A glucometer is a medical tool available for home use that determines the amount of glucose in the blood. Glucometers play an important part in the daily lives of diabetics, allowing them to monitor their glucose levels from home. Daily testing helps diabetics maintain normal glucose levels by alerting them to any changes that require medical attention. There are many different types of glucometers available. Your doctor should be able to help you choose a monitor that will best suit your personal needs. Additionally, your doctor will explain how often to test your blood and what to do if you obtain an abnormal result. Many doctors will also teach you how set up and use your new monitor.
Performing the Test
Step 1
Assemble all necessary supplies. Make sure you have everything you need and that the test strips are not expired according to the expiration date on the package.
Step 2
Wash your hands with warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. This will reduce the chance of infection at the puncture site.
Step 3
Turn on the glucometer and insert a test strip, according to the directions on the test strip container. One side of the test strip is meant for blood collection and should be face up on the outside of the monitor when the strip is inserted properly.
Step 4
Wipe the fingertip you will be using with an alcohol pad and allow to dry.
Step 5
Pierce the skin of the fingertip with the lancet. Squeeze or massage the finger until a blood drop forms.
Step 6
Place the edge of the test strip against the blood drop until the strip draws in the required amount of blood. The glucometer will signal that it has obtained the appropriate amount of blood and that testing has begun.
Step 7
Wipe away any remaining blood with a sterile gauze pad and apply pressure to the site to stop bleeding, if necessary.
Step 8
Record the glucose test results in your notebook after each test to be reviewed by your doctor at your next appointment. Follow your doctor's treatment instructions for any abnormal values. If test results are extremely high or low, repeat testing and contact your doctor right away for additional assistance.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep fresh glucometer batteries on hand at all times, including during travel. Warming the fingertip, either by rubbing your hands together or washing with warm water prior to the procedure, will increase blood flow to the area. Alternating blood draw sites will allow previously used areas a chance to heal between uses and can reduce the risk of infection. There are glucometers on the market that allow blood to be drawn from sites other than the fingertip. Consult with your doctor if you feel this type of monitor would be a better choice for you.
- To reduce the risk of accidental needle sticks, used lancets must be disposed of in an appropriate container. Most medical supply stores carry sharps disposal units that can be used to discard lancets as well as insulin syringes.
Things You'll Need
- Glucometer
- Test strips
- Alcohol pads
- Lancets
- Sterile gauze pads (optional)
- Notebook
