finger pricking problems

[lauren_gee_x]

I was wondering if anyone else has a problem getting blood from their finger when doing a test. Over the past week or so theres barely anything coming out of my fingers, is there anything i can do to make it wasier, ive got my lancet set to the top depth and still reallt struggling having to squeeze my fingers for at least a minute before i get anything.
Can anyone help ?

 

[Sue o2]

Hi Lauren,
maybe try washing hands first in hot water, i find that helps,
Sue

 

[lauren_gee_x]

Hi Sue yeah tried that aswell even today when trying to get bloods done it was the same problem its as if my body thinks it doesnt have enough blood to give some out. Its quite a strange thing lol xx

 

[noblehead]

Lauren,

Try changing the finger pricker, might just be the mechanism is faulty and your not getting the right depth to penetrate the skin.

Nigel

 

[Grazer]

Hi Lauren, I get this all the time. I do the hot water, maximum depth and push hard against the skin. It goes deep enough because it hurts, but still no blood! If I cut myself by accident I get all excited and do a blood test! :lolno: Think you just have to find different parts of the finger - I get more blood if I go round more towards the pad.

 

[RussG]

It's always harder to get blood out when your hands are cold hence people saying wash in hot water - try putting your hand on a warm radiator, or in your armpit for a minute.

Where are you pricking your fingers? It should generally be on the sides of the finger, not the pads but try moving it around. I always find the sides of my thumbs are pretty reliable and don't hurt as much as other fingers.

 

[Grazer]

I always find the sides of my thumbs are pretty reliable and don't hurt as much as other fingers.

Do you know, I've never tried a thumb! Must give it a go.

 

[Dougie22]

Since diagnosis at Easter, I've not had any problems getting blood from the side of my pinkie or the next one up but this week I've struggled a few times. I always give them a rinse in hot water before starting.

I think it might be the colder weather. I'm going to try giving them a longer soak in hottish water and see how I get on.

 

[Grazer]

Since diagnosis at Easter, I've not had any problems getting blood from the side of my pinkie or the next one up but this week I've struggled a few times. I always give them a rinse in hot water before starting.

I think it might be the colder weather. I'm going to try giving them a longer soak in hottish water and see how I get on.

Also think that after a while the skin hardens up or something, scar tissue?, and it gets more difficult

 

[daisy1]

I rarely have problems getting blood out. I think it's because I take a cardio aspirin which has the side effect of making me bruise easily and allows the blood to flow well. I have found though that if I prick too far to the side of the finger I can't get any blood out.

 

[lauren_gee_x]

Since diagnosis at Easter, I've not had any problems getting blood from the side of my pinkie or the next one up but this week I've struggled a few times. I always give them a rinse in hot water before starting.

I think it might be the colder weather. I'm going to try giving them a longer soak in hottish water and see how I get on.

Also think that after a while the skin hardens up or something, scar tissue?, and it gets more difficult

I think this could be what the problem is as after 15 years the skin on my fingers is really hard..

Thanks everyine Ive tried most of the things suggested above so I guess I'll just need to put up with it :dxx

 

[bernie.freeman]

I find if I rub my fingers or thumbs briskley, I don't have a problem getting blood out .
Bernie xx
:crazy:

 

[lauren_gee_x]

hi Bernie

Ive tried that tbh some days are better than other but today there was absolutely nothing i ended up hurting my finger squeezing it so much lol xx

 

[RussG]

Have you tried using hand cream to soften the skin?

 

[lauren_gee_x]

Hi russ
Yeah tried hand cream it makes the skin slightly sofeter but doesnt help with the blood flow

 

[Welsh Dragon]

Try holding your hand and arm down for a while so that blood flows that direction. My daughter is a nurse and she suggested this.

 

[Hobs]

Have you tried 'alternative-site' lancing? If you still have your test kit instructions, read through it for details. You will probably need a different head to your lancing device, but a quick e-mail/phone call to the manufacturer will usually get one sent by return of post, but more likely, a completely new lancer with the 'alternative-site' head included.