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- 1). Wash the hand or part of the forearm or thigh that blood will be drawn from thoroughly with an alcohol swab to prevent a faulty reading due to external contamination.
- 2). Prepare the meter by readying a fresh test strip. Different meters may vary in the way they are designed, so determine whether the meter being used needs a test strip inserted manually, or if the strips are stored inside the meter. Meters that store test strips internally will expose a fresh strip when prompted.
- 3). Use a lancet, which has a short, sharp tip, to prick the prepared area. Spring-loaded lancing devices are designed to make the prick quicker and less painful. When a drop of blood is produced on the skin, insert the drop into the end of the test strip. Make sure a full drop is used, otherwise the meter may not be able to accurately read the glucose level.
- 4). Wait for the meter to calculate the blood glucose level. The time it takes may vary depending on the meter. If the meter gives an error message or a number seems inaccurate, try again with a new test strip and new drop of blood.
- 5). Record the glucose level shown on the meter. Some meters automatically keep a history of blood glucose tests, but others don't. If the meter does not keep a record, write down the results. Use the record to determine how food, exercise and stress affect glucose levels. Work with a doctor or diabetes educator to develop a personalized diabetes management plan based on the record of results.
Checking Blood Glucose
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