Issues drawing blood from finger prick - help please!

[Emma43]

Hi All, I’m new to this site, although been reading posts with great interest.

I’m not diagnosed with an issue but I have many symptoms of hypothyroidism so I ordered a private test to check all variables including vitamins etc.. from bluehorizon.

Disappointingly the finger prick did not go as planned this morning! I only had one drop of blood. I’m considering getting my own lancets & just wondered if anyone can recommend one that penetrates deeper?

I wanted to do it first thing so I woke, had glass of water & waited 30minutes as I’ve seen this stated elsewhere but no blood came out. The elastic band felt like it cut off circulation rather than trap blood by finger.

I have cold hands so I’m aware I need to try to warm them up. Perhaps I should have took a walk prior to testing to get blood flowing?

Any other parts of body that can be used? Or devices?

I presume I only have one chance left if I reorder another kit so any advice would be very much appreciated! Many thanks 🙏

[ValDee88]

Ive had similar problems in the past and also have cold hands. I followed the instructions that came with mine exactly this time and it worked-warmed hand really thoroughly in water, did a good few jumping jacks and made sure hand was down below heart all the time. I also ensured that I had a full load of water the day before and 2 drinks in the morning. Its all a bit tedious, but I only used one lancet, filled the tube really quickly and got all my results this time. Good luck.

[Emma43 in reply to ValDee88]

Thank you, yes I was just thinking perhaps I needed to do some jumping jacks & stay standing up. I’ll make sure to use more warm water too next time. It’s really good to know you had success a second time….gives me hope! Thanks

[Sparklingsunshine]

Hi

I've had the same issues. I have cold hands and feet and despite following all the excellent advice on here I've never had any luck with my fingers. In December I did DIY phlebotomy, used my inside arm after tying my dressing gown belt around my bicep.

Stuck the lancet into my obligingly bulging vein and voila, enough blood for 20 vials. I'm not gonna lie, it was a bit messy but as long as you slap a plaster on and remove the tourniquet promptly it's just a bit of clean up. I did it over the bathroom sink so it just washed away.

If you have someone who can help that's even better. I shall do it this way in future. I find numerous stabbings of my fingers far more uncomfortable than a single needle in my arm. I got plenty of blood out, those tests aren't cheap and you don't want to give up because your fingers won't oblige.

[Emma43 in reply to Sparklingsunshine]

This is really interesting, I read somewhere else someone saying to use arm too but they didn’t explain how to. I’ll definitely keep this in mind, as you say the tests are expensive & I was all geared up with stopping certain vitamins etc.. beforehand. Missed my chance for next couple weeks now so it’s somewhat frustrating, but it’s good to know it’s not just me. Hopefully it’ll go better next time, having a back up plan in mind will be comforting! Many thanks

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

Drink plenty water day before

Hot shower….running up and down stairs or on the spot to get circulation going…exercise bike for 10-15 mins etc

Stand up to do test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Alternatively if there’s a clinic near you, you can pay extra for private blood draw

Remember to stop taking any supplements that contain biotin a week before all blood tests as biotin can falsely affect test results

[Emma43 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you - yes I’ll definitely do some form of exercise to get blood flowing, not sure why I didn’t as it seems obvious in hindsight! And I’ve noted the standing up too. My finger actually started to bleed a little when I walked my son to school so hopefully these added measures will help….advice much appreciated.

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to Emma43]

One tip I tried was to stand on a stool and drip the blood down, using gravity, didn't work for me but worth a try.

[Charlie-Farley]

I made a REAL mess of my finger first time I did it and it was sooo bruised from stabbing the most tender part 😬. I don’t have a problem with flow, but the above advice is good. I now choose to use the lancet on the side of the middle finger between nail and knuckle. I commit to the act and make sure it is quick and firm-I’ve managed to get good flow and it is not painful (like the pad).

I’m a bit of a chicken 🐔 but can do it now.

[Anthea55]

I think you should be able to have another go without extra charge if you ring Blue Horizon and explain your difficulty. Most of us have problems from time to time.

SeasideSusie has a very useful list of helpful hints. I keep a printed copy and refer to it each time. You should find it on the link which SlowDragon has given you.

[Emma43]

Many thanks to all replied, really helpful & appreciated. It’s restored hope that it’ll work next time! 🤞X

[Emma43]

Just an update here to any that may come across this in future - I repeated my test in early hours of this morning and it worked. After the first try I was quite anxious it wouldn't but followed all the very helpful tips here - after having a large glass & half of water & waiting about 15mins, I got my hands warm in hot water, did some jumping jacks, star jumps etc.., clenched my hands a few times and stood up whilst taking sample. I ended up pricking a 2nd finger which I wish I'd done first as I had lots of big drops of blood filling the bottle quickly - I was so relieved 😊 Just hope it's testable now! Many thanks to all for their advice! 🙏