Efficient method to get blood out of a finger

SexyGreyFox

SexyGreyFox

SexyGreyFox

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My diabetes is out of control, I've had my full knee replacement cancelled 4 times (3 for diabetes) and now have to use a wheelchair.
Before I'm allowed to inject myself with insulin I've got to use my glucose monitor but my problem is even with the needle device on full power not enough blood comes out and I can end up pricking myself 4 times which then hurts a bit.

All serious and joke replies welcome to get a tiny sample of blood.
 
Hand in warm water for a bit, hang arm down for a bit and stab ring finger. Always works for me for finger ***** blood tests. I've been doing loads for covid studies.
 
Can you not adjust the depth of the needle so it goes deeper?

You only need a tiny drop of blood for most test machines. You should always wipe the first drop off anyway and squeeze out a second drop to test.
 
Get your heart rate up a bit before doing it.

I had to get some blood out the other day for one of those home testing kits and it normally takes me forever to fill the pot, up and down the stairs a few times and it was pouring out.
 
A hammer? ;)

Ok, seriously, run some warm water over your hand and fingers before you do it, then that will increase blood circulation.
 
I use my little finger, opposite the nail, NOT the sides as they really hurt. With your finger warmed up try using the pricker on the lowest setting, slowly work up if you don't get any blood. You only need a tiny drop for testing.

I've an Accuchek FastClix which is the best finger pricker I've known in 20+ years of testing. It takes lancets in a little magazine of half a dozen a time and there's a lever to pull the next one in.

You may want to see if you can get a Freestyle Libre, I've been using one for about four years now. It's a device that attaches to your arm and you just scan it to get your glucose reading. It's not as accurate as a blood test, and you're not *supposed* to rely on it for insulin dosing, but I'm down to taking one blood test every two weeks now, otherwise I totally rely on the Libre.
 
I managed to utterly ruin the tip on my index finger the other day by slamming down onto the front panel header of a motherboard, a good 4 or 5 puncture wounds that bled for about an hour!

Perhaps a device with multiple needles would help? Like the device they use for the BCG ring test?
 
robfosters said:
Can you not adjust the depth of the needle so it goes deeper?
Click to expand...

It's already on number 6 the highest setting.
I'll try the side on method but somebody has emailed me saying wrap an elastic band round my finger first.

Actually thinking about it I've been playing guitar since 1970 so my fingertips are going to be tough.
Perhaps also try my right hand instead.
 
SexyGreyFox said:
My diabetes is out of control, I've had my full knee replacement cancelled 4 times (3 for diabetes) and now have to use a wheelchair.
Before I'm allowed to inject myself with insulin I've got to use my glucose monitor but my problem is even with the needle device on full power not enough blood comes out and I can end up pricking myself 4 times which then hurts a bit.

All serious and joke replies welcome to get a tiny sample of blood.
Click to expand...

I know nothing about this, other than watching some US television. Said media is covered with adverts for glucose monitors that are just a patch and monitor your sweat not your blood.
 
SexyGreyFox said:
It's already on number 6 the highest setting.
I'll try the side on method but somebody has emailed me saying wrap an elastic band round my finger first.

Actually thinking about it I've been playing guitar since 1970 so my fingertips are going to be tough.
Perhaps also try my right hand instead.
Click to expand...

You've probably got ridiculous callouses on your left fingers :p

Try your right hand as you say.
 
pp111 said:
I know nothing about this, other than watching some US television. Said media is covered with adverts for glucose monitors that are just a patch and monitor your sweat not your blood.
Click to expand...

That stuff is very expensive and I only know of one person who has been given one by the NHS, it also injects her if she needs insulin.
You also have to meet a certain criteria but obviously if you have the money get one from America.
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-t...our-diabetes/testing/flash-glucose-monitoring

Delvis said:
You've probably got ridiculous callouses on your left fingers :p

Try your right hand as you say.
Click to expand...

I never even gave it a thought.
 
You can buy the flash glucose sensors, the original Libre, at Asda, they're £48+VAT, but diabetics can reclaim the VAT, so it comes to £24/week.

Someone, somewhere is getting these on prescription, though I've no idea how, as Asda won't even sell the Libre 2's they stock, they're for prescription only.
 
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