Ensuring a reliable blood flow
When taking a blood sample, you may improve the blood flow and minimize the level of pain. The following recommendations show how you can manage this:
- Find our which individual combination of lancet diameter and lancing device puncture depth suits you best.
Reason: The goal is to puncture just enough to guarantee the blood flow and no more than necessary. - Consider changing puncture sites systematically and use a new, sterile lancet for every blood sample to minimize the formation of calluses.
Reason: Lancets become non-sterile and blunt after multiple use. As a result, your fingertips are exposed to additional stress and the risk of infection increases. - Wash your hands with warm water and soap first and dry them completely. This cleans the puncture site and facilitates collecting the blood.
Reason: The warm water increases the blood circulation in your fingertips. - The puncture site may additionally be wiped with an alcohol-soaked swab. Ensure that the site is completely dry before taking the blood sample.
- After puncturing, put the lancing device aside and wait for a blood drop to form. Do not squeeze the finger, but lowering your hand to hip height and massaging the finger softly may improve the blood flow.
Notes on safety
To prevent infections, it is necessary that you do observe the following safety recommendations: