12/2 - Isabelle - Struggling with testing

[dj4Isabelle]

I have been doing this for about 10 days, and I'm just having a hard time testing with the Relion Micro lancer. When I put the lancets in, and I press the button to pop them out, I don't even see a hint of a needle. Is it coming out just a little bit and I'm not seeing it?

Sometimes, I don't push the lancet all the way in, so that I know some needle with come out, and I use that in Isabelle, but it still doesn't draw blood.

I've tried doing it by hand, but I can't find the right pressure, I'm either too timid and not getting anything, or I push too hard and Isabelle flinches. Sometimes it's taking me 4-5 pokes to get blood, and it's stressful for me. Luckily Isabelle seems to take it in stride, but I'm just worried that I'm hurting her ears, when I should be able to get it done in one poke.

Can anyone offer me advice on getting better at testing with the Relion lancer or free hand with the lancet in the lancer. I'm trying not to get discouraged, and Isabelle's high numbers are bothering me too. Maybe I'm getting a bounce from too much insulin?

 

[KittyMom777]

I cant tell you with the Relion as I use the Accu check Aviva...but when I started and I wasn't sure I was actually hitting his ear with the lancet, I practiced on myself. Found out pretty quickly that I was hitting the ear alright when blood droplets appeared on my finger ;-)

I could never do it freehand either...I've heard that the ear grows more capillaries the more you do it so it gets easier. Have you tried warming the ear? That was a lifesaver for me. I use a hot bag in the microwave for 45 seconds, press it to his ear for a few seconds and voila - blood drop no problem.

 

[MommaOfMuse]

Oh I have a bunch of tips and tricks to testing as I'm to the point after 4 years that I can test anything that meows...lol

Okay a couple quick questions because some of these work better with one type of cat than another.

Is Isabelle long haired or short haired? And what color are her ears?

The ones that work regardless of the above questions are as Juliet suggested warming up the ears first. You can make a simple rice sock by taking a small thin-ish sock (toddler socks work those little women's tennis socks work great for this) put about 1/8 c of plain uncooked white rice in the toe and knot, throw that in the microwave until warm but not hot. Check the temp by holding it to the side of your neck or wrist (like checking a baby's bottle).

Take the cap off the lancer and just use it cap free, you can either use it this way free-hand or with the spring action, just if you are going to use the spring action make sure you aren't pressing the tip against the ear before you fire it off.

I actually test both ways I use the lancer on my girl as she is an old pro at testing, but with my big guy I free-hand. The trick with free-handing is to slide the lancet in not actually poke with it. Go in at a 45 degree angle, like you are digging out a splinter from your finger.

Having a great light source so you can see the vein on the edge of the ear. A flashlight held under the ear works well to at least spot the target area before poking although you need about one extra hand for this or at least I do. Another spot which I love using is a sunny window sill. Get Isabelle sitting in the window with the sun shining on her ears, what cat doesn't love sitting in a window on a sunny day? Plus their ears get nice and transparent with that natural light shining on them. Remember you aren't aiming for the vein, but the area between the vein and the outer edge.

Try different spots around the edge of the ear. I have one here that I swore was a potato because no matter what I did, he didn't bleed, then I tried the spot right above that double fold triangle of skin low on the ear...Ta-Da! We have blood and to this day, 4 years later if I spot check him, I still have to go to that spot to make him bleed in one stick. ECID

And if all else fails, and Isabelle will tolerate it, there is the big non-weight bearing paw pad to try.

Mel and The Fur Gang

Mel and The Fur Gang

 

[Laura&Chichi (GA)]

I use one of those little triangle shaped cosmetic sponges as a backing on the underside of the ear and then press sorta firmly with the lancet pen, so i have something to stabilize the ear with. Also, I have to make sure the setting isnt to shallow or deep on the pen also, which for me is #2 setting. #1 isnt :shock: enough to penetrate and #3 goes right thru the ear..ouch.. Then I use the sponge folded over the ear on the pokie hole to staunch the bleeding for about 10 seconds..helps to prevent bruising as well..hope you have success!

 

[LindaMS]

How is it going today??