Can the first drop of blood be used when measuring blood glucose?
Disease description:
After each finger prick for blood glucose testing, should the first drop of blood be wiped away? Some people say that the first drop may be contaminated with tissue fluid, leading to inaccurate results. Is it acceptable to use the first drop directly for testing? Will it affect the result? What is the correct procedure?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Under normal circumstances, the first drop of blood is not recommended for blood glucose testing.
The surface of the finger skin may contain impurities such as residual disinfectant, sweat, or cell debris, which may interfere with the accuracy of the blood glucose meter. Additionally, the first drop of blood may contain more tissue fluid rather than purely blood, which could also affect the test result. Therefore, during blood glucose testing, it is generally recommended to discard the first drop of blood and use the second drop for the test.
Prior to blood glucose testing, alcohol or iodophor is usually used to disinfect the skin, and then it is necessary to wait until the alcohol has completely evaporated. The puncture site should then be gently massaged to allow blood to flow naturally. The first drop of blood should be discarded, and the second drop should be collected using the test strip for testing. This helps ensure more accurate and reliable test results. Different brands and models of blood glucose meters may have different instructions for use, so it is recommended to follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
In daily life, patients with high blood sugar are advised to regularly monitor their blood glucose levels to promptly understand their health status. At the same time, they should take prescribed antidiabetic medications according to medical advice to maintain stable blood glucose levels.
