Which finger should you get a glucometer test done on?

Diabetics, listen up! If you find yourself reaching out for a glucometer test often, we bring to you a couple of guidelines you’d do well to remember. Starting with which finger you should use to administer the test, and certain precautions you should keep in mind, a holistic health expert shared tips with indianexpress.com to help raise awareness on the topic.

“For a glucometer test, it is generally recommended to use the sides of the fingertips, avoiding the thumb and index finger,” said Dr Dharmesh Shah, founder and director of Holistica World.

According to him, the preferred fingers are usually the middle, ring, and little fingers.

Shah explained that the sides of the fingertips are less sensitive and contain more blood vessels, making it easier to obtain an adequate blood sample with minimal discomfort.

“Using different fingers in rotation can help reduce soreness and calluses. This practice ensures consistent and accurate readings while minimising pain and discomfort associated with frequent testing,” he added.

Shah recommended avoiding the thumb and index finger, as they are more sensitive. (Source: Freepik)

Things to keep in mind

Shah said that you need to wash your hands and ensure they are clean and dry before testing to avoid contaminants that can alter results.

“Prick the side of your fingertip, as it is less painful and more effective in producing a blood sample. You can also try to rotate and use different fingers for each test to prevent soreness and callus formation,” said Shah.

Make sure that you are using the right lancing device setting by adjusting it to an appropriate depth to minimize pain.

He said that recording results is a good practice. “Keep a log of your blood sugar readings, noting the date, time, and any relevant factors like meals or medication to monitor and understand any fluctuations and alternations.”

Listing out a couple of precautions, Shah recommended avoiding the thumb and index finger, as they are more sensitive. Excessive squeezing can dilute the blood sample with tissue fluid, leading to inaccurate readings, so he said one should be gentle with their fingers while conducting the test.

As a primary rule of thumb, he suggested always using a new lancet for each test to reduce pain and prevent infection.

*DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.*

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