Step Six is choosing and warming the finger.

Step Six Video Narration:

When your client comes into the lab area, ask her to sit down in a chair. Ask if you can feel the temperature of her hands.

If they are cold or blue, ask your client to put her hands under her arms, which is the preferred method of warming her hands. You can also ask your client to wash her hands vigorously with warm soap and water to warm them up.

Now it's time to choose the test site. Ask the client to extend her arm as if to shake hands. Make sure her hand is at or below the level of her heart. If her hand is above her heart gravity can work against pumping blood to this area, limiting the blood flow, resulting in a smaller drop of blood.

Typically, the middle finger is the best finger to use for a finger stick, as it has the best circulation. Make sure the finger is not callused at or near the nail bed and that the finger isn’t swollen. If it is, inspect the middle finger on the opposite hand, and use it, if necessary.

If your client has a ring on the finger you’ve chosen, ask her to remove it, then ask her to rub her hands to restore circulation to this finger. Ask clients not to shake their hands to warm them up, as this will cause excess fluid to rush to the fingers and dilute the blood sample.