I really struggle with getting a flow of blood out using this approach
This morning I did a hard workout, drank 4 pints of water and dipped my hands in a hot tap -all things recommended by the blood test firm
After an hour of trying only got to half way up so sent that anyway - previous sample failed as I had pressed finger too hard to stimulate blood flow and damaged red blood cells
Does anyone have any hacks to make this work - otherwise I am done with this approach for good.
Many thanks!
I use to have this problem. What worked for me every time without fail was holding my hands under running water, as hot as you can comfortably take it, for a solid 5 minutes.
I found this was an issue and doing a run or a cross trainer workout was helpful but you have tried that. Did you do cardio or resistance?
4 pints is a lot maybe try drinking it gradually the day before.
I suspect there are other factors that affect blood flow, maybe inflammation or deficiencies. I used to find having false nails on helped the flow but I’ve also had experience of the blood cells being damaged because I pressed too hard. I ended up paying to get it drawn by a nurse because I was wasting so much money on samples That couldn’t be processed ( they don’t refund if only some of the sample is damaged sadly and mine was always only insufficient for folate)
I do a lot less than you but don't have an issue UNLESS I prick the more central part of the fingertip. It must be to the side of the fingertip to get a good flow for me. I usually use my ring finger and prick to the side which is inline with the right edge of my nail when viewed from the palm. It's where the fingerprint is curving downwards nicely. I've done it more central and failed. If I need to squeeze I try to squeeze my palm rather than the finger.
crikey this is so helpful !
I had problems on first couple I did, thought I’d have to give up with all lancets used and bruised fingers. Now I make sure I have a warm shower as well as my hands under tap beforehand, I put container on tray on low table, so arm hangs down and put lancet into side of fingertip, with a slight twist, ouch, now only have one bruised finger.
This morning I did a hard workout, drank 4 pints of water and dipped my hands in a hot tap
I had my most successful finger-prick blood production ever just a week or two ago. The thing I did different to usual was to dramatically increase my water consumption the day before the finger-prick test, and to spread that water consumption throughout the day. I don't know how much I drank in total - I wasn't measuring it. But roughly every 60 - 90 minutes or so I drank a full, fairly large, beaker of tap water. I was also drinking tea occasionally in a big mug too. I stopped drinking such large volumes of liquid at about 8pm because I didn't want to have to get up to pee a dozen times during the night.
On the day I did the finger-prick itself I drank one more beaker of water as soon as I got up, whirled my arms around as best I could (I'm quite old and stiff, so choices are limited), then I put my hands into really hot water in a bowl until my hands and fingers were really red.
Once I had pricked my ring finger quite close to my nail I started dripping blood everywhere, and filled the little tube over the line with just a small number of drops. The kitchen looked like a murder had taken place after I finished because I managed to drip blood on the floor, the sink, the worktop...
They should send another kit
Pricking side of finger ….about 1/2 way down the nail works for me
Drinking plenty water day before
On morning of test….get everything ready
10 mins on rowing machine
hand in hot water
Stand up to do test
If all else fails…consider paying extra for private blood draw
MMH, I think it was, supply a small regular elastic band that you put at the top of your blood draw finger, not uncomfortably tight. Made all the difference to me.After I have drunk, warmed and exercised (a lot less than you) this made all the difference. No need to squeeze to get the blood out (risking a rejected sample for some test due to fibrinolysis), plenty to fill the tube and it just drips out.
many thanks !
Also give the lancet a slight twist as it goes into side of finger. This helps me, as it widens the hole.I used to struggle also.
I might give my first finger prick a go tomorrow. I have been prompted to have a glass of water !
Have you had any better results ?
I found this post when I was looking for another one about low blood volume skewing blood test results. ME / CFS , which I have, is suspected to cause low b.v , and the suggested treatment is water plus a little salt. I often have salty crisps and water prior to a GP blood test.
Can anyone reassure me that it’s ok to put a little salt in my glass of water prior to the blood test (no crisps !)
paid 35 quid for a blood draw to finish the test - will not use this company ever again …
agh, shame
I’ve gone with Blue Horizon as their refund policy is very obvious. Let’s hope I don’t need it !
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