2. Wash patient's hand with
water then dry thoroughly. Al-
ternatively, use alcohol pads
to clean area; dry thoroughly
after cleaning.
3. Holding hand downward,
massage finger with thumb
toward tip to stimulate blood
flow.
4. Use a safety lancet to punc-
ture the finger.
5. Squeeze the finger to form
a drop of blood. Wipe away
the first drop of blood then squeeze the finger again
to form a second drop of blood.
Testing a Blood Sample
53