Tips for Getting Better Blood Flow

When pricking your finger with a lancet, following are a few easy things you can do to ensure you draw enough blood. Everyone is different and testing is a skill. Finding your best testing sweet spots may take some trial and error.

• • When you prep your lancet device, adjust the depth selector. The lancet device can accommodate a lighter prick for soft, sensitive skin or a deeper prick for thick or calloused skin. With experience, you’ll find the optimal depth for you.
  • Warm your hands. Testing when your hands are cold can result in a more restricted blood flow. To warm up your fingers, shake them vigorously, sit on them briefly, rub them together, or give them a good scrub using warm water and soap.
  • Test on the sides of your finger. You’ll get better blood flow and than pricking in the middle, and it’s less sensitive on the sides.
  • Grip the finger you are going to test with the index finger and thumb of your other hand and squeeze for about 10 seconds before using the lancet. This increases hydro-static pressure.
  • After puncturing your finger, put the lancing device aside and wait for a blood drop to form, about 4 seconds. Lowering your hand to hip height and massaging the finger softly may improve the blood flow. If you still have too little blood, gently squeeze your hand, starting at the part closest to your palm and working your way down your finger until you have enough
  • Switch fingers regularly when testing. Using the same spot on the same finger can lead to calluses.

Tips for getting better a better blood sample