Testing blood sugar while out?

zsharky · April 2011

I just had my GD class yesterday. I got my glucose meter and learned how to use it, and I'm starting to get comfortable with sticking my finger four times a day. However, I've only ever done it at home, and now I have to face the reality that I need to sometimes be away from home when I need to test.

The instructor had us wash our hands before pricking our fingers, but what if I don't have that available to me? I can't wash my hands in the car. What else can I use to ensure that my finger is clean? She said that alcohol pads and sanitizing gels can skew results. Should I just use those anyway if I don't have access to soap and water?

karantony47 · April 2011

I have ALWAYS used alcohol swabs, I have type 1. Just make sure your finger is dry before pricking it and it won't mess with the results... at least that's what my diabetic specialist said.

Nadiaz · April 2011

I've never heard of alcohol pads skewing the results. That is what I have been using since the first time at the diabetes education session AND that is what the hospital uses when they test anyone's blood glucose.

memali26 · April 2011

I was also told not to use alcohol pads or hand sanitizer before testing. This sounds silly, but if I know I can't get to a sink to wash my hands (car trips are usually when this happens) was my hands before getting in the car and just keep a bit of paper towel wrapped around one finger. May not keep it perfectly clean, but at least that finger hasn't touched anything else in the meantime. It's a silly and not terribly convenient solution, but it's the best I could come up with.

jerol · April 2011

I agree with the alcohol wipes. That's what they use when I go to the diabetes center....they've never mentioned them skewing results.

mlspiel · April 2011

My specialist actually put some alcohol wipes in my kit.

kristak53 · April 2011

I'm a type 1 and have been for 29 years now... My doctor thinks I'm a bit insane but I only use two fingers to test my blood... my left hand ring and pinky fingers. I use them becasue they're typically not used to do much (since I'm right-handed) and don't typically touch food if I eat anything so they don't get contaminated by much so it makes blood testing cleaner and easier for me. I know, I'm insane... Stick out tongue But I test anywhere and everywhere as much as I can so my method may be helpful.

zsharky · April 2011

I'm not sure why we were told not to use alcohol. I guess I will get some alcohol swabs to keep in my purse. Thanks!

snoopy5512 · April 2011

I was told hand sani and alcohol were ok. I use both.

Dani0701 · April 2011

mlspiel:
My specialist actually put some alcohol wipes in my kit.

This too. She never said anything about them skewing results. She said wash you hands with warm water, or use the alcohol pads.

katiewhompus · April 2011

I haven't had to yet, but I plan on using alcohol wipes. I just figured that since they used alcohol wipes before pricking my finger for the test my first day at my GD class and for every blood draw it would be fine. I would imagine as long as you let it fully dry it would be fine. Maybe keep some tissue in the car and use an alcohol wipe then dry with tissue/paper towel?

preciousgrl120 · April 2011

snoopy5512:
I was told hand sani and alcohol were ok. I use both.

This. I have hand sanitizer in the car and in my purse so that I can test no matter where I am.

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Testing blood sugar while out?

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