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Self-testing kits offer a convenient and inexpensive way for customers to monitor their own health, without the inconvenience of consulting a doctor every time they wish to conduct a test.

Finger prick blood tests are one type of test and are quick and easy to use, but inexperienced or nervous customers may find the process daunting, so the guidance of pharmacy staff can be invaluable.

In this article, we’ll explain how pharmacists can help their customers to understand and use finger prick tests.

Explaining What A Finger Prick Blood Test Is

It may be beneficial for customers to know what a finger prick blood test is and how it works. For example, it may be relevant to inform customers that finger prick devices use tiny surgical knives called lancets to make a small wound in the skin, but this process is fast and rarely painful. To reassure customers, they may also be told that only a tiny amount of blood is required and, once it has been collected, the test result should be available within minutes. A colour card is provided within the test to help customers to easily understand and interpret the results.

How To Do A Finger Prick Blood Test

Although finger prick blood tests are simple to carry out, it is understandable that some of your customers may be anxious about conducting the test, especially for the first time. As a pharmacist, you can help your customers to feel at ease by explaining the steps that they will need to take to conduct the test independently at home. For example, you should remind them that they should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and warm water and put in a new lancet before carrying out the test. Also, explain that the device will inform them when enough blood has been collected, so they needn’t worry about finishing the test prematurely.

Tips For Finger Prick Blood Tests

Pharmacists can offer their customers tips about how to conduct a finger prick blood test, drawing upon their own professional training and expertise and the experiences of other customers. By providing useful recommendations, you will strengthen the relationship with your customers and enhance your reputation for providing trustworthy and practical advice.

Tips for successful finger prick blood tests include:

  • Avoiding the thumb or index finger, as the test is more likely to be painful.
  • Warming the finger first to improve circulation.
  • Placing the device against the side of the finger rather than the top.
  • Allowing the blood to drip naturally from the finger rather than attempting to squeeze it out, as excess pressure can burst the red blood cells and produce an inaccurate result.

After The Test

Although a colour card is provided with each test to help customers to interpret the results, they should be encouraged to return to the pharmacy to seek professional advice if they are unsure what the test shows. Also, if they are struggling to carry out the test, they can ask for help, as there are always experienced staff on-site who can offer assistance. This is a key part of the service provided by a community pharmacy and will help to establish a positive reputation that encourages long-term loyalty and business.

Explore Our Range Of Self-Testing Kits

At CIGA Healthcare, we stock a range of reliable and easy-to-use self-testing kits. To find out more, please explore our product range and call us on 02896943922 if you have any questions.

Stock Our Home Testing Kits Today

Image Source: Canva 

Suresign

Author Suresign

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