Before beginning the process of sample collection, ensure you have the following supplies:
- Alcohol prep pad or soapy water.
- A lancing device containing a fresh lancet for drawing blood.
- Testing strip to put the blood droplet.
- Dairy to record results/Software to sync with glucose to write results.
- Disposal container
- Cotton pads
Here are the following steps to use a glucometer:
Before You Start Testing
Step 1: Wash your hands properly and sanitise before drawing blood from your fingertips.
Step 2: Clean the area with an alcohol pad to prevent any infection.
Step 3: Allow your skin to dry out naturally. Do not blow air to dry it as it might cause your skin to get infected.
Testing Blood Sample
Step 1: Insert the test strip and turn on the glucometer. Allow the device to let you know when you should put blood onto the inserted strip.
Step 2: Pierce the fingertip with a lancing strip. You might feel a slight pain which is bearable.
Step 3: Squeeze your finger to produce a sufficient drop of blood.
Step 4: Carefully place on the strip the blood drop.
Step 5: Rub your finger with the alcohol pad to stop bleeding and avoid infection.
Step 6: Wait for a few seconds, and your device will show glucose results in your blood.
If you find it difficult to get a blood sample or get an inappropriate reading, wash and warm your hands before your prick again.
Record the Results
- Keep a record of the results so your doctor can build a diet plan accordingly.
- Smartphone applications are available that you can sync with your glucometer to note down results.
- Based on results, doctors might ask you to take insulin doses to reduce your blood sugar level. Eating carbohydrates is necessary for those who want their blood sugar levels up.
After using the lancets, it is necessary to dispose of these components in a proper container. You can ask your physician to provide you with a sharps container and a plastic bottle. This will help you to dispose of the same after checking the disposal regulations. So, now that you know what is a glucometer and what is the use of glucometer let us come to who can use the device.