I wash my hands before each testing. I dry them thoroughly. But of course don’t know what may be in/on the towel.
How many use alcohol swabs just before testing? Do you think you get a more accurate reading by doing this?
I use paper towels to dry my hands before testing.
Good thought. Obviously one I didn’t have. Thank you.
I’ve never used swabs before BG testing, only time I ever use the alcohol swabs is before and after I inject the insulin … Only thing I do know about testing is that if you use soap or the like before testing it can cause the test to be off, so I just never bothered to wash my hands before I test or use to Alcohol swabs since I know that they can also have the possibility of getting a false reading. However, I do wash my hands after testing.
I never use alcohol swabs. They can mess up your readings. So, I never bother.
As a type II , I don’t use the swabs either. I know a CDE who had a fit over this, but I can’t carry everything with me. I refuse to have a diabetic suitcase with me…and here’s another confession of a BAD one, I don’t change needles (lancets) each time either, only everyday. ME BAD!!!
I use tissues if I have washed my hands so I don’t need a swab.
but I use them if they were dirty,or I touched the towel that god knows what hides in it’s fibers
I stopped using swabs years ago and find no difference in daily test results. D supplies are expensive and if I do not have to use some of the supplies, all the better (no children around either!). Something I have always done even before being diagnosed with D back in the mid fifties.
I think it depends on what we do everyday as to the best clean and safe method for testing. Some of us may need to use the swabs and some may not. When gardening I do not use swabs but use a hand brush to get under the nails and wash my hands constantly.
Alcohol on your finger will lower the blood sugar reading. I do use a swab on my pens though.
There’s no point in using alcohol. A quick wipe doesn’t disinfect or clean. Something has to be submerged in alcohol for a while. All alcohol does is dry out your skin. Our poor fingers take enough of a beating being poked. Only time it’s worth using an alcohol swab is if you’re somewhere & can’t wash your hands.
I dry my hands on a towel or use a paper towel.
Never use alcohol swabs for anything and have never had a problem. I try and wash at least but sometimes never even do that. If I get what seems like an “off” reading I’ll wash and retest.
Never used swabs for testing and I only change lancettes once in a blue moon. The finger goes in my mouth after testing to get any remaining blood off. I don’t swab for injections either and I shoot through my clothing if need be. I also have a bad habit of reusing needles three or four times.
Never had a bad reading or infection. (Knock on wood)
I did when I was first diagnosed. One thing to remember is that first drop of blood needs to be discarded or the accuracy will be off. I find it much easier just to wash and dry my hands.
I stopped using alcohol swabs years ago, my fingers were so dry it was ridiculous. I just wash my hands with soap, dry them on a clean towel and go. I will admit, sometimes I don’t bother to wash if I’m feeling low and in a hurry.
Wash hands and dry on towel if at home, paper towel or hand dryer if out. Use alcohol wipes only if picnicing, camping, etc.
Admittedly I don’t know what I’m talking about but here goes. I don’t use insulin. Maybe having been in medicine makes me over cautious. In the event you got a small amount of blood in the syringe when you asperate. Wouldn’t it be safer to draw some alcohol into the syringe to clean and sterilize it? Then you could rinse with water.
My thing is a very oily skin. Keeps me looking younger than I am but can be a curse. I wash my hands to get that off if nothing else.
This is news to me and I’m not sure I understand. I’m lucky to get enough blood to test to begin with. I’ve tried to get more but sometimes need to lance again before I test.
The first drop should be wiped away because it contains skin tissue from the puncture.
Thanks Gerri. Tried that this morning. I was surprised I could squeeze another sample out after wiping the first away.