Testing Q's

[MegaGirl42]

I was wondering how everyone else tests their sugar levels? I use a accu-chek advantage monitor. Do I have to always prick my fingers or is there another option with this monitor? My fingers are getting tender! :o

I was also curious if you always use alcohol swabs when cleaning the area before checking? I was told when I had gestational diabetes that I shouldn't use alcohol swabs and just wash my hands with soap and water. Now though my doctor says I should use alcohol swabs before each test. Which do you use? Do you think it really matters? :confused:

[Belinda]

I don't use alcohol swabs for my fingers only for inserting my pump site. Even when I did injections I didn't use alcohol swabs. I usually check my bs after going to the bathroom hence my hands are washed with soap and water (did noticed that when I used warm vanilla sugar soap numbers were higher! :1eye: ). I wash my hands almost constantly throughout the day or use hand sanitizer so I generally just stick my finger and go from there.

[decimaldancer]

I started out using alcohal wipes, but now I don't bother. I have an AccuChek Advantage also and I don't know any way to do it with out sticking your finger.

I carry the alcohal wipes to use afterward because sometimes the bleeding won't stop and the alcohal wipe will help me stop bleeding.

[Funnygrl]

The accu-chek advantage does not allow for alternative site testing, but most newer meters do, so watch for ads, coupons, and rebates, and you should be able to get it free. The ones I know of that allow ast are the Accu-chek Active, the Accu-chek Compact, all Freestlye meters (flash, original, and tracker), the Precision Soft-tac and Xtra, the One Touch Ultra, Ultrasmart, and InDuo, and the Home Diagnostic Inc. TrueTrack.

[MegaGirl42]

Thanks for all the replies everyone! Now Im not sure if I sould use the swabs or not. It seams like such a waste to open a new swab just to do a little wipe before each test. Maby I will see if there is any difference in my bs tests , using swabs or just washing with soap and water. Do you think antimicrobial soap will make any difference in my bs readings? Thanks for the heads up on the vanilla soap, Belinda.

[TAutry]

I also have the AccuChek Advantage. I have tested using alcohol swabs and with a good hand wash. I haven't found any difference in the readings between the two methods.

Travis

[Funnygrl]

I've been told alcohol swabs can raise the reading if it isn't completely dry. It also makes it hurt more in my experience.

[KrisinNM]

I was told many years ago NOT to use the alchohol wipes for anything because they dry your skin out so badly. Heck, I don't even wash my hands unless I have been cooking or playing in the dirt. :-

[happypumper]

Avoid using alcohol to clean your fingers. It will dry your skin and offers ZERO benefit for doing finger sticks.

Dave

[koblenz]

I don't use swabs before, but like others, I do sometimes after to stop or clean up left over blood.

A while back my CDE told me the following with regard to finger sticks and giving shots:

"Shower clean is just fine, you don't have to use a cleaning agent if you are bathe everyday and wash your hands before you test/shot. If you do use swabs, make sure the area is COMPLETELY dry before testing."

Words I now live by. Who know Diabetes would make me take a shower EVERY day! ;) :D :p

[happypumper]

Even "mechanic greasy dirty" was "good enough" for me for years. I didn't have time to sanitize my fingers while working as a mechanic. I never got an infection. (Not that I'm advocating that everyone do what I did!)

[Clint]

I wash my hands with soap and warm water... I use alcohol swabs where I put my infusion set... but I make sure to let it dry completely...

If anyone wants a One Touch Ultra... I have one that I will give you...

[Dewey]

Like the others, I usually either wash my hands with soap and water, or don't use anything prior to the check. After the test, I usually blot the site dry with a paper towel. Seems to have worked well for me, but to each his or her own.... :) :thumbsup:

[rzrbks]

Wash hands if I have time.

I don't use Scented or Special soaps as that throws my readings off.


Heck, I don't even wash my hands unless I have been cooking or playing in the dirt. :thumbsup: