Getting an Adequate Fingerstick Blood Sample

At times, it can be difficult to get a good blood sample from a fingerstick, especially on a cold day, or if circulation is poor to the fingers. Here are some tips to help: 1) Rotate fingers: if a person always gets a blood sample from the same spot, a callus can build up and the needle may not puncture adequately. It is best to obtain a blood sample slightly to the side and just beneath the tip of the finger, not on the tip directly, to prevent soreness. 2) Wash or soak the hand in warm water just before monitoring: this brings blood to the surface of the fingers 3) Gently "milk" the blood into a round drop, starting at the base of the finger, and squeezing gently to the tip 4) Place the hand below hip level for 30 seconds to increase blood to the hand and fingers or shake your hand down to bring blood to the finger Many of the newer monitors need less blood to get an accurate reading, and some actually wick a tiny sample into the sensor strip. If none of these are consistently effective in getting a good sample, talk to your doctor about alternative sampling sites.