Products and Tips for Getting a Good Blood Sample
In my last blog I talked about Why It's Important to Test at Home which made me think... we can't test blood glucose levels without getting a blood sample, so today I'm going to go over getting a blood sample with various lancing devices.
Let me start by saying before Lucy's diagnosis I had never given an injection; I had never gotten a blood sample and I didn't even know that dogs could get diabetes. The first time I tried to get a blood sample it was an epic failure; I cried and couldn't get a sample after multiple attempts. So I took a break and then called the vet office for training on getting a blood sample. The vet tech shaved Lucy’s upper ear used a lancet and got a sample. Boom, just like that! It was so easy and watching the process gave me the confidence that I needed. We went home and the next day I successfully got a blood sample and so began our journey of testing!
There were hiccups which is to be expected when new to the world of testing and mistakes were made.
- I flooded the test strip – this gives false readings.
- I didn't get enough blood – this gives false readings, usually a false low.
- I didn't use the proper gauge lancet – this made it hard to get a blood sample.
- I wasn’t getting blood flowing before lancing – this makes it hard to get a blood sample.
Using The Wrong Gauge Lancet - Lancet gauge is important for blood sampling—the smaller the number, the larger the needle. A 21-gauge lancet is effective for testing dogs, especially for beginners.
Blood Is Not Circulating Well - Cold testing sites and poor circulation make blood sampling difficult. Warm or massage the area before lancing.
Not Using Enough Pressure - It’s natural to feel uneasy about taking a blood sample from your dog. Apply steady pressure with the lancing device until it clicks or use safety lancets if you prefer—they rarely fail.
Here are options for lancing devices:
TWIST TOP LANCETS & LANCING DEVICE
Using a smaller gauge lancet works best with our dogs. I would suggest using a 21-gauge lancet when starting out, then you can adjust to a larger size like a 26-gauge lancet. There are several lancing devices you can use; I used the Red-Dot Lancing Device without problem (depth was 5 or 6). It has six depth settings, and you use a twist top lancet in the lancing device.
For our dogs, a smaller gauge lancet is most effective. Start with a 21-gauge lancet and adjust to a larger size, such as a 26-gauge, if needed. There are various lancing devices available; I personally had no trouble using the Red-Dot Lancing Device, typically set to a depth of 5 or 6. This device offers six depth settings and uses a twist-top lancet.
Links to PetTest 21-gauge Twist-top Lancets:
USA: Advocate PetTest Twist-top Lancets 21G (2 Pack)
Canada: Advocate PetTest Twist-top Lancets 21G (2 Pack)
UK: Advocate PetTest Twist-top Lancets 21G (2 Pack)
SAFETY LANCETS
Safety lancets are GREAT and take any guessing out of amount of pressure necessary to get a good blood sample. I have used them and tested them on myself, there is virtually no pain when using a safety lancet.
Safety lancets eliminate guesswork for proper pressure and produce quality blood samples with minimal pain. Based on my own use, they are nearly painless.
Links to PetTest 21-gauge Safety Lancets
USA: Advocate PetTest Safety Lancets - 21G x 2.4mm (100/box)
Canada: Advocate PetTest Safety Lancets - 21G x 2.4mm (100/box)
UK: Advocate PetTest Safety Lancets - 21G x 2.4mm (100/box)
PETTEST GENTEEL PAINLESS LANCING DEVICE
If blood sampling is difficult, the PetTest Genteel offers an effective solution. It uses gentle vacuum pressure to reliably obtain blood from dogs that don’t bleed easily.
Here are a couple quick tips:
- Push on the activation button until you see a good-sized blood sample.
- Butterfly lancets (teal) are 30 – 33 gauge. PetTest lancets (maroon) are 21 gauge. Lancet gauge does matter, so start with 21-gauge lancets.
- Try various contact tips, most people do well with the clear, orange and violet contact tips.
Links to the PetTest Genteel Painless Lancing Device:
USA: PetTest Genteel Painless Lancing Device
Canda: PetTest Genteel Painless Lancing Device
UK: PetTest Genteel Painless Lancing Device
GENERAL TIPS FOR GETTING A BLOOD SAMPLE
- Make sure your dog is well hydrated. Dehydration can make it hard to get a blood sample.
- Shave the area where you plan on lancing, minus the upper inner lip elbow calluses.
- Warm and massage the area to get blood flowing. To warm the area you can use a rice pack, do not warm the lip area.
- A thin layer of petroleum jelly helps the blood pool.
Below is a printable graphic with testing sites.
Be patient as you learn to collect a blood sample from your dog; it may take time. If your dog is nervous, reward with healthy carb-free treats like green beans, lean jerky, or freeze-dried meats after testing.
Until next time stay comfy, don’t stress and you got this!
Michelle Miller-Matlock
AAHA Certified Diabetes Educator
Founder/Administrator of DDO: Diabetic Dog Owners University
Administrator of Diabetic Dog Owners on Facebook
Want to learn all you can in a simple and easy to follow format? Please join DDO-U: Diabetic Dog Owners University, graciously sponsored by PetTest.
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Do you need a blood glucose meter kit for your diabetes arsenal? There are two meters you can choose from, the PetTest Classic and the PetLink+ meter that has wireless technology and works seamlessly with the Digital Companion App.
USA links:
PetTest Classic Meter Kit: https://shoppettest.com/pettest-meter-kit/
PetLink+ Meter Kit: https://shoppettest.com/petlink-plus-meter-kit-includes-25-test-strips/
PetTest link: https://shoppettest.com/
Canada links:
PetTest Classic Meter Kit: https://pettest.ca/pettest-meter-kit/
PetLink+ Meter Kit: https://pettest.ca/pettest-petlink-meter-kit-includes-25-test-strips/
PetTest link: https://pettest.ca/
UK links:
PetTest Classic Meter Kit: https://pettest.uk/pettest-meter-kit-includes-25-test-strips/
PetLink+ Meter Kit: https://pettest.uk/pettest-petlink-meter-kit-includes-25-test-strips/
PetTest link: https://pettest.uk
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