Fingerpricks

Fingerpricks refer to procedures in which a small lancet is used to puncture the fingertip to obtain a tiny sample of capillary blood. The most common use is point-of-care or home testing, especially blood glucose monitoring for people with diabetes. Fingerpricks may also be employed to collect samples for rapid tests or for laboratory analysis.

The method relies on a sterile disposable lancet placed in a lancing device. After preparing the finger (washing and drying), the device is applied to the side of the fingertip to minimize nerve exposure. A small amount of blood forms a drop, which is collected on a test strip or into a microcollection tube. Many glucose meters require a single drop of blood, while some tests may need a larger sample or additional handling.

Safety considerations include the risk of infection, skin irritation, and potential scarring with frequent pricks. Use of single-use sterile lancets and proper disposal in a sharps container is recommended. It is advisable to avoid pricking over damaged skin, inflammation, or open wounds. If there is unusually severe pain, prolonged bleeding, or signs of infection, medical advice should be sought.

Alternatives to fingerpricks include venipuncture performed by trained personnel for larger-volume samples, or laboratory-based fingerstick methods that use validated collection protocols. For some monitoring applications, continuous subcutaneous sensors or other minimally invasive devices provide data without repeated finger pricks, though they may have different limitations and costs.