Finger prick test - amount of blood needed?

[Artless]

I have been thinking of sending for a private test for vits etc. but having just read the post and replies to Gymbunni I am concerned about how much blood is required. The requirement is home finger prick to draw blood or paying at doctors. Having done finger prick tests for the cholesterol and diabetes monitor there is only a small drop of blood. If anyone reading this has done any of the test can you let me know if it is possible to get enough blood from a finger for a successful test. Just how much is needed?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Artless

I do fingerprick tests regularly. The amount of blood required is 0.6ml or 0.8ml depending on which company you use. Compare that to a teaspoonful which is 5ml. It's impossible to say how many drops that would be because your drops could be large or small, mine vary according to how good a "cut" I get with the lancet. You can't compare collecting blood for this test to a fingerprick for the drop of blood you need for a blood glucose monitor .

[Artless in reply to SeasideSusie]

Ok it doesn't sound too much. Think I could manage it. Thanks.

[MaggieSylvie in reply to Artless]

It's not so much the amount; it's more discovering which finger is the most generous, and having something to stop the flow if you get a surprise (which I did)!

[Delgor]

I've just had the results of my Monitor My Health blood test back which I did for the very first time as I wanted to include the diabetes and cholestrol tests along with the usual thyroid and vitamins. They provided two very small test tubes each labelled up and really didn't require a lot of blood at all although I thought it prudent to use two different fingers from the same hand for each tube. As Seaside Susie has already said it's impossible to know how many drops you will need but I do think preparation is key as free flowing blood is a lot easier to deal with.

[Artless in reply to Delgor]

Thanks feel a bit better about sending for a test.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Delgor]

I wonder why MMH require 2 x 0.6ml tubes for that test when Blue Horizon's similar test (which tests more) requires only 1 x 0.8ml tube.

[Delgor in reply to SeasideSusie]

The honest answer to that Susie is that I really don't know although one tube required less blood but unfortunately I didn't make a note of just how much went into each tube - maybe next time I will keep this in mind!

[Pollypet]

I’ve done this procedure twice now and each time I’ve been amazed at how quickly the blood flows, after following the instructions properly. The tests I did suggested using the ring finger on the left hand, holding the hand in hot water for a while first then swing/ shake your arm. The very tip of the finger works best. I’m sure you’ll be fine.

[Pastelart]

I think that it’s easier if you have decent lancets. They used to send those that one could twist to make a bigger hole. I phoned my surgery and asked if they would do a blood draw for me and they were happy to help-no charge. Worth a try, as they were prepared to do the finger prick as well.

[Hedgeree]

Hi Artless,

The tubes do only require a small amount of blood. If you follow the forum suggestions you'll probably do fine; SeasideSusie gives good finger prick test guidance.

When you first look at the tubes you may think wow...'I have to fill them?' But when you look closely at the tubes they also contain a gel type substance so some of the space is already filled hence not that much blood is actually required.

Best wishes.

[Ukie]

Hi Artless. You must follow the instructions, especially about holding your hand in very warm water beforehand. After using the lancet, try to hold your finger downwards to help the blood flow. If you get a good flow it takes very little time to fill the tube. I use Medichecks, and the instructions are very comprehensive, read them carefully.