Monitoring of blood glucose is important for many patients with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association states that "typical" blood sugars are 70 to 130mg/dl before a meal and below 180mg/dl after a meal. Your physician may have a goal for your blood sugar that is different from these typical ranges. You must know what your blood sugar should be and when to be concerned. Knowing your blood glucose level helps you to plan your diet and appropriate activity level. Some patients regulate their insulin intake according to their blood glucose level, as well. Each type of blood glucose monitor varies slightly, and you should carefully follow the instructions included with your machine or those from the doctor's office.
Wash Your Hands
Wash your hands with warm water and soap. Dry thoroughly. If you perform the test on someone else, put on disposable gloves after washing and drying your hands.
Set Up Your Supplies
Gather your blood glucose monitor, lancet, two alcohol prep pads (or two cotton balls and a bottle of alcohol), your lancet, test strip, test strip bottle, pen and paper. You may also use a lancet device and quality control bottles.
Perform a Quality Control Check
Turn on the Accu-Chek machine. Perform a quality control check if called for. You may have a quality control strip to use, or you may have bottles of liquid. Make sure the liquid has not expired.
Check for Correct Code
Your Accu-Chek machine may show a code indicating which strips it is prepared to work with, such as "7." Ensure your strip bottle is identical to that number. If not, change the code in the machine before testing your blood. Also, check to make sure your strips have not expired.
Prick Your Finger
Pick a finger to use. Avoid a finger you have used recently. You may prefer to avoid your thumb and index finger. Clean with alcohol and allow it to air dry. Take the cover off the lancet. Prick your fingertip on the side, either using a lancet device placed up against the finger, or by quickly poking with the lancet. Keep the pad side down on the finger, with the fingers hanging below the hand. If possible, allow the blood to form a drop with little to no squeezing. If necessary, gently "milk" the entire finger. Always use a fresh lancet. Alternatively, use a site described by your device's manufacturer.
Place the Blood on the Strip
Place a new strip underneath the drop of blood on your finger and allow it to completely darken the spot on the strip. The machine may be counting down the seconds until the next step must take place.
Place the Strip in the Machine
Place the strip into the Accu-Chek machine. Usually, the machine takes over and you do not have to do anything but wait for the result.
Clean Your Finger
Hold a fresh alcohol pad or cotton ball with alcohol against your finger until the bleeding stops. Use a small bandage, if needed.
Evaluate Your Results
Write down your results for yourself and your physician. If your test results are outside the parameters set by your doctor, recheck using a different finger. If your retest number is still high or low, follow your physician's instructions for care.
Clean Up
Safely dispose of your lancet. Use a "sharps" container or a puncture-proof, closed container that is properly discarded. Throw away anything contaminated with blood. Store your supplies away from extreme temperatures and moisture. Wash your hands with soap and water.
References
- Roche Diagnosics: Accu Chek: How to Test Blood Sugar
- American Diabetes Association: Checking Your Blood Glucose
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing"; Donna Ignatavicius, M.S., R.N. and Linda Workman, Ph.D.; 2002
