Capillary Puncture | Finger stick for Glucose Testing | Medical Assistant

Summary

The video script demonstrates a step-by-step process for performing a finger stick blood glucose test. It covers the preparation of supplies, including glucose strips, a glucometer, alcohol, gauze, band-aid, and a lancet. The narrator explains the importance of choosing the middle or ring finger, avoiding the thumb, index, and pinky. The process involves cleaning the finger with alcohol, setting up the glucometer, and using the lancet to prick the side of the chosen finger. The first drop of blood is wiped away, and the blood sample is applied to the glucometer strip for a reading. The video concludes with the application of a band-aid after the test, ensuring the viewer is informed on how to conduct a finger stick blood glucose test correctly.

Takeaways

• 🩸 The procedure described is a finger stick for a glucose check.
• 📋 The necessary supplies include glucose strips, a glucometer, alcohol, gauze, band-aid, and a lancet (small needle).
• 👐 The preferred fingers for the finger stick are the middle or ring finger, avoiding the pinky, index, and thumb.
• 🧼 The finger is cleaned with alcohol and allowed to dry before proceeding.
• 🔍 The glucometer is turned on by inserting a glucose strip, which should be done just before the finger stick.
• ⏳ The glucometer will indicate when it's ready for a blood drop by showing a drop symbol.
• 💉 The lancet is used on the lateral side of the finger, not on the top, and the first drop of blood is wiped away.
• 📈 The glucometer reads the glucose level after a few seconds, with the blood being applied to the strip.
• 🩹 After the reading, pressure is applied with gauze, and a band-aid is used to cover the puncture site.
• 🆗 A glucose level of 98 is mentioned as a good result.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the finger stick procedure described in the script?

The purpose of the finger stick procedure is to perform a glucose check, which involves testing a person's blood sugar level using a glucometer and glucose test strips.

Which fingers are recommended for a finger stick according to the script?

The script recommends using the middle finger or the ring finger, which are the third or fourth fingers, for the finger stick procedure.

Why are the pinky, index, and thumb not used for the finger stick?

The pinky, index, and thumb are not used for the finger stick because they are not the preferred fingers for this procedure, likely due to their smaller size and different sensitivity or usage in daily activities.

What is the significance of cleaning the finger with alcohol before the finger stick?

Cleaning the finger with alcohol is important to disinfect the area and prevent infection, and it also helps to ensure an accurate reading by removing any contaminants that could interfere with the test.

Why is it advised to wipe away the first drop of blood after the finger stick?

The first drop of blood should be wiped away because it may contain alcohol residue or other contaminants from the cleaning process, which could affect the accuracy of the glucose reading.

What is the role of the lancet in the finger stick procedure?

The lancet is a small needle used to puncture the skin and draw a small drop of blood for the glucose test. It is essential for obtaining the blood sample needed for the glucometer to measure blood sugar levels.

Why should the glucose test strip not be inserted into the glucometer until just before the finger stick?

Inserting the glucose test strip into the glucometer just before the finger stick ensures that the machine is ready to receive the blood sample immediately, preventing the device from going into hibernation or sleep mode due to inactivity.

How does the glucometer indicate that it is ready for a blood sample?

The glucometer indicates it is ready for a blood sample by displaying a drop of blood symbol or a similar visual cue, signaling that the device is activated and prepared to measure the glucose level.

What is the significance of applying pressure with gauze after the finger stick?

Applying pressure with gauze after the finger stick helps to stop the bleeding and ensures that the blood sample is collected without excessive blood loss, which could affect the accuracy of the test.

What is the normal range for blood glucose levels, and how does the script indicate the result of 98 is good?

A normal blood glucose level for a non-diabetic person is typically between 70 to 99 mg/dL before meals and below 140 mg/dL after meals. The script indicates that a result of 98 is good because it falls within this normal range.

Why is it important to avoid pressing on the top of the finger during the finger stick?

Pressing on the top of the finger during the finger stick should be avoided because it can cause unnecessary pain and may affect the blood flow, leading to inaccurate blood glucose readings.