Blood test-finger tips

[d_gal]

Hi,

I have been asked by my doctor to test my blood on a regular basis at least three times a day. I am used to it since I have been doing this since 21 years of my life. But I wuld like to know that is it harmful to my finger/s tips in any way that i test my blood so many times a day.

Before testing my blood, i clean my finger tip with alcohol swab and then ***** my finger with the needle and then remove blood and clean it again with the slcohol swab. I know that there is no other substitute to blood tests but I just wanted an advice on whether there is any other solution like applying some medicated oinment after testing my blood so that in the long-run it doesnt make the finger tips weak.

Thanks for your reply.

[Mr_Gatorade]

Punching holes with lancets don't harm your skin.   What harms your skin is letting your blood sugar run high--above 120 mg/dL.
When that happens, it's like letting your blood clog up with sugary syrup, the blood has trouble getting through the tiny capillaries that are only as wide as a single red blood cell, oxygen has trouble getting to your body's tissues, and your skin doesn't heal well.

As the other person said, you don't need to use alcohol beforehand.

[mejoje]

I do blood sugars at work all the time, you do want to use alcohol first then wipe it off with a swab because the alcohol can interfer with the reading. Good luck

[JDRF-Team-LRS]

Hello d_gal,
In recent years, we've also been advised that cleaning with alcohol is not required, and that good handwashing with warm water and soap is usually all that's needed.

Alcohol is very drying and if your skin begins to seem very dry around the areas you test, consider changing your technique to handwashing instead of the alcohol use.

I'm also a volunteer and not a physician.

[d_gal]

Thanks a lot for all your suggestions.
I had a doubt since one of you has mentioned that I could use my palm and/ arm for alternate blood testing sights, could you elaborate a little on that, as in where exactly from the arm/palm? Fyi, I use the surestep plus lifescan machine for blood tests daily. Please advice.
I will work upon the other suggestions and revert back if i have any further queries on this issue.

Thanks again.

Regards.

[JDRF-Team-wak]

I would suggest checking the instruction manual for your meter, or the company website for your meter to see if it is approved for alternate site testing.  If it is not approved it will not give accurate readings.  Most meters that do alternate sight have a function that you need to activate when you do it. If you do not let the meter know it is alternate sight the readings will not be accurate. You should never do alternate site if you feel low.  

Hope this helps you.  Feel good.

[JDRF-Team-wak]

I am not a physician, but the mom of a type 1 diabetic and the daughter of a type 2.   I can tell you that testing so often will not harm your finger tips as my daughter tests 8-10 times a day, if you do it in the proper spot.  NEVER ***** the tip, pad of your finger; you should be pricking the sides of your finger on the top, (along side the nail),   This way you are saving the nerve endings, so that heaven forbid you loose your sight and need to have sensitive fingertips, they will be ok.

We have been told this by several doctors including the instructions on most glucometers.  Some meters are good for alternate site testing such as the arm, and palm.