cold and it's like getting blood from a stone. It appears to be some sort of odd circulation issue....

Robbity
 
Thanks Robbity I'll try all that...my hands are always cold especially my fingertips even...weird as the palms of my hands can be warm!!
 
I HATE it when I can't get enough blood and waste a precious test strip!

I find I have problems getting blood when I'm not drinking enough water. I heard it can affect the result if you drink lots of water just before you test, but I do try to remember to drink plenty of water during the day.

Kate
 
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