A blood glucose test meter is a device used to test your blood glucose levels at home. You will need to do a finger-prick test to use the meter.
How do I use it?
- A small drop of blood from pricking your fingertip with a lancet, is placed on a disposable test strip.
- The strip is put into the meter which reads it to show your blood glucose level.
- The display on the meter shows you what your levels are, which can help you decide if you need to manage them because they're too high or too low.
- Learn more about diabetes – home blood glucose testing for type 2 diabetes.
To use the meter, you will also need:
- lancets (prickers)
- a lancing device (a device, like a pen, to hold the pricker)
- blood glucose test strips.
It's also important to have a notebook, diary or app to record your blood glucose levels.
Note: For people who need to test for ketones and blood glucose, see dual blood glucose and blood ketone test meters.
Tips when using your test meter
- Ensure your hands are clean: Wash and dry your hands and fingertips before testing. If you have been handling something sweet before testing this may get into your test and make it falsely high.
- Pricking your finger: Prick your fingers on the side of your finger (towards the tip) rather than on the pad (or tip) of your finger. This will be more comfortable for you, especially if you use a keyboard. You will get a much better sized drop of blood if your hands are warm before testing.
- The lancets (prickers) that are used within the finger-pricking device should be changed at least every 2 or 3 days. This reduces pain and also reduces the risk of infection.
More help
If you're not sure how to use your blood glucose meter, or would like somebody to check that you're using it correctly, your healthcare provider can teach you. This could be:
- a diabetes nurse educator or diabetes nurse specialist
- your local pharmacist
- a nurse at your GP surgery.
Some cities have a representative from the company supplying your meter and they will be able to teach you if they are available.
Disposing of your diabetes supplies
You can dispose of test strips in the general rubbish. Lancets (finger prickers) must be disposed of in a sharps bin. Read more about the safe disposal of syringes, needles and other sharps.