Arm testing

zookeeper671 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-24-2003, 10:24 PM

I'd love to be able to test on my arm... supposed to be able to with my meter (OneTouch Ulta). However, I have such trouble getting enough of an itty bitty drop of blood out of my arm to fill the strip and when I squeeze to help it along I end up with a little bruise. I've tried lancing and then holding the device pressed against my arm for several seconds afterward (per directions), yet it still produces an insufficient amount of blood.

Does anyone else have this problem? What's the best way to get this technique to work?

Best wishes,
Angie and her ouchy fingers.

Andrea · #2 (**permalink**) 11-25-2003, 12:48 AM

Hi Angie,

I have less problem with bruising on my upper arm (near my shoulder and on the palm of my hand (at the base of my thumb). However, even if i don't bruise, i still have a little red dot that can stay for weeks. Consequently, i usually test on my fingers.

For the amount of blood, rub the area to make sure that the blood is circulating, make sure your lancet device it at the deepest depth and don't only hold the device down, but pump it up and down a bit. With this technique, i have never had problems with the size of the droplet. Another point is that there are meters now that require less blood than the Ultra - the Freestyle and the new BD meter that comes with Paradigm pumps both only use 0.3µL compared to the 1µL of the Ultra.

Andrea

am1977 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-25-2003, 05:47 AM

Hi,
I also have the One Touch and have never been able to test anywher other than my fingers...even then I still have difficulty getting enough blood sometimes. I have completely given up on trying to test anywhere other than my fingers, but I gues I have gotten used to it, b/c it doesn't bother me that much.

HeatherP · #4 (**permalink**) 11-25-2003, 01:23 PM

I have never been able to get blood from my arms - on the rare occasion I can get any I end up w/ an "error" message, probably from too little blood. I gave up, and I always use my fingers.

statdeac · #5 (**permalink**) 11-25-2003, 01:43 PM

A couple of meters, including the Freestyle, allow you test test from the arm with less blood than the one touch. You only need 0.3 microliters (about the size of the head a pin). I think the BD meter is another one with this technology.

lgvincent · #6 (**permalink**) 11-25-2003, 02:21 PM

Is a special lancing device required to get blood from an arm?

HeatherP · #7 (**permalink**) 11-25-2003, 04:07 PM

The meters I've had that said alternative testing was available did come w/ either a special lancet device, or a special "cap" to use on the different site. I think it's supposed to penetrate deeper under the skin that fingertip devices. I still haven't had any luck though.

rzrbks · #8 (**permalink**) 11-25-2003, 04:28 PM

Quote:

HeatherP

The meters I've had that said alternative testing was available did come w/ either a special lancet device, or a special "cap" to use on the different site.

Yes, mine also. My Induo lancet has a replacement cap (clear plastic) so you can pump or press on the site and make sure to get enough blood--it works, but I prefer to have "Black Dot" fingers