Obtaining a Capillary Blood Sample for Glucose Testing

Goal: The blood glucose level is measured accurately without adverse effect.

1. Check the patient’s medical record or nursing plan of care for monitoring schedule. You may decide that additional testing is indicated based on nursing judgment and the patient’s condition.

2. Gather equipment.

3. Perform hand hygiene and put on PPE, if indicated.

4. Identify the patient. Explain the procedure to the patient and instruct the patient about the need for monitoring blood glucose.

5. Close curtains around bed and close the door to the room, if possible.

6. Turn on the monitor.

7. Enter the patient’s identification number, if required, according to facility policy.

8. Put on nonsterile gloves.

9. Prepare lancet using aseptic technique.

10. Remove test strip from the vial. Recap container immediately. Test strips also come individually wrapped. Check that the code number for the strip matches code number on the monitor screen.

11. Insert the strip into the meter according to directions for that specific device.

12. For adult, massage side of finger toward puncture site.

13. Have the patient wash hands with soap and warm water and dry thoroughly. Alternately, cleanse the skin with an alcohol swab. Allow skin to dry completely.

14. Hold lancet perpendicular to skin and pierce site with lancet.

15. Wipe away first drop of blood with gauze square or cotton ball if recommended by manufacturer of monitor.

16. Encourage bleeding by lowering the hand, making use of gravity. Lightly stroke the finger, if necessary, until sufficient amount of blood has formed to cover the sample area on the strip, based on monitor requirements (check instructions for monitor). Take care not to squeeze the finger, not to squeeze at puncture site, or not to touch puncture site or blood.

17. Gently touch a drop of blood to pad to the test strip without smearing it.

18. Press time button if directed by manufacturer.

19. Apply pressure to puncture site with a cotton ball or dry gauze. Do not use alcohol wipe.

20. Read blood glucose results and document appropriately at bedside. Inform patient of test result.

21. Turn off meter, remove test strip, and dispose of supplies appropriately. Place lancet in sharps container.

22. Remove gloves and any other PPE, if used. Perform hand hygiene.