Why can't I get any blood out of my fingers?

[debs248]

I was newly diagnosed this week with A1c of 113, tested at the gp with BG 20.1, given medication and a monitor and told to test glucose 3-4 times daily.

Unfortunately I appear to have next to no blood in my fingers, at least none that is willing to come out. I can sometimes get a tiny droplet but not enough for the test. I've tried both hands, various fingers, two brands of lancing device and half a dozen tips found on the internet and am incredibly frustrated.

Until I can test I can't drive because I'm on gliclazide and can't measure for hypos (I'm not feeling well enough to drive this week but that's not the point).

Can anyone help me get a decent blood drop? I've asked the surgery for an appointment with a diabetic nurse but they move very slowly and in any case that can't happen until at least Monday.


Thanks

 

[ElenaP]

This may help: First wash your hands in a warm water. Then gently massage your fingers towards the tip of the finger.

 

[lovinglife]

Here’s a link to the guide on the DCUK website

Testing your blood glucose with a blood glucose meter allows you manage your diabetes. Watch a video guide on how to test your blood glucose (sugar) levels.

Testing your blood glucose with a blood glucose meter allows you manage your diabetes. Watch a video guide on how to test your blood glucose (sugar) levels.

www.diabetes.co.uk

 

[debs248]

Thank you.

I've tried both but still next to nothing sadly

This may help: First wash your hands in a warm water. Then gently massage your fingers towards the tip of the finger.

 

[Pipp]

Hi @debs248

I had this difficulty when I first started testing many years ago.

I found I was slightly dehydrated. So started to drink more water. A full glass about half an hour before testing helps, but generally more throughout the day.

Make sure the lancet is sharp. Use a new one each time. Wash or even soak hands in warm water for a few minutes..
Swing arms up and down at sides a few times.
Rub hands together. Relax.
Use side of fingertip to draw blood. Use a different finger each time.

Hope that helps you , too.

 

[Jaylee]

Try sides of fingers. Just before the first joint?
Shake hands low & to the side a like a warmup for an “improv drama class?”

 

[debs248]

Thank you all for those suggestions, I'm going to try the drama class warmup next time

This week has been ridiculously hectic so yes I am dehydrated. Will try to sort that out this weekend and try again. Fortunately the wibbly symptoms I had this afternoon turned out to be just exhaustion and went away once I sat down for a while.

 

[KennyA]

I had a similar problem starting out. Someone on here pointed out it helps to have your hands as low as possible - I'd been holding them up in front of my face..... problem solved.

 

[debs248]

I had a similar problem starting out. Someone on here pointed out it helps to have your hands as low as possible - I'd been holding them up in front of my face..... problem solved.

I've been keeping my hands as low as possible beforehand but I needed to bring them back up to chest height in order to do the actual stabbing/ wiping / squeezing/ testing. Does it matter whether I'm lying in bed or sitting up? I've been trying while sitting in an armchair but hoping to be able to test in bed once I know what I'm doing.

 

[KennyA]

I've been keeping my hands as low as possible beforehand but I needed to bring them back up to chest height in order to do the actual stabbing/ wiping / squeezing/ testing. Does it matter whether I'm lying in bed or sitting up? I've been trying while sitting in an armchair but hoping to be able to test in bed once I know what I'm doing.

I've never tested lying down that I can recall - for years now I've only tested before and at +2 hrs after food so it's never been an issue.

I think it's more to do with adequate blood flow into your fingers - it's all capilliary so I think warm hands, adequate hydration, hands below elbows works for me.

 

[ElenaP]

As mentioned by @KennyA, hydration is important. Keep on drinking water, even if you do not feel thirsty.

 

[Hopeful34]

I test lying down at times, and there's no problem, as long as I know I haven't eaten anything etc that might contaminate the sample.

 

[grantg]

if still issues to get enough, maybe try increase the depth put the number up 1-2 alternatively a lower number gauge lancet is slightly wider that could help too if the other techniques don't work. eg i use 30g 1.8mm at the moment, if above wouldnt help i'd try 28g or 26g gauge. i would if at all possible avoid 23g or lower gauge.

if your in uk, careful laws relating to BG https://assets.publishing.service.g...vers-with-diabetes-treated-by-non-insulin.pdf

 

[VashtiB]

Hello and welcome @debs248

This sounds very frustrating- I agree with the previous posters- being dehydrated will make it really hard. I feel your pain. I recently had to get my HbA1C tested and the nurse tried 4 sites unsuccessfully- I had had a litre of water so next time it will have to be more. I found that some of my fingers were easier than others to get blood from- no idea why so experimenting on different fingers may also help.

I hope she of these tips have helped.

Good luck.

 

[Africanaussie]

Run them under warm water or rub them together to get the blood flowing. Massage your finger down toward the tip, prick on the side of your finger, and turn your lancing device to a deeper setting.

 

[debs248]

As mentioned by @KennyA, hydration is important. Keep on drinking water, even if you do not feel thirsty.

I've been checking hydration based on urine colour and still got some way to go. I've been forcing myself to drink water all evening and I'm not enjoying it but I really need to get some blood out in the morning

(another dismal failed attempt today, hubby had two goes at stabbing and got one mini droplet)

 

[debs248]

if still issues to get enough, maybe try increase the depth put the number up 1-2 alternatively a lower number gauge lancet is slightly wider that could help too if the other techniques don't work. eg i use 30g 1.8mm at the moment, if above wouldnt help i'd try 28g or 26g gauge. i would if at all possible avoid 23g or lower gauge.

Thanks, I'm using the deepest setting but still no joy! Might have to beg for smaller gauge lancets from the surgery

 

[debs248]

Hello and welcome @debs248

This sounds very frustrating- I agree with the previous posters- being dehydrated will make it really hard. I feel your pain. I recently had to get my HbA1C tested and the nurse tried 4 sites unsuccessfully- I had had a litre of water so next time it will have to be more. I found that some of my fingers were easier than others to get blood from- no idea why so experimenting on different fingers may also help.

I hope she of these tips have helped.

Good luck.

Thank you - I'll keep swigging water and maybe try index or thumb in the morning in case they're more cooperative

 

[grantg]

I've been forcing myself to drink water all evening and I'm not enjoying it

If struggling to drink water perhaps may find it easier to eat some crushed ice or something?

Hopefully wider gauge (smaller g number) will assist best wishes. Could if struggle to get appt at drs ask pharmacist.

other than that would suggest cgm you can get a trial (10day) for dexcom https://www.dexcom.com/en-GB/one-plus-campaign-sample
libre (15 day) https://www.freestyle.abbott/uk-en/getting-started/sampling.html

they aren't as accurate as finger pricking however maybe is a more suitable option for you as so difficult to get droplets to check against might be worth asking your DSN if perhaps can qualify due to you can't get samples via the standard method?

 

[debs248]

Update

After making strenuous efforts to rehydrate called upon hubby's services to do stabbing while I held my hand by my knees. First we tried a finger pad just to maximise chances - success!

Repeated the process 4 hours later and got a drop 1st time from the side of a finger.

Can't test by myself yet as I don't have Mr Tickle length arms, but at least we have proof that I do have blood, and I've done a couple of BG tests which is reassuring.

Thanks everyone for your advice and support.