Table of Contents IntroductionPreparation ProcedureTo completeTest your knowledgeTry the OSCE station Introduction Wash hands; Introduce self; Patient’s name, DOB and wrist band; Explain procedure and obtain consentAsk the patient to wash their hands prior to the procedure with soap and water Preparation Wash handsClean trayPlace equipment in tray (think through what you need in order) Equipment list GlovesLancet/puncture systemGlucometer (calibrate glucometer with calibration fluid if necessary)Glucometer test strip (insert into glucometer and turn glucometer on)Sterile gauze Tape Return to patient (with tray and a sharps bin) Procedure Wash hands Place patient’s hands on a pillowChoose lateral/medial border of any finger pulpPut on glovesPierce skin with lancet on lateral/medial border of finger pulpDiscard lancet into sharps binWipe off the first drop of blood from the puncture site with gauze Massage the finger from proximal to distal (to encourage blood flow)When a second, large drop of blood accumulates, apply the golden part of the test strip (in the groove at the distal end) to the side of the drop of blood until the glucometer beepsPlace gauze over the puncture site and apply pressure until it has stopped bleedingTape gauze down over puncture site if needed To complete Thank patient Discard test strip/waste and clean trayDiscard glovesWash handsRecord the capillary glucose reading in the patient’s notes Test your knowledge What would you consider normal and abnormal capillary glucose readings? Oops! This section is restricted to members. How would you manage a patient with hypoglycaemia? Oops! This section is restricted to members. What are the diagnostic criteria for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)? Glucose >11mmol/L (NB. glucose may be normal in some circumstances – ‘euglycaemic DKA’, e.g. if taken insulin recently, on SGLT-2 inhibitor, during pregnancy)pH <7.3 or HCO3– <15mmol/LCapillary ketones >3mmol/L (or ++ urinary ketones) Try the OSCE station Capillary glucose measurementFind more procedure stations here