I never wipe the first drop, despite that recommendation. I also don’t change my lancet very frequently 
Disclaimer: it only cost me 50 cents–sort of. I get 200 strips for a $25 co-pay, but that doesn’t take into account what I pay for insurance each month
w0w I would have been so scared right away … it was smart of you to see what did it so fast. I would have freaked out like “omg omg wtf omg”<<< me freaking out … given I would have checked a another time before treating it but still 500 yikes.
Maybe the information in this discussions can help: Stress causes high or low sugars?
also this one: How much can stress really cause blood sugar to raise?
I remember being yelled at by nurses at the hospital because I checked my bloodsugar without an alcohol swab...but I have now read alcohol can effect your readings as well.. take that mean old nurses.
I stopped re using needles after getting lypodystrophy which really messed up my sugar levels. Also whenever possible I wash my hands because I can get a more accurate reading also less germs going into the blood stream.