I was wondering when your going to poke your finger , do you wash your hands first , do nothing , or use an alcohol wipe? I usually just wash my hands before I test but am thinking that alcohol wipes may be easier and faster.
I follow the suggestions that came with my monitor. It said to wash your hand vigorously with warm water (helps increase blood flow to the hand, making it easier to get a good drop of blood), and also to let your hand hang by your side for a few seconds to increase the blood flow as well. If I don't do those things I don't get a good drop of blood. I use Acucheck, though; with Freestyle I heard getting a decent size drop of blood isn't as much of a problem.
Linda
__________________ dx pcos 1984, type II diabetes 2001, also hypertension
Met 2000mg since 2001, started Glucophage XR 4/22/04, then switched to Met ER 6/04; also: multi, Vit. C, Vit. E, B12/folic acid combo, fish oil & borage oil combo, garlic capsules, cinnamon, Vitex, calcium with magnesium/zinc, biotin, CoQ10, selenium,iron
Other meds: Verapamil and Altace(for blood pressure)
Started laser hair removal 7/29/03, completed 3/04 (it works!)
UAE for fibroid 3/24/03 and 3/16/04
I use an alcohol pad so I have something to wipe up the blood that is left over on my finger when I'm finished.
If I don't have one, I'll just wash my hands - it's not a big deal. But I also test my blood sugar at strange times (in class if I'm feeling low, etc) where a sink may not be available.
I used to feel weird testing in front of people, but everyone is supportive - it's my health and I'm doing the best I can for it!
But anyway, either method works. I don't have trouble getting blood out, but if I did, I would go to warm water handwashing too.
sometimes if you use an alcohol pad first it will sting when you prick....i have a One Touch Ultra and it uses very little blood.
__________________ Married 8 years
Me-36 DH-36
PCOS Diagnosed 1993
IR - Type II Diabetes
2000 Mg Metformin daily (on hold for pregnancy)
500 mg Aldomet twice daily
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they stopped using alcohol wipes in hospital ages ago as it doesnt really make a difference. just wash your hands with water b4 you do your test. any matter of things canaffect your reading, ie a newspaper or magazine being handled b4 you test.. i went to an appt with the diabetic nurse and while i was waiting i was flicking through a magazine. i tested my blood sugars and it came out at 15.9mmol (286mg/dl), she then asked me if i had read any magazines or papers, isaid yes and she said to wash my hands which i did, did the test again and it went down to 14.5 (261)... soit is always best just to wash your hands before testing.
__________________ -------------------------------------------
45(feels like 99 some days)
Dx - pcos 1982
Dx - diabetes 2 1999,
Tx - metformin slow release 2000mg. Insulin 5 times a day
Loads of other medications.
------------------------------- What is a friend?A single soul dwelling in two bodies.
Aristotle...
I read you shouldn't use rubbing alcohol because it increases finger pain.
The following is copied from diabetes.ca:
Don't use rubbing alcohol.
Repeated use will thicken the skin. Instead, wash your hands in warm, soapy water prior to your fingerstick. Warm water will help you produce a better drop of blood. Once your finger is pricked, do not squeeze immediately. Instead, hang your hand down and let gravity do the work for you. Try 'milking' your finger prior to lancing. Excessive squeezing to get the blood to flow could cause bruising.
for those of you who test blod sugar 
