Need help getting a blood sample

[Beemer]

Hi everyone,
I have a newly diagnosed kitty. I have been trying for a few days now to check his blood glucose levels, but have been unsuccessful. I have tried taking samples in the "sweet spot" on the outer edge of the ear, both on the inside and outside of the ear. I have also tried on the inside of his ear, where I could see veins, and still no blood. Each time I prick him, there is just not enough blood coming out. I have tried the following:
- Taking a warm rice sock to warm up his ears
- Massaging his ear after the prick to milk the blood from the vein
- Increasing the length the needle pokes, with the lancet pen.

A little something about my glucometer: It's an Accu Chek Aviva. It requires .6 UL of blood, there was one available in my area which requires on .3 UL, however this is the Freestyle glucometer, which I've heard is inconsistent. I use lancets with a 28 gauge.

Does any one have any advice or perhaps different methods on getting blood samples from a kitty. I know some people use the paw pads, but I'm worried about trying on his paws.
Thanks!

Stephanie

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Make your you firmly backup the ear where you poke. I use a cosmetic pad for that to prevent poking my finger.
Also if you are using the lancet pen use the deepest settings. Also if y are using the pen try freehand with the lancet, If doing freehand try the pen.

 

[Beemer]

I free handed the lancet, and used a cosmetic pad to back the ear, and got a sample right away (with good results!)

Thank you so much!

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

Hurray!!! Welcome to the Vampire Club. :mrgreen: What number did you get?

 

[Hillary & Maui (GA)]

Sometimes those lancet devices are more trouble then helpful! I freehand too and find it much easier than using the device.

 

[Deb & Wink]

Congrats for our newest Vampire Club member!