NORTH COAST EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES Policy #5334

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Subject: Medical Control

Finger Stick for Blood Glucose

Associated Policies: 5323, 6514, 6515, 6516, 6517, 6518

I. Indications

A. Suspected diabetic emergencies.

B. Any coma of unknown etiology.

C. Status epilepticus of uncertain etiology.

D. Syncope, stroke, or seizures with focal deficit.

E. Altered mental status.

II. Therapeutic Effects

Gives estimate blood glucose level.

III. Contraindications

None

IV. Adverse Effects

None

V. Equipment

A. Lancet, lancing device (optional).

B. Gloves and face protection, as necessary.

C. Antiseptic solution. (Note: alcohol may reduce the accuracy of the glucose test strip, be sure to let it dry before lancing finger).

D. Bandaid.

E. Glucose test strip for glucose determination of capillary or venous blood.

F. Cotton balls.

VI. Procedure

A. Put on gloves and use face protection, as necessary.

B. Assemble all necessary supplies and equipment.

C. Select a suitable site (Generally the dependent side of the second or third digit of either hand).

D. Prepare the site. Cleanse the site thoroughly with antiseptic solution. Wipe the site with a dry cotton ball.

E. Use your thumb proximal to the puncture site to function as a mild tourniquet and to stabilize the skin over the puncture site.

F. Gently puncture the site with the lancet.

G. Dispose of the lancet in a provided "puncture resistant" biohazard container.

H. "Milk" the finger by applying gentle pressure to the site, then let go, allowing blood to fill finger, then squeeze again.

I. Turn the finger over and allow the accumulated drop of blood to drip freely onto the strip. Do not "wipe" the blood off of the finger with the strip.

J. Follow manufacturer’s directions on reading the glucose test strip.

K. Cleanse the site again with antiseptic solution. Apply a dry, sterile dressing (bandaid is fine).

VII.Special Information

If the patient is very dehydrated or has poor circulation to extremities, then the results may be inaccurate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Approved: Date:

Approved As To Form: Date: