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Finger Pricking - Please help

T

TMEUK

Member
Messages
12
Location
Swindon
Hi All,

I am new to the board, but recently diagnosed with so say Reactive Hypoglycemia, I have another discssion under way about that http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-forum/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=23380 in the newbies section.

I am just wondering where the best place is to prick your finger? I learnt very quickly the tip of your finger is not good and hurts like hell, I guess thats a classic Newbie error!

I am trying to use the side of my fingers towards the top, but they are bruseing quite badly in places and are very sore.

I am using the Accu - Check "Aviva Nano" and have it on a deth setting of 3, any lower than that and I cant get blood and higher is to painful.

Any help would be very welcome.

Thanks in advance

Simon
 
Hi, the side of the fingers is best, too many nerve receptors on the finger ends. If you let your arm hang downwards it sometimes helps the blood to flow into the hand better so that you bleed a little easier. I sometimes seem to bruise more that at other times tho.

Ann
 
Hi, usually if lancet speed set too high it will bruise, try a setting of 2.5 and see if that helps? Also squeezing too hard will leave a bruise too!
Side of the fingers best place to test, pads too sensitive!
I too use the nano meter and have lancet speed set at level 2.
Hope this helps?
Anna.x :D
 
Agree with all above, but remember NOT to squeeze at the actual puncture site to encourage blood. I'm sure anna29 was referring to squeezing below the second joint towards the top of the finger. If you squeeze near the actual puncture site, you can get fluids other than pure blood from the tissues and the readings you get can be compromised.
Malc
 
Great advice already...

You might wash your hands in warm soapy water, thoroughly rinse and dry... this can help to remove any contaminants (which could result in false readings) as well as promote blood flow.

I don't use alcohol swabs as these can dry the skin and lead to cracking.

It is natural to unconsciously flinch from pain (well duh!) so I try to support my hand on my knee, a table or armrest. Then, rather than trying to be as light as possible with the lancing device, I press it firmly against the side of my finger. You might find you can adjust the lancing setting after you try this.

You'll be an old hand at this before you know it :D
 
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