1.
Capillary Blood Glucose Monitoring
Prepared by:
Aleli R. Cheng, RN,MAN

2.
Sites for Obtaining Samples
• lateral aspect or side of the finger in adults-avoids the nerve
endings and calloused areas at the fingertip.
• Earlobe- may be used if the client is in shock or the fingers are
edematous
• Heel- infants and young children
**some monitors allow for obtaining specimens on the arms, legs, or
abdomen.

3.
Equipment
• Glucometer
• Reagent strip
• Alcohol swab
• Dry cotton ball/Gauze
• Sterile lancet
• Lancet injector

4.
General Considerations
• Blood in the fingertips show changes in glucose levels more quickly than blood in other parts
of the body. This means that alternative site test results may be different from fingertip test
results when glucose levels are changing rapidly (e.g., after a meal, taking insulin or during
or after exercise) because the actual glucose concentration is different.
• Patients should be cautioned to use a fingertip sample if it is less than 2 hours after eating;
less than 2 hours after injecting rapid-acting insulin; during exercise or within 2 hours of
exercise; when sick or under stress; when having symptoms of hypoglycemia
• Meters require calibration at least monthly or according to the manufacturer’s
recommendation, and when a new bottle of test strips is opened. Manufacturer’s directions
for calibration should be followed. After calibration, the meter is checked for accuracy by
testing a control solution containing a known amount of glucose.
• Inadequate sampling can cause errors in the results. It is very important to be aware of
requirements for specific monitor used.

5.
**END**