Newbie: problems testing

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Jhandi

Jhandi

Member Since 2024
I can't get blood without making her cry! I read all the directions on the post about how to test.

I tried lidocaine, but it gooped up the test strip. The next time I washed the lidocaine off, but still couldn't get any blood no matter what I did. Practically gave the poor thing a pierced ear and still nothing.

I've only successfully gotten blood without any painkillers. But if I puncture deep enough to get blood she cries, and that makes me not want to test her! :-( After the one and only glucose curve was done, she hid and was scared of me for two days.

I don't want to test on her paw. She's thinks digging in the litter box is an Olympic sport and I don't want to risk an infection at the puncture wound.
 
What size lancet are you using? Size 26 or 28 is best for beginners. It should not be hurting. Are you warming the ear first with some rice in a sock?
Does your lancet holder have a dial to change the depth of the prick? You might have to make it deeper.
Also Try milking the ear upwards.
Shine a torch behind the ear and see the veins running along the edge. Try and get between the vein and the edge of the ear
Offer a little Low carb snack as you test for distraction
 
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Bron and Sheba (GA) said:
What size lancet are you using? Size 26 or 28 is best for beginners... Does your lancet holder have a dial to change the depth of the prick?
Click to expand...
The lancets that came with my meter are 30G. I've been manually pricking cuz the holder is too hard to aim at an exact spot. If I press it deep I do get blood, but then she also cries. If I don't press deep, no blood & no cries.
 
Jhandi said:
The lancets that came with my meter are 30G. I've been manually pricking cuz the holder is too hard to aim at an exact spot. If I press it deep I do get blood, but then she also cries. If I don't press deep, no blood & no cries.
Click to expand...
I would go out and buy some 26 or 28 gauge lancets. You will find they are better.
I would also try the holder again. You will find you will be able to use it successfully with practise.
Some people like to not use the holder and are successful.i always used the holder. It is a personal preference. Are you holding the back of the ear with a cotton ball.?
 
I agree with Bron. Use a wider lancet for now. It takes a few weeks for the capillary bed along the edge of the ear to build up. Once that happens, the ear will bleed more easily and you can use a thinner (higher number) lancet. Also, remember to warm Jhandy's ear. I would rub my cat's ear. Other members have found a warm rice sock or putting warm water in a container and holding it against your cat's ear helps.

Also, treats are a big incentive. Regardless of whether a test is successful or not, your kitty gets treats.
 
I am so SORRY to read about your trouble drawing blood from your cat. I had a similar issue. I think I lanced my cat’s ears over 3,000 times without drawing enough blood to test. Once I switched to 26 gauge Walmart Relion lancets I had more consistent success. I was initially using 30 guage then 28 gauge with no success. I try to use enough force like I am trying to pop a balloon then I “milk” the ear by gently pressing the ear between my thumb and finger while rubbing upwards toward the puncture area. I also discovered that the rims of the ear are the best places to get enough blood without having to make too many attempts.
 
LionHeartTX said:
I try to use enough force like I am trying to pop a balloon then I “milk” the ear by gently pressing the ear between my thumb and finger while rubbing upwards toward the puncture area. I also discovered that the rims of the ear are the best places to get enough blood without having to make too many attempts.
Click to expand...
In some instances I've used so much force that the lancet almost went totally through her ear! I've been using the rim of the ear just like the directions in the how to test page say. Does it matter which side of the ear I use? I've been using the outside edge, but the picture posted above makes it look like I should be using the inside edge??? Or does it matter?
 
She also tends to be slightly dehydrated, even though she's sometimes drinking so much the water bowl is almost dry. Does that make a difference? The vet sometimes has difficulty drawing blood because of the dehydration.
 
I used to use both sides of the ear. The outer side is more common. Whatever works for you.
It’s quite common for diabetic cats to get dehydrated even though they drink a lot. Try putting a teaspoon of warm water into each meal and snack. Also you could ask the vet if she needs some subQ fluids.
 
I had nothing but trouble with the 30 gauge lancets. Switching to 26 gauge made a HUGE difference. I could use less force, and I didn’t have to make as many attempts. I use the back side of the ear (the side with fur). I alternate between the left & right rims & left & right ears. It is important to note that it does not require a lot of force to draw blood. You only need a small amount of blood. A full drop of blood will be enough for any meter out there. I prick the ear then put the ear between my thumb & index finger and massage upwards from the base of the ear toward the puncture site like you are gently squeezing the last bit of toothpaste from a tube of toothpaste. Once the droplet of blood is about 2 or 3 millimeters in diameter I have enough to test. Other meters need less and few need more. Sometimes I lance the ear and wait a few seconds. Sometimes it bleeds on its own with no effort.
 
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