If you are pregnant, display symptoms of high or low blood sugar, or have diabetes, you may need to check for the presence of glucose -- sugar in the blood. Self-testing is not difficult, but it does require a certain amount of knowledge and preparation. You need to know what healthy glucose levels are and have a reliable glucose meter to detect the amount of glucose in your blood. How you perform your test is the difference between accurate and inaccurate results.
Step 1
Choose a blood glucose meter. MayoClinic.com explains that most glucose meters are accurate, however, they differ in their features. Consider the cost of the machine, and how much of this cost your insurance covers. Determine how easy it is to use -- be sure the meter and test strips are easy to hold and the numbers are easy to read. Ask your doctor how much blood you need to receive accurate results -- some meters require a small amount, while others need a larger drop.
Step 2
Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before touching your supplies. Washing your hands helps prevent a contaminated blood sample.
Step 3
Gather your supplies and place them in a clean area. Collect your machine, testing strips, alcohol swabs and lancet, or needle. Having them ready makes the process easier.
Step 4
Remove a test strip from the container and replace the cap. Doing this prevents damaging the remaining strips.
Step 5
Use the lancet to collect your blood sample. Wipe the area of your finger with an alcohol swab, and place the lancet on the side of your finger, gently pricking your skin. Using the side rather than the tip prevents sore spots on the area of your finger you use the most, explains MayoClinic.com.
Step 6
Increase blood flow and collect your sample. Hold your hand down by your side for a few seconds -- this increases blood flow to the site, making collection easier. You can also gently massage your finger until a drop of blood appears. Touch the test strip to the blood, using caution not to touch the skin around it. This is another method of contamination prevention.
Step 7
Insert the strip into your glucose meter. Within a matter of seconds, your meter will show the results of your test. You will know if any glucose is currently present, and how much. Report the results to your doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Glucose meter
- Lancet
- Alcohol swabs
- Testing strips
