Getting a blood sample from your forearm or palm:
- Getting a blood sample from your forearm or palm is different than getting a sample from your fingertips. Follow these instructions to get a sufficient blood drop for testing.
- CAUTION:
- Before testing, make sure to wash the puncture site with soap and water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
- The clear cap is for forearm and palm sampling only. Replace the blue cap with the clear cap. For more information on how to obtain a clear cap, contact Customer Care.
1. Insert a sterile lancet and snap on the clear cap
2. Adjust the depth setting
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- You may need a deeper setting to get a sufficient sample for testing.
- Twist the clear cap toward the larger numbers to increase the depth.
- Be sure to cock the lancing device.
3. Choose a sample site
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- Choose a spot away from bone, veins, and hair. Massage the site to increase blood flow.
- Select a spot with no visible veins and avoid deep lines, which may cause your blood sample to smear.
4. Lance your forearm or palm
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- Firmly press and hold the lancing device against your forearm or palm for a few seconds.
- Wait until the skin surface under the clear cap changes colour (as blood collects beneath the skin). This tells you there is enough blood flow for a good sample.
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- Then press the release button while continuing to apply pressure.
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- Keep holding the lancing device against your skin until a round drop of blood forms under the cap.
- When sampling from your forearm or palm, make sure the drop of blood is sufficient (
approximate size) before you release pressure and remove the lancing device.
5. Remove the lancing device
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- Carefully lift the lancing device away from your skin. Do Not smear the blood sample.
- If the drop of blood runs or spreads due to contact with hair or a line in your palm, do not use the sample. Try lancing again in a smoother area.
- If bruising occurs at an alternate site or you have difficulty getting a sample, consider sampling from a fingertip instead. You may want to review the choice of sites with your healthcare professional.
6. Apply the sample to the test strip
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- Keep your forearm or palm steady and use your other hand to bring the top edge of the test strip to the drop of blood.
- For more information on applying the blood sample to the test strip, see article:
- For more information on unexpected test results, see article:
- For information on disposing the used lancet, see article:
