In this video, you'll get to see how a finger stick is performed.

Video Narration:

Technology has many uses in the medical field. One such use is to check hemoglobin levels in the blood. The machine you'll be using in WIC to do this is called the HemoCue.

The HemoCue can plug into the wall with an adapter, which is inserted in the back. It can also run on batteries, if an electrical outlet isn't available. Make sure the batteries are removed, if it's plugged into the wall. If not, the batteries will run down.

To make sure the HemoCue is functioning properly, open the cuvette tray, and press the 'On' button once. The analyzer will run a self-test upon being turned on, which takes about 10 seconds. When the three flashing bars appear on the screen, the machine is ready for use.

On each container of cuvettes, the plastic vials you'll use to capture the blood sample, is a printed manufacturer's expiration date. Beyond this date, the cuvettes should not be used, as they will give inaccurate results.

If opening a new container, make sure to pull on the tear-away plastic strip. Immediately write the date opened on the container, as the cuvettes expire 90 days from this date. This date is not the same as the manufacturer's expiration date printed at the bottom of the container. Never leave the cuvette container open because moisture and light can ruin them.

To open, put your finger through the loop, and in the direction of the arrow, plant your thumb and rock back so the lid opens. If closed properly, you should hear a popping sound.

Grab the cuvette by its base when taking it out of the container. Only take out one cuvette at a time, even if performing multiple tests on same family members. Once removed, the cuvette should quickly be used, as it is sensitive to moisture and light.

To obtain an adequate blood sample, use the client's middle finger. Hold the finger between your thumb and index finger at the first knuckle, and rock it forward a few times. This is called priming the site. You'll then cleanse the area with an alcohol prep pad, and wipe it dry with gauze or a lint-free wipe.

You'll then puncture the site with the lancet, then rock the finger, and wipe away 2- 3 split pea-sized drops of blood.

You'll then fill the cuvette completely.

Wipe off the excess blood, and put the cuvette in the HemoCue machine. The machine will then provide you with a hemoglobin value.

Write down the value once it is displayed, dispose of the used cuvette and lancet into the sharps container, and turn off the machine. You can now clean-up and dispose of your supplies according to your agency's policy or, if you have other family members in need of a test, you can leave the machine on, but make sure to repeat the procedure from the beginning.

If needed, refer to your supervisor for additional information on how to use the HemoCue.