Some information about our bodies can only be discovered through blood tests. Tests that are performed at home often need a finger prick to draw blood. People who have diabetes and don’t have a continuous blood glucose monitor may need to prick their fingers several times a day. This can become painful, which may cause you to avoid checking your blood sugar as often as you should.
A finger prick is a method of drawing drops of blood for at-home medical tests. These are most commonly used by people with diabetes to check their blood sugar (blood glucose) levels, but can also be used in other at-home test kits, such as tests for sexually transmitted diseases or hormone levels.
Finger pricks, also called finger sticks, are done using a device called a lancet. Lancets are needles or narrow, sharp blades that poke a small hole in the skin. There are two types of lancets used for collecting blood samples:
Never share your finger prick lancets with anyone, as this can spread bloodborne diseases.
Finger prick tests don’t have a lot of difficult instructions, but they can be hard if you have a weak stomach or aren’t used to doing a finger prick on yourself.
To do a finger prick test:
For people with diabetes, who may have to prick their fingers several times a day, finger pricks can quickly become painful.
There are a few things you can do to reduce finger pain from finger sticks:
If you’re struggling, it could be that you aren’t using the best equipment for you:
If you’ve pricked your finger but are struggling to get enough blood for a test, drop your hand below your waist and count to five. This helps increase blood flow to the area. If you’re still struggling, gently squeeze your finger, starting at the base and working your way up to your fingertip. Don’t squeeze right at the prick site, as this will cause more pain.
If you know you typically have a hard time getting enough blood, try these tips before lancing your finger:
Checking your blood glucose involves a few more steps than just a finger prick:
SOURCES:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “CDC Clinical Reminder: Use of Fingerstick Devices on More than One Person Poses Risk for Transmitting Bloodborne Pathogens,” “Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia).”
Cleveland Clinic: “Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar).”
Kaiser Permanente: “How to make checking your blood sugar easier.”
Mayo Clinic: “Slide show: Blood sugar testing.”
Sexual Health London: “Finger-Prick Blood.”
The diaTribe Foundation: “Taking the Sting Out of Fingersticks: Lancets, Life Hacks and More.”
Voice of the Diabetic: “SORE FINGERS — HOW TO PREVENT AND TREAT THEM.”
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