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Which test finger to prick ?

M

mickedgeworth

Newbie
Messages
1
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Why do all of the adverts etc show persons pricking their index (first) finger when I was told that persons should use their little finger as it contains less nerve endings. ????????
 
I vary doing each finger in rotation. Because I keep a record of readings etc I find it easy to alternate. Start off with little finger either inside or outside left or right then move in towards thumb. Nowadays I usually test when I get up and then 2 hours after eating. I usually end up with 3 or 4 reading per day (never have breakfast) and therefore only prick one side of each finger every 4 days. Exceptionally when I need a fifth reading I do a thumb but that seems to be the most painful. Always use sides of fingers and never the pad.
 
A related question for you experienced prickers - does anyone prick anywhere else? I've heard about using arms, maybe feet?
Due to overdoing a combo of diazepam and co-codomol a few years ago, I have a really low pain threshold now.
 
I use outside pad 4th finger left hand every single day .... could not be bothered rotating at all.

The pain is maybe associated with the lancet depth or the needle usage. I don't even notice it. Simple fact is I could not be bothered. JUST enough to pierce the skin and then use your other hand to squeeze a drop.

Thumb and index is (at least in my early days) not a good idea.
 
I use all my fingers and thumbs in rotation because I test a lot. I only occasionally hit a nerve, which hurts, but I do bruise quite a bit, which is why I use them all rather than one or two.
 
The only digit I don't use is the thumb any other finger on either hand is fair game. though have no specific reason for not using thumb I just prefer not to.
 
I never use my index fingers and thumbs, they're my fine control "picky up" fingers, so I keep them for just that. I mainly use the little finger on my right hand, as it tends to be the easiest one for me to get blood from. Occasionally I'll use the RH ring finger or the little or ring finger on my left hand. (I'm left handed.)

@nomoredonuts: My meter needs an alternative end cap on its lancing device, and the manual has all sorts of restrictions and warnings about when you should not use alternative sites for testing, mainly due to the fact that results from other sites may not be accurate enough under certain circumstances, when this accuracy is vital. So have a look at your manual for details.

Robbity
 
When I first started to prick my fingers, I'd pricked and squeezed it to get blood out.... get blood out, it came out so fast and with such force it hit me in the face! I was splattered, looked like I'd tried to murder someone! A little bit of blood goes a long way!
I know that's not much help, but I found it funny!
 
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