Nooooooo! Blood sample error on ultravit test! 😩

[Mickeydooley]

I carried out a medichecks test yesterday but I’ve been informed that there’s a problem with my blood sample. I know this sounds really stupid but I hate doing these finger prick tests as I never seem to bleed too well even after following all the instructions. Yesterday the blood flow wasn’t too bad but I can’t seem to get the blood into the tube without scraping my finger on the side of the tube. I’ve done this before with no issues. It seems that it didn’t work this time. Can anyone provide any tips please? Medichecks are sending another test kit and I want to do this right. Thanks.

[Maggiesmum]

Oh such a shame and frustrating after the saga you had with the test kit in the beginning.

I recently did the test, my first away from the NHS and first finger prick testing. When I've had blood taken before it literally shot out so was hoping for the same with the finger prick. After inserting the lancet I turned it slightly to make a bigger hole. The first attempt was brilliant then the flow stopped. Tried another 2 fingers and was struggling to get it down the side of the tube. SO I did a few minutes of step exercise on the doorstep until I was out of breath and panting - hey presto the 3 finger worked very quickly. Worth a try if you don't already do something similar. Good Luck.

[Mickeydooley in reply to Maggiesmum]

Thank you. To be honest the problem wasn’t that the blood wasn’t coming out but that it wasn’t easy to get it into the tube. I’ve since read similar posts and reckon maybe I need to try to turn the lancet a little (although I’m sure it goes in and out very fast?) and also I may have to use a lower table so that my arm is more vertical when I’m trying to get the blood into the tube. I’ve done these tests numerous times and this is the first time this has happened. I was actually quite pleased with myself that I didn’t have to keep massaging my finger this time. So annoyed that I have to do it all over again! Adjusting my meds each time is a pain!

[JPM90]

Yeah it can be difficult to direct the blood into the tubes. For me i hold my arm at a downwards angle and the blood usually runs down to the tip before drip dropping into the tube.

I soak my hand for 5 mins in hot water and then after drying my hand i swing my arm in windmill motion for a minute or so to get the blood going to the arm/hands. This usually helps get a good flow going when i pierce with the lancet.

[Mickeydooley in reply to JPM90]

Yes I think my kitchen units are too high. I’ll have to find a lower table.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Mickeydooley]

Maybe use an ironing board, you can set that at the perfect height for you.

[Mickeydooley in reply to SeasideSusie]

I thought of that last night funnily enough. Thanks! Will definitely do that!

[Gingernut44 in reply to Mickeydooley]

Is there anyone who can help you? I set my test up on the kitchen worktop and stand on a step stool which brings my arm to just the right height, then my husband massages my finger and holds it over the tube 😊he’s very good at that. I also do what JPM90 does beforehand. All suggestions are worth a try as I hate doing them also and usually end up with a sore and bruised finger for about a week

[Mickeydooley in reply to Gingernut44]

Great ideas! Thank you! Can’t see hubby helping me! Not his thing! Normally I run on the spot, arms pumping, until I’m puffing, keep my hands in hot water for minutes. This time the blood flow was better but I think my arm needs to be more vertical so it doesn’t spread all over my finger rather than dripping into the tube. I’ll have another go next week and hopefully this time it’ll work! 😊