The Procedure
Useful fact: The test is usually called a 'BM' test after 'Boehringer Mannheim', a German pharmaceutical company (now named 'Roche').
Protocol:
1. Collect your equipment, introduce yourself to the patient, confirm their identity, explain what you are about to do, and obtain consent.
2. Ensure the machine is calibrated for use. This will probably be done for you in an exam (or on the wards, ask the nurses to show you!), but make sure that you have checked/mentioned that this is done. Put on your gloves.
3. Make sure the patient has also washed their hands (or clean the sampling area with the alcohol swab, as this will reduce false readings.
4. Using the finger-pricking device, prick the patient's finger at the side of the fingertip. Try not to choose a finger that has been tested recently.
5. Squeeze the tip of the chosen finger to get some blood accumulating at the tip. Hold the test strip by the tip and get a large drop of blood onto the sample area of the test strip. Once you have enough to cover the sample area, place a cotton wool ball onto the skin and get the patient to apply pressure to prevent further bleeding.
6. Insert the test strip into the machine. Different machines have different techniques by which they operate...be sure to practice on the ones in use at your hospital.
7. Press the 'analyse' button and wait for the machine to analyse the blood. This can sometimes take a while to complete. Record the result.
8. Dispose of the lancet and test strip into the sharps bin. Thank the patient, and clear up. Wash your hands.
