NVQ evidence

E15

Roche Advantage Glucose Meter – Hospital site procedure Page 8 of 11
PERFORMING A BLOOD GLUCOSE TEST.
It is important to note that obtaining reliable results depends upon careful application
technique. When applying blood to the test strip it is an essential requirement that the
entire yellow target area is filled.
ACTION RATIONALE
1. Wash hands and put on latex gloves Control of infection, as Trust
policy
2. Thoroughly wash the site to be used for
testing using soap and water. The whole finger
needs to be washed not just the area of testing
To ensure that no contaminants
transfer to the test strip giving
falsely elevated results
3. Check the expiry date on the test strips to be
used for testing
Must be ‘in date’ to be suitable for
use
4. Perform display check, then ensure that the
code displayed on the screen matches that on the
vial of test strips.
Display must be complete, strips
and meter code must match to
obtain accurate results
5. Insert the test strip into the meter with the
yellow side and silver bars facing up and
towards the meter.
To start the testing procedure
6. Once the test strip is correctly inserted, a
blood drop symbol is displayed on screen.
Meter is now ready start analysis
7. Allow patient’s arm to hang down by side for
a few seconds, flexing the fingers
Promotes blood flow towards the
fingertips
8. Select suitable penetration setting on
Soft Clix Pro Lancing device.
0.5 – 1.5 for soft skin
2 – 3.5 for normal skin
4 – 5.5 for thick skin
9. Prick the side of the finger (not the pad), wait
for 5 seconds before proceeding
More comfortable testing site.
Allows capillary constriction after
trauma of pricking to resolve.
10. Keeping the hand below the heart, start to
milk the palm of the hand firmly working
towards pierced finger. Continue milking along
the finger until a hanging drop of blood is
formed
Allows a satisfactory sample to be
obtained, large enough to fill the
yellow target area, which is
required for an accurate glucose
result.
11. Touch the drop of blood to the curved side
of the test strip and keep it in place until the
yellow target area is totally covered. If any
yellow is still visible within the target area then
a second drop of blood may be applied within 15
seconds. If 15 seconds has elapsed then another
test will need to be performed
Inadequate sample size may
induce an error message.
12. A box symbol rotates on screen until the
measurement is complete and the result
displayed on the screen
To indicate that measurement is
active.
13. Record this test result immediately including
operator identity, date and time of testing
Allows audit trail of result in the
Trust standard approved nursing
documentation.
14. Remove the test strip and discard all Health and Safety regulations