Help with getting blood

[dianef2303]

I have purchased the blue horizon kit and have attempted to get blood this morning. 2 lancets used and only 2 drops of blood obtained - what can I do? I have immersed in water, gently massaged finger, done hand exercises but now only have 1 go left

[beh1]

Shake hands vigorously before using lancet. Press lancet hard onto finger for max hole. Stand up when depositing blood in tube. Use the rubber band to concentrate blood in finger. I use end of middle finger on right hand-all others are useless for me. If all else fails, contact Blue Horizon. They are apparently good at supplying replacement kits/advice about retesting.

[MMaud]

I do regular finger prick tests for another condition, so have "got me act together" over time.

I don't test on the pads of my fingers, I use the sides, near-ish to the nail bed. You'd think it's really smart, but it doesn't.

I'd get my lancet and any other paraphernalia ready, then I'd wash my hands in warm water, then soak them for a few moments, to ensure they're nice and warm. I'd dry my hands and use the lancet.

If the droplet isn't appearing to flow freely, don't squeeze close to the puncture wound, but more massage your finger closer to the base. That gives a better blood sample, rather than squeezing out too much interstitial fluid. That usually works for me, on the odd occasion I need a larger than usual sample. If you need more than one blob, you could use another finger for the next blob.

Experience tells me my ring finger gives up blood most readily of them all, but that has taken years of several times a day testing to work that out, so don't bother trying to prove that one for yourself!

[dianef2303 in reply to MMaud]

Success I think!!! I have managed to half fill the phial so hope it is enough!!

[Treepie in reply to dianef2303]

If not ,like me ,they sent a package for a nurse to take at a BMI hospital for an extra £35?