Glucose Testing

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pumpkins mom

pumpkins mom

Member Since 2012
Hi all,
I am having a hard time getting blood from my cat's ear. Amazing how I can go through his ear and into my finger. Mine is the only blood drawn. Can anyone let me know what I am doing wrong.
 
What size lancets are you using? You will want to start out with 26 or 28 gauge lancets. The really fine ones they use for people will go straight through the ear. Also, are you putting something like a cotton pad or folded up tissue behind the ear?
 
Relax - we've all done that!

What gauge lancets are you using? The very thin ones may go straight through - I use 26 gauge.
Also, put a cotton wool ball or folded tissue on the back of the ear - saves your fingers and provides a little pressure for the poke.
 
thanks so much for your replies. I am going to check the size of the lancets tonight since I am at work now. Do you recommend a lancet device or just use the lancet? The device I have is a Penlet Plus.
 
Yeah Denise! Double whammy!

It's up to you as far as using a lancet device or going freehand. Personally, I've always done it freehand. Sometimes kitties don't like the clicking of the device, but you can get them used to it by clicking it by their ear and giving treats before you actually try to poke them with it. People say you should also use the clear tip that comes with the device so you can aim a little better.
 
I think it's about 50/50 around here on whether to do the device or freehand--I have always used the device because I had trouble freehanding. Whatever you find easiest is the best method for you.

Make sure you're backing the ear firmly with a cottonball or piece of tissue--you don't want to poke through to your own finger! Warming the ear also helps get the blood flowing.
 
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