Take the "Ouch" Out of Diabetic Testing

Finger-stick blood glucose testing enables caregivers to quickly and effectively monitor residents with diabetes, but let's face it – it can be a pain (literally). Luckily, the following strategies can help make it a more pleasant process for everyone involved:

• When choosing a lancet, remember that a higher gauge number means a thinner, and typically less painful, lancet tip. Keep in mind, however, that it might be more difficult to get a large enough blood sample using the thinnest lancets.
• Test on the side of the finger rather than the pad. There are fewer sensitive nerve endings on the side.
• Make sure the fingertip is prepped before trying to obtain a blood sample. The fingertip should be warm, not cold. If it's cold, try rubbing or shaking the hand to get blood to the fingertips.
• If the fingertips are sore following repeated testing, check to see if your meter is approved for alternate-site testing. You might also try switching fingers.
• Choose a lancet that has linear needle tracking. This feature helps to reduce tissue damage caused by vibrations from the needle.
• Keep hands moisturized between tests to eliminate the skin hardening that can be caused by repeated finger-sticks.

ProMed's exclusive single-use MicroLance PF lancets and CareSens N Blood Glucose Monitoring System are the perfect solutions for your diabetic testing protocol. To learn more, contact your ProMed territory manager, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 or visit us online at promedsupply.com.