How To Use a Glucometer

Some of this information was provided by Debra Manzella, R.N.,

Here's How:

1. First, set out your glucometer, a test strip, a lancet and an alcohol prep pad.
2. Wash your hands to prevent infection. You'd be surprised on how many people skip this step; it is really important that you wash your hands because germs ,food and other material could affect your test results.  If water isn't available, use hand sanitizer.  Whether you use water or hand sanitzer, your hands need to be completely dry.
Decide where you are going to obtain the blood from, usually a finger. Some of the newer monitors let you use your forearm or another less sensitive place.
Sometimes it helps to warm your hands first to make the blood flow easier. You can rub your hands together briskly or run them under warm water.
Turn on the glucometer and place a test strip in the machine when the machine is ready. Watch the indicator for placing the blood to the strip.
Make sure your hand is dry and wipe the area you've selected with an alcohol prep pad and wait until the alcohol evaporates.
Pierce your finger tip on the soft, fleshy pad and obtain a drop of blood. The type of drop of blood is determined by the type of strip you are using (some use a "hanging drop" of blood versus a small drop for strips that draw blood in with a capillary action).
Place the drop of blood on or at the side of the strip.
The glucometer will take a few moments to calculate the blood sugar reading. Follow your doctor's orders for whatever blood sugar reading you get.
You may use the alcohol prep pad to blot the site where you drew the blood if it is still bleeding.
Write down your results. Keeping a record makes it easier for you and your doctor to establish a good treatment plan. Some glucometers can store your results in a memory, for easier record keeping.