How to Test Blood Sugar in Order to Help Control Diabetes
- 1
There are many kinds of lancet devices.diabetic tools image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com
Insert a fresh lancet into your lancet device. Adjust the depth of the lancet stick. Set the button on the device so that when you push it, the lancet springs out drawing a small drop of blood. - 2
Meters should read the blood sample immediately following the lancet stick.diabetic tools monitor image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com
Turn on your meter. Wait for the meter to display readiness to insert a test strip. Some meters require manual insertion of the test strip. If your meter requires manual insertion, insert a test strip with the testing end extending from the meter. Your meter will register readiness to test blood. Others are preloaded with test strips and will automatically extend a strip when activated. - 3
Warm, soapy water cleans the skin for an accurate glucose reading.washing hands image by Julia Britvich from Fotolia.com
Wash your hands or alternative site with warm, soapy water. Dry them with a paper or cloth towel. This removes anything that can cause a false reading. The warm water will make it easier to get the drop of blood for the test. Dry your hands and the part of your body you are going to test with a paper towel or clean cloth towel. Do not touch anything after washing except your testing devices. Touching something such as piece of food or counter surface can inadvertently alter your reading. - 4). Press the lancet device gently against the spot you are going to draw blood. Click the button. The needle will stick you, giving you a slight stinging sensation causing a small drop of blood to appear at the site. Wipe this first drop of blood away with a paper towel or tissue.
- 5). Apply gentle rubbing pressure near the site to produce the second sample. Do not squeeze too hard as you may force fluids from your skin into the drop of blood giving you a false reading. The second sample of blood will give you a more accurate reading.
- 6). Place the edge of the test strip in the drop of blood and hold it in place. The meter will take a brief moment to read the sample and display the number. Wipe excess blood from the site.
- 7
Record meter readings in your journal to monitor glucose levels.woman writing in journal image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
Record your meter reading in a journal. This will give you an overview of your trends of high, low and normal glucose readings. Take this journal with you when you visit your health care provider. - 8). Dispose of lancets, used test strips, and anything else that has come in contact with your blood properly. They may be considered biohazardous waste in some communities. Consult your local hospital or doctor's office to learn local policies and guidelines for disposal of such items. Read your glucose meter's user's guide for suggestions about properly handling and disposing of the the testing material.
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woman writing in journal image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
