Measuring blood glucose

Question 1

Explain the procedure to the patient

Answer 1

I am going to check your blood glucose level today.
It will involve me taking a small sample of blood from the side of your finger.
It will involve a very brief pin prick.

Question 2

Equipment

Answer 2

Gloves
Blood glucose meter
Spring loaded lancet (finger pricker)
Testing strips
Gauze

Question 3

First steps before putting gloves on (3)

Answer 3

Get patient to wash hands
Turn on BG meter
Insert test strip into meter

Question 4

After putting gloves on (5)

Answer 4

Remove protective cap from lancet
Prick the side of the patients finger
Touch the tip of the test strip to the blood
Apply gauze to puncture sight
Take reading from BG meter

Question 5

To complete the exam

Answer 5

dispose of lancet in sharps bin

dispose of gloves and gauze in appropriate bin