GD ladies, give me your best testing tips

maggielovesjoe · September 2011

This is only my 3rd day of testing my glucose, but I am so frustrated already! I either put in a sample that's too small and get an error message, or it takes me 10 minutes to actually draw blood. DH thinks I'm pulling my finger away right as the needle goes in so it's not going in far enough, but my slight needle phobia is making it hard for me to relax through the whole process.

So please, explain it to me like I'm a child. Do you put your finger on a table so your finger can't move? Do you hold it below your heart to increase the circulation to your fingers? Am I not testing in the right part of my finger? Any other tips to help me relax? TIA!

memali26 · September 2011

Your DH is probably right. I know it's totally not a conscious decision to pull away, but you might have to focus on making it a conscious decision to not pull away. If that means laying your finger on a table, so be it - I've never tried that, but I bet it would work

Other things to try: wash your hands in warm water to get the blood flowing. When you dry them, rub your finger, again to get the blood flowing. Always test on the side, up near your fingernail. It will hurt less and be easier to get a good sample. Once you've got a good poke, try "milking" your finger gently to get the blood to bead up on your finger. It won't be long before you can tell if your sample is too small just by looking. If it seems like it is, try milking a little more out, or you may have to try a different finger. Also, alternate fingers so you don't built up a tough spot from poking the same place over and over. And check the depth setting on your lancet - one of my dietitians recommended putting it on the middle setting to start, and if you're a gusher, turn it down. If you have trouble getting a sample, turn it up.

You'll get used to the poking quickly and it will get easier. For now, just take a deep breath and do it - the sooner you poke, the sooner it's over

wallace101610 · September 2011

I put my hand down and shake it for s minute or so before I test to get the blood flowing. That requires me to need to "milk" it less, which makes it less sore, I think. Maybe have him do it for you a few times until you get used to the pain, that way you can't pull away right when you pull the trigger. I think it rarely hurts, so that makes it easier for me to just do it and be done, unlike in the begining I was always afraid, and slow at it.

alli&dan · September 2011

I have a huge needle phobia, but once I got the technique right I found it didn't hurt nearly as much as I thought it would. I have my lancet set on the middle setting and barely feel it. Follow Memali's suggestions. Rubbing my finger from knuckle to finger tip often results in a big enough sample for me. After testing awhile I also found that certain fingers provide better samples. I usually get a good sample from my index and middle finger. I can't usually get enough from my ring finger and find the thumb to be a bit too gushy. If you continue to have trouble, call your OB or dieticians office and ask if you can stop in for a demo. They should be happy to help you out.

nycegrrl99 · September 2011

I had a similar problem in the beginning. I found that if I shook my hand in a downward motion for a few seconds first and then didn't actually look at the lancet as I hit the button, I got a much better sample. After a week or so I got so used to it that I can punch holes in my fingers in moving vehicles or other weird situations.

You'll get better at it. Smile

kpowers982 · September 2011

PPs are right; I rub my finger for a couple of seconds before I prick. Also try to stick towards the top of your finger rather than the pad because the pad is more sensitive. I'm diabetic and I've been doing it for about 4 years now, so it seems old hat to me...but I can definitely understand being freaked out knowing you're going to stick yourself! Sometimes I have trouble getting enough blood out to test and it drives me insane...it just happens from time to time. It really will get easier.

gcmj7910 · September 2011

These are all good suggestions, so I'll just reitterate alternating fingers. Sometimes I end up pricking one too much and then the sample is too small and I have to re-prick another finger to get more blood. Two sticks with a needle when only one should be needed = no fun.

Oh, for me too, if my hands are warmer, that helps.

kristin172429 · September 2011

PP mentioned most of what I would say. I have found a few great spots that always give me enough blood. Definitely put your finger on a table until you get used to it so you can't pull away. What also helps me is to do a quick burst exhale right before I push the button. It helps to keep me from tensing up and focusing on the needle too much. I just blow out fast and quick and then click. I don't know why it helps, but it does.

DataJane · September 2011

I agree with all of the above tips, I would also say make sure you aren't at all dehydrated. I have noticed that especially with my morning fasting test I sometimes will be a little dehydrated and have a heck of a time getting any blood out but I can drink a glass of water, wait 5 minutes and have no problem. I wouldn't even notice feeling dehydrated otherwise so I think slight bit can make a big difference, especially when you are pregnant.

mrsseguin · September 2011

If you put your hand together (like a prayer position) you should only poke the needle in the part you can see.

I squeeze my finger before I poked it so the blood was at the tip.

Before you apply the blood, amke sure you've squeezed enough of a drop out. Let the machine draw the blood into the strip. Some people try to put it on top...

It takes time to not pull away when your testing. I think it's a natural reaction. Make sure the depth of the needle is enough where you get a decent poke, but it's not stabbing you. DH sets his so low, that he has to push hard against his finger to get it to draw his blood. It'll get easier as time goes on.

zano321 · September 2011

I find I do better with my pinkys... less pain and I get more blood!

cathom7 · September 2011

Sooo... I would NEVER and COULD NEVER test on my fingers. I do it on my arm!!! I wash the area with water, pat dry and test away. Then my fingers never, ever hurt. And I don;t freak out for the poke. If you look in your kit, there's a clear top for the poker. You use that on your arm and it kind of vacuums the blood up better. I Never have too small amt issues. Also, go get the ReliOn micro. I got a fancy schmancy tester from doc. I HATE IT!!! It ALWAYS gave me errors. My cheapie treats me wonderfully;0)

memo9 · September 2011

cathom7:
Sooo... I would NEVER and COULD NEVER test on my fingers. I do it on my arm!!! I wash the area with water, pat dry and test away. Then my fingers never, ever hurt. And I don;t freak out for the poke. If you look in your kit, there's a clear top for the poker. You use that on your arm and it kind of vacuums the blood up better. I Never have too small amt issues. Also, go get the ReliOn micro. I got a fancy schmancy tester from doc. I HATE IT!!! It ALWAYS gave me errors. My cheapie treats me wonderfully;0)

My meter says that alternate testing sites are only appropriate for certain times like fasting and not for after meal testing because the blood in your fingers changes more quickly (and is more up to date) than the arm.

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GD ladies, give me your best testing tips

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