Capillary Blood Glucose

General · General · 10–20 min

Bedside finger-prick glucose measurement.

Indications

  • Suspected hypo/hyperglycemia
  • Diabetes monitoring
  • Any altered mental status

Contraindications

  • Peripheral shock (unreliable)

Equipment

  • Glucometer + strip
  • Lancet
  • Alcohol swab
  • Cotton

Positioning

  • As appropriate for the procedure and patient comfort.

Consent

  • Explain indication, benefits, alternatives
  • Explain risks & complications
  • Obtain written/verbal consent as per SOP
  • Document consent

Universal precautions

  • Hand hygiene
  • PPE — gloves, mask, eye protection
  • Aseptic technique
  • Sharps safety
  • Verify patient identity & site

Step-by-step (0/4)

Tap to complete

1. Insert strip

Enter code if needed.

2. Clean finger

3. Lance

4. Read result

Immediate complications

  • Pain
  • Infection (rare)

Prevention

  • Alcohol dry before lancing

Post-procedure observation

  • Vitals q15min × 1h then hourly

Monitoring

  • Site inspection
  • Symptom review

Documentation

  • Procedure note
  • Consent
  • Findings

Patient instructions

  • Report pain, bleeding, fever, worsening symptoms

Educational bedside guide. Perform only under supervision until competent. Follow local SOPs and consent policy.

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