GD - struggling to use blood testing kit - help!

[littlegreenfroggy]

Hi, I've been diagnosed with GD at 27 weeks and been given an Agamatrix WaveSense JAZZ machine - I was given a brief demo by the diabetes nurse (a 'dummy' if you like, she didn't actually do a test) and it looked really easy! When doing it myself though, I just can't seem to get the lancet to penetrate my finger as it doesn't stick out far enough past the cap to reach IYSWIM (even when on the deepest lancing level). I've read the instructions thoroughly but just can't work out what I'm doing wrong. I've managed to get 2 readings so far without using the cap but I'm sure this isn't right! Any help greatly appreciated.

I can't help with that lancet I'm afraid, but if practise doesn't make perfect- I recommend the Accu Chek fastclix. Boots sell them and I use them with my four year old.

Hmm no experience of that lancet I'm afraid. Is the cap on correctly? Can you find a you tube video or the makers website and see if there are any helpful tips there?

Have you tried a different part of your finger as well? I found some bits bled easier than others.

If all that fails then please call you diabetes nurse and get her to help you - they won't mind.

Thanks both for your advice. I think I just need to keep practising; I’m finding it easier now if I make sure my hands are nice & warm & I squeeze my finger a little bit to get the blood to flow more easily.

Putting your hand down also helps get a good blob. Like the opposite of first aid advice to stop bleeding.

This time of year, hands are often numb and chilly, which means the blood vessels are constricted and harder to get anything out of. Warm them up thoroughly before taking a sample and you’ll find it a lot easier. Also aim for the fleshiest bit of your finger pulp. Good luck!

Thank you My fingers are quite thin/boney so not much flesh and I have carpal tunnel too which I don't think is helping! I'll keep persevering!

If your fingers are cold, running them under warm water can help.

I alternate sides of each of the tops of my fingers. That gives you 8 finger sides before you repeat.

Also, keep your hands moisturised, keeps them soft which helps too.

I always use a little squeeze as well to get the blood out.

for me i manage to get the prick but because i have cerebral palsy my hands are not steady.I keep trying to dip the stick in the blood but it keeps giving me error messages .Its so frustrating other day i dropped scalding hot tea on my hand because of my hands

I have a bit of trouble too sometimes it’s like the needle dosent come out far enough of the pen!!! It can be hit or miss but with my pen I’m finding squishing my finger hard at the Top is increasing my success rate! Very annoying though and sometimes I can’t get enough blood out and waste the strips!!!