Una Health Ltd
Document Control
Author: E. C. Hamer
UH-POC-TM-2 Revision 1
Date of Issue 26.04.10
Photocopied versions & handwritten amendments of this document are not controlled
Page 30 of 54
Printed 27 April 2010
Stage 2 – Performing the test
Step 1
•
Remove the appropriate test strip from the container and place on a flat clean
surface
•
Choose appropriate blood collection device
•
Prepare the patient as outlined in “ Collection Procedures” page 20
Step 2
A trained member of the healthcare provider team should perform the blood test in
accordance with the standard operating procedure and training provided.
How to undertake a fingerstick blood test – step by step
(Pictures for the fingerstick procedures courtesy of E C Hamer BSc.Hons, MSc, FIBMS)
Use a single use safety lancet to prick the patient’s finger to get a good sized drop of
blood about the same width as the blood collector.
•
Select a lancet device
•
Hold and twist off the sterility cap by turning in
either direction
•
Discard the cap
•
Press the lancet device against the side of
the client’s fingertip (not on the central pad)
and press the lever to activate the lancet
•
Dispose of the used lancet device in the sharps bin.
•
Do not squeeze too hard
as this may haemolyse the
specimen or cause dilution of the sample with
interstitial fluid.