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I see a lot of threads where people talk about lots of pain from finger pricking. I do wonder how people are taught to do it. Nurses nearly always get it wrong.
So I hope this post may help people to avoid excessive discomfort.
The correct techniques is: don't prick the tip (or pad) of the finger, use the side. This is way less painful.
Also, please ensure you get the depth correct! Try the smallest setting and gradually increase until you get enough blood.
I've been testing using the side of my finger, 4-8 times per day, for years and don't have any lasting pain. Very rarely will any test hurt at all - (although once in a while the pricker depth has changed accidentally and then it hurts if too deep - ouch!!!)
Hope this helps.
So I hope this post may help people to avoid excessive discomfort.
The correct techniques is: don't prick the tip (or pad) of the finger, use the side. This is way less painful.
Also, please ensure you get the depth correct! Try the smallest setting and gradually increase until you get enough blood.
I've been testing using the side of my finger, 4-8 times per day, for years and don't have any lasting pain. Very rarely will any test hurt at all - (although once in a while the pricker depth has changed accidentally and then it hurts if too deep - ouch!!!)
Hope this helps.