BrianandSaber
Member
Still having trouble home testing Saber.One successful test in 4 days.Suggestions are absolutely welcome.I am able to prick his ear but little or no blood forms.The only successful test was right on the vein and caused a bruise.
newbie needs help
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Lori in Ohio
Active Member
Make sure the ear is warmed up.
poking freehand with just the lancet at a slight angle worked best for me.
poking freehand with just the lancet at a slight angle worked best for me.
Sue and Oliver (GA)
Very Active Member
First, don't get discouraged, Brian. This is normal. We spent an entire weekend poking poor Oliver before we got a drop.
Are you sure warming the ear? It should be very warm. The rice sack usually works better in the beginning than just massage.
What size lancet are you using? Usually with new diabetics, the larger gauge (25 - 26) works better. It makes a bigger hole. You can also double poke - just poke again right after you poke the first time in the same place to enlarge the hole. Are you going in at an angle - sort of the same angle you would just with a needle and thread. We got the best result when we took the clear cap off the lancet device. It was easier to see what we were doing.
Are you sure poking in the right place? This is a picture of the "sweet spot". http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m267 ... etspot.jpg You are aiming for the little capillaries that come off that main vein. When you find the right spot (you can use a flashlight behind the ear) put a little smear of vaseline there. It helps you see where to poke and it helps the blood bead up.
Oh, and Brian, can you take off the 911? It is used for emergencies like kitties with very low bg in hypo. It alarms people!
Are you sure warming the ear? It should be very warm. The rice sack usually works better in the beginning than just massage.
What size lancet are you using? Usually with new diabetics, the larger gauge (25 - 26) works better. It makes a bigger hole. You can also double poke - just poke again right after you poke the first time in the same place to enlarge the hole. Are you going in at an angle - sort of the same angle you would just with a needle and thread. We got the best result when we took the clear cap off the lancet device. It was easier to see what we were doing.
Are you sure poking in the right place? This is a picture of the "sweet spot". http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m267 ... etspot.jpg You are aiming for the little capillaries that come off that main vein. When you find the right spot (you can use a flashlight behind the ear) put a little smear of vaseline there. It helps you see where to poke and it helps the blood bead up.
Oh, and Brian, can you take off the 911? It is used for emergencies like kitties with very low bg in hypo. It alarms people!
Ronnie & Luna
Very Active Member
hi there
here is a handy link with tons of info on home testing - dont get discouraged, home testing DOES get easier.
Home Testing Links & Tips
here is a handy link with tons of info on home testing - dont get discouraged, home testing DOES get easier.
Home Testing Links & Tips
Hi there - this could help: sugarpet.net/bloodtst.html
You are not alone - I am in my fourth month and often have to poke 4 or 5 times in a row to get a blood drop. I almost always fail unless I am in sunlight or a brightly-lit room. No need to worry about bruises - that's typical and cats don't seem to be in pain from it. Hang in there.
You are not alone - I am in my fourth month and often have to poke 4 or 5 times in a row to get a blood drop. I almost always fail unless I am in sunlight or a brightly-lit room. No need to worry about bruises - that's typical and cats don't seem to be in pain from it. Hang in there.
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