Second "stick" at same location

[lance]

Sometimes I have wasted a strip because the blood didn't come in a sufficient quantity soon enough. It takes a second or two for the blood to appear.

The instructions are to wait until the monitor beeps and the count-down begins before pricking the finger to apply the first drop only.

There is no difference between the first and second stick to the same site-- results were similar--so why not prick the finger prior to the beep and have it flowing freely ensuring timely application to the strip without squeezing and/or make a "double" stick immediately.

It's something I have often wondered about. Of course it could result in blood everywhere, the monitor, the table, the finger, the strip, etc.

Any comments?

 

[kbheart]

Of course it could result in blood everywhere, the monitor, the table, the finger, the strip, etc.

I don't have an answer for you but I had to laugh at your last paragraph and then I looked up and saw your name was Lance.

 

[Ross]

Lance I usually let mine get through the self test and when it's warming up, I go ahead and stick me finger and get that drop ready for "Apply Sample". By the time it says so, I'm ready to drop it.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

The instructions for the PROTIME Anti-Coagulation System say to WIPE AWAY the First Drop, then collect a large drop in the sample bowl. Sometimes it takes 2 drops to fill that bowl!

'AL Capshaw'

 

[DrAllan]

Why the time concern? For Coaguchek and INRration, the time that the strip remains viable after opening the package is 4-6 minutes. You want a fresh drop of blood, not one that has begun clotting, whichj occurs immediately after the puncture.

 

[lance]

Time concern=within 15 seconds

Time concern=within 15 seconds

Dr. Allen,
XS insructs to apply sample to test area within 15 seconds and apply the first drop.

So if the puncture is made while the strip is warming up--whatever it's doing--while the hour glass and strip is flashing prior to the beep it's hard to understand why if the blood is now freely flowing this would be considered a partially congealed sample. If the bleeding finger is wiped clean of blood when the beep sounds would this be considered a non-congealing sample? INR clinic advises to follow instructions and the last thing I want to do is cause incorrect readings.

Ross, is this the way you do it? I don't think you use the XS.