1. 13
Vital Signs and
Monitoring Devices

2. Using a Blood Glucose Meter
Scan 13-1
Using a Blood Glucose Meter

3. 1. Prepare the blood glucose meter, including a test strip and a lancet. Note: EMTs must have permission from medical direction or by local protocol to perform blood glucose monitoring using a blood glucose meter.

4. 2. Cleanse the skin with an alcohol preparation
2. Cleanse the skin with an alcohol preparation. Allow the alcohol to dry before performing the finger stick.

5. 3. Use the lancet to perform a finger stick
3. Use the lancet to perform a finger stick. Wipe away the first drop of blood that appears. Squeeze the finger if necessary to get a second drop of blood.

6. 4. Apply the blood to the test strip
4. Apply the blood to the test strip. This may be done by holding the strip next to the finger to draw the blood into the strip.

7. 5. Read the blood glucose level displayed on the glucose meter
5. Read the blood glucose level displayed on the glucose meter. (It may take 15 to 60 seconds for the device to provide a reading.) Assess the puncture site and apply direct pressure or a bandage to the site if bleeding continues.