As you can see, we’ve broken down the hemoglobin test into 14 steps. Generally speaking, these are the steps many WIC agencies follow; however, your agency may differ. In the coming pages, we’ll take a closer look at each of these steps. Next, you’ll see a short video on how a hemoglobin test is performed.

The steps to the hemoglobin test are:

•        Step One: Signing the Rights & Obligations Form

•        Step Two: Washing Hands

•        Step Three: Assembling Supplies

•        Step Four: Turning on the HemoCue Machine

•        Step Five: If Error Messages are Displayed

•        Step Six: Choosing/Warming the Finger

•        Step Seven: Cleansing the Finger

•        Step Eight: Holding the Finger

•        Step Nine: Puncturing the Finger

•        Step Ten: Filling the Cuvette

•        Step Eleven: Measuring Hemoglobin Levels

•        Step Twelve: Bandaging the Finger

•        Step Thirteen: Cleansing Work Area

•        Step Fourteen: Disposing of Supplies

Note: The scope of this training only covers performing a finger stick on an adult. Your supervisor will guide you through the steps taken for infants and children.