Blood Sugar Test by Finger Prick Only?

[S.T.A.C.E.Y, LPN]

When testing a diabetics blood sugar do you have to do a finger prick? I've been told by some that if you've just started an IV, you can use the 'flash' blood in the IV thing instead of having to prick the patient twice. So, if you do this, will it make a difference in the results? I was told by someone else, that using the venous blood from the IV needle will produce lower results since the cells @ the capillary level have already used the glucose. Now I have also been told hospital policy trumps all, so always follow that (better to be safe than sorry), but just curious if it really does make a difference.

Thanks

[lsyorke, RN]

Meters for "fingerstick" blood sugar are specifically calibrated for capillary blood. I know that in an emergency I've used venous blood, but I don't do it routinely.

[suzanne4, RN]

Actually depends on the type of monitor being used. Most that are used in hospitals can take whole blood, arterial blood, or capillary blood. And the results are all very similar. Most ICU patients that have lines, get their glucoses checked with blood from there. That is one reason that arterial lines are placed, especially in the PICU, so that the child does not need to get poked every hour.

Find out the specifics from the lab in your facility.

[Otessa, BSN, RN]

The monitors we have we can differentiate between capillary, venous, etc.