Tips for Getting a Blood Sample
| Author: Judy Kohn, RN, BSN, CDE |
| Last Updated: Tuesday, March 28, 2006 |
Q: "I'm having difficulty obtaining a blood sample using my FreeStyle® meter on my forearm. Can you give me some tips?"
A: I am sorry you are having difficulty obtaining a blood sample. I am providing the recommended steps below. Also remember that you can talk with someone directly, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week at our toll-free Customer Service hotline, at 1-888-522-5226. Please feel free to call them and let them talk you through the procedure.
- Wash and dry the test site thoroughly with soap and water and then dry.
- To bring fresh blood to the surface of your testing site, rub the test site vigorously until you feel it getting warm.
- We recommend that you use FreeStyle Brand Lancets.
- Avoid lancing areas with obvious veins or moles to avoid excess bleeding or bruising.
- Place the cocked lancing device firmly against the skin, but do not press into the skin. Pressing into the skin at this point may cause bruising or red marks and can impede blood flow to the skin.
- With the lancing device firmly against the skin, depress the release button and do not lift up. Continue to hold the lancing device and gradually increase pressure for several seconds.
- Lift the lancing device straight up; be careful not to smear the blood sample.
- Bring the test strip to the sample at a slight angle and gently touch only one edge of the test strip to the sample. Do not press the test strip against the sample, scrape the blood, or use the flat side of the test strip.
- Wait until you hear the confirmation beep, or see the moving arrows, which means you have enough blood.
- The strip acts like a sponge and pulls the blood into the edge of the test strip.
Important Notice: The responses provided by the team of Diabetes Educators are based on their personal experiences and expertise as practicing diabetes healthcare professionals, and are not to be considered diabetes management advice from Abbott Laboratories. Remember that information provided by the team of Diabetes Educators is for general background purposes and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment by a trained professional. You should always consult your physician about any healthcare questions you may have, especially before trying a new medication, diet, fitness program, or approach to healthcare issues.
All tradenames and trademarks not owned by Abbott Laboratories are the property of their respective owners. For details on tradenames and trademarks and their respective owners, visit the non-Abbott trademarks listing.
