help with accuchecks

[melcolbstorm]

I am new with checking accuchecks. We use the StatStrip system, anyone have tips on how to perform?? I need tips on using the lancets and getting enough blood, and any tips you guys have!

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Have you received any training at your facility? You are asking a lot of questions about things that should be learned during orientation.

[Paws2people]

It's pretty basic, clean the site with alcohol, allow to dry, use the lancet on the side of the finger, wipe away the first drop of blood, and use the next drop on the strip. If you don't get enough blood you can "milk" the finger, or change the position of their hand.

[msygrnbw]

It's pretty basic, clean the site with alcohol, allow to dry, use the lancet on the side of the finger, wipe away the first drop of blood, and use the next drop on the strip. If you don't get enough blood you can "milk" the finger, or change the position of their hand.

Whether or not you clean with alcohol depends on your machine. Make sure that you understand the machine your hospital uses. Alcohol wipes can cause inaccurate results on the machines at my facility, so we clean with soap and water before taking our reading.

Also, you don't want to vigorously 'milk' the finger, as it can cause hemolysis or increase the tissue fluid in the result, which can affect the result. Usually with light pressure around the area you can get enough for a blood sample. I find that having the hand low for a minute or two helps get a sample as you're encouraging blood flow to it.

And like emtb2rn said, you should have an orientation to your facility and policies/procedures. Different meters are slightly different, so it's important to understand the one you will actually be using. If you aren't attending an orientation, you may want to contact your educator for additional training.

[crystalNC]

First off if you have issues getting blood try warming the finger first. Next, lower the finger below the heart so that blood tries to pool in that area. Next squeeze the middle joint area of the finger prior to pricking the finger so that you really pool the blood down into the finger. Do NOT squeeze the area of the finger you are going to prick, you will make your results invalid. Hope that helps.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I recommend contacting your lab technologist in charge of this - who may even be the educator for that product. Not only do you need to know, but others will as well adn the patient care depends on getting this right. The lab needs to know about issues.

[casi, ASN, RN]

For those that you know are stingy with giving blood, massage the hand some before you poke, it helps increase blood flow.

[melcolbstorm]

I have seen these demonstrated at orientation, but have not done myself. I am trying to get any advice from all of you who have done them before

[melcolbstorm]

Awesome, thanks!!! Does the side of the finger hurt less??Or give more blood??

[melcolbstorm]

Thank you so much for the tips!

[melcolbstorm]

WOW crystalNC!!! VERY interesting! Thank so much for helping!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[melcolbstorm]

thank you!