I've found that the capillary action of the test strips does not work overly well, so I try to make sure the machine is tilted slightly so that the blood runs down to the test point, also try and get a good sized drop of blood as it seems to take a little more than you would expect with blood glucose meter

Thanks Mark

I'll definitely tilt the machine tomorrow when I get the new strips. It really does seem to use a lot of blood. I thought it would all be so easy :-/ At least my gp is ok with me self monitoring now :o)

I recall them using a meter and finger-stick at a different clinic I went to once. The guy even grabbed my finger, jerked and milked it like trying to get a few more squirts of milk out of the udder of the cow. BTW I am now in the process of going to the CoaguCheck, so my turn is coming.

Lolol @ milking the finger, that's spot on! Ah well been prescribed 48 sticks which will be here tomorrow, wonder how many I'll use before finally getting a reading :-/

I did the exact same thing when I got mine, and I have had gestational diabetes, and am a nurse, so I should know how to do this right -right? Wrong. Need a nice size drop of blood-bigger than for a glucose meter, and it gets sucked up by the SIDE of the strip, not on the top. If you don't have a nice size drop of blood, then don't waste the strip. Start over -and you may need to set your lancet device to a deeper number. I usually set my machine on the counter with the strip sticking out over the edge so I can hold my finger up to the side of the strip easily without moving the machine -may get an error message if you move the machine. Anyway, you will get the hang of it.
I think it gives you back a sense of more normalcy in your life, not having to run to the stinking Dr all the time for blood draws, PLUS from the view of a vascular access nurse -your veins will love you. I am not an easy stick to start with, and the frequent blood draws were making it worse. You may need those veins if you ever get into trouble again in the long road ahead of you -life! Blessings, Teri

Just a suggestion.
Start by washing your hands in really warm water so your hands are nice and warm. hold the hand your going to test at your side and kind of dangle your fingers and wiggle them, After you have done this then swab with your alcohol patch and then hold your hand down, and gently milk the finger. If you squeeze it to much that's like putting a pressure bandage on it and just slows the flow. You need a nice sized drop of blood about the size of a drop of water for the monitor to work correctly. You should actually have your monitor on a level surface when you do this. My monitor has a nice bulls eye on the test strip with a green light behind it and as long as i hit that bulls eye the test will work. Good luck and hope this helps.
Ferr

Woohooo, got the test strips today and did it 1st time! I milked my finger for a while before sticking it and also slightly tilted the machine. The result was 2.8 so I am well pleased :o) xx

So many times the nurses at the office would try to drop the blood on the strip.
The XS system will "suck" it into the strip..I keep mine on a flat surface with the strip overhanging on the counter so I can bring my drop of blood up to the side of the clear portion (on either side )of the strip and I get good results each time..no error readings.