Finger prick blood rest

[Serenitee]

Any tips for getting blood out easily? I'm struggling to get enough. I've drank a few glasses on water and made sure my hand is nice and warm. Ran it under water

[Hidden]

Definitely need to be well-hydrated and do some moving around before you do the test, swing your arms around a bit, go up and down stairs (if you have them!). Try standing whilst doing the whole procedure, letting your arm hang down, the blood will flow out more easily. If the blood stops flowing, wipe the prick area with a tissue or cotton wool and it should start to flow again.

[shaws Administrator]

You should begin hydration a couple of days before you are going to draw blood. Others who've already done so will respond.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Serenitee I've done quite a few and have got it down to a fine art now, I did struggle the first time though!

I don't think running it under water is enough. I fill the sink with hot water although it does say warm water but I need it hotter than that. I swish my hand about for a few seconds, keep dipping in and out and swishing about each time. Fingers will go red.

I prick my middle finger (we all probably have a best finger) and do it on the side and nearer the nail bed rather than the tip.

I stand on a small stood/toddler step and put the microtainer on my kitchen worktop. The extra height means I can have my arm almost straight down rather than bent. That way the blood should drip off the end of your finger rather than go around under the nail. Don't squeeze the finger, that damages the blood, if absolutely necessary you can very gently 'milk' the finger from palm towards the tip.

You can always reheat hand and use another finger if necessary.

I find the blue and white lancets used by Blue Horizon far better than any other type, the purple and white one Medichecks send out (not sure if still the same) were no good for me.

Are you taking any supplements? K2 by any chance? Although K2 is not supposed to be the blood clotting form of Vit K (that should be K1), I found that if I left off my combination D3/K2 supplement for 3 or 4 days then my blood flowed better. That's not to say it will be the same for everyone, I may be just awkward

[Fuzb]

Done lots of these, my technique is;

- Run hand under hot water

- Use two elastic bands on ring finger where ring normally is and shake, etc until the finger turns red or at least a bit darker and feels firmer than the others, if not it won't work. Use alcohol wipe.

- Place finger on outside on a table and press on the inside under the end of the nail with the lancet (stops me flinching, gets a deeper cut and still allows me to type OK!)

- Stand up (raises blood pressure) and drop blood into microtainer sometimes at arms length downwards helps to get some extra gravity behind the blood

I have had to ask for extra lancets from BH in the past and they are happy to send them.

I usually only need one lancet and can fill up to the top now, but it can vary each time!

Good luck!

[Serenitee]

Brilliant, thank you for all the replies.

I'll try each of your tips!

[Treepie]

Only managed once,now pay the extra to get done at BMI hospital.