advice on finger prick blood test

[Pastelart]

Hi all. Happy New Year.

I have just done a blood test and once again, it can’t be processed. I have followed all the tips and tricks, but can’t produce more than a drop or two at a time which are so thick that they stick to the top of the tube. After 6or7 stabs, I finally managed to fill the tube and am really frustrated that the sample can’t be used. Is there something wrong with my blood? They never have a problem drawing blood at the surgery. What can I do to fix this?

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

I have issues with my peripheral blood circulation and now pay for a blood draw with Medichecks to be assured my tests will work. It is a lot more expensive unfortunately and I hope one day to improve my circulation and get cheaper tests!

[Pastelart in reply to Jaydee1507]

I don’t know whether that is the problem, as I accidentally pricked my finger with my art scalpel and it bled like crazy. Anyway, I’m taking aspirin for a week before I try again.

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to Pastelart]

I've now seen all the comments about what to do like drinking lots of water and waving armas around. Might give it a go in 6 months or so when I'm slightly better. I do always buy Medichecks when they are on offer at 20% off so slightly reduced but the £26 MMH one would save a lot.

[Pastelart in reply to Jaydee1507]

Thanks Jaydee 1507. My friend who is diabetic, is going to help me to do the blood draw. Fingers crossed.

[Tanitha]

I find a good full glass of water, a walk followed by a nice warm shower before the test works for me.

[Pastelart in reply to Tanitha]

Thanks Tanitha, hopefully I’ll have more success next week.

[Catlover3]

I find that drinking lots of fluids the day before really helps with the blood flow. I also wash my hands in warm water and make sure that I'm nice and warm before I try. Be careful not to scrape the blood drop on the edge of the tube too. In all the tests that I've done I've only had one that failed.

[Pastelart in reply to Catlover3]

Thank you Catlover3, very useful to know not to scrape! I think that’s what I did!

[Pinkcosmo]

I had a similar experience and found the blood flows easier if I stay standing with my arm straight and sample bottle on a lower surface - I had to get hubby to help with the aim though!

[Pastelart in reply to Pinkcosmo]

Thank you Pinkcosmo ( I love cosmos)

I even tried it with the vial on the floor 🤪