ACCU-CHEK® Multiclix Lancet Device Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I insert a new lancet drum and change lancets?
- How can I tell how many lancets are left in the drum?
- Where is the best place to perform a fingerstick?
- How do I obtain a drop of blood from my fingertip?
- How do I get an adequate drop of blood from an alternative testing site?
- How do I clean the device and how often?
- What are some suggestions for protecting my fingertips?
How do I insert a new lancet drum and change lancets?
The ACCU-CHEK Multiclix lancet device holds a drum of six pre-loaded lancets. Load it by pulling the cap off the lancet device and inserting a new drum, blue ring first, until it clicks into place. Slide the cap back on. Once a new drum is loaded, simply change the lancet with a twist.
How can I tell how many lancets are left in the drum?
White bars on the side of the lancet device show you how many unused lancets are remaining at all times. When the drum is empty, remove the cap and you'll see two red stripes on the drum. Once removed, you cannot reinsert a used drum into the lancet device.
Where is the best place to perform a fingerstick?
The best place to prick the fingertip is on the side. It has the best blood supply yet allows for the least painful fingerstick. Any finger may be used for a fingerstick.
How do I obtain a drop of blood from my fingertip?
• Warm fingers by washing with warm, soapy water rinse and dry completely. Warm fingers increase the blood flow.
• Let your arm hang down at your side briefly to allow blood flow to fingertips.
• Grasp finger just below the joint closest to the fingertip and "milk" or massage gently toward tip of finger, then squeeze for three seconds.
• Hold the ACCU-CHEK Multiclix lancet device against the side of the fingertip and press gently.
• Press the release button. Wait a few seconds to allow a blood drop to form.
How do I get an adequate drop of blood from an alternative testing site?
• First, be sure to speak with your healthcare team to determine whether alternative site testing is right for you.
• Choose a fleshy area of one of the approved test sites you wish to test and wash the area with warm, soapy water or use an alcohol wipe to clean the site.
• The ACCU-CHEK Multiclix lancet device has a special clear plastic cap designed for testing on other areas of the body. Note: Do not use the clear cap when testing at the fingertip.
• Remove the blue cap from the lancet device, and replace it with the clear cap. Set it to 3 for palm testing. Set the lancet device to 5-1/2 for forearm, upper arm, thigh or calf testing.
• To prepare the ACCU-CHEK Multiclix lancet device, press the plunger (on the end of the device) all the way down. You will hear a click. When the device is ready, a yellow dot will appear in the center of the clear release button.
• Place and hold the clear cap very firmly against the selected site. Don't be afraid to apply pressure to the clear cap. This will help you get a good blood drop. Press the yellow release button and continue to apply pressure to the site.
How do I clean the device and how often?
• To clean the ACCU-CHEK Multiclix lancet device, use a mild dishwashing liquid and a soft cloth. Do not use bleach.
• DO NOT place the entire device under water.
• At least once a week, disinfect the cap after cleaning by placing it in 70% isopropyl alcohol for 10 minutes.
• Allow the cap to air-dry after disinfecting.
What are some suggestions for protecting my fingertips?
Prevent bruising
Immediately after putting blood on the test strip, use a tissue and apply firm pressure directly over the fingerstick site for at least 10 seconds. Find a clean area of tissue and reapply firm pressure. Continue this process until there is no more leakage of blood onto the tissue.
Shallow penetration
Lance your finger as shallowly as possible to get just enough blood for your meter. The ACCU-CHEK Multiclix lancet device allows you to select the penetration depth that is appropriate for your skin type:
• 0.5 to 1.5 for thinner-than-average skin
• 2 to 3.5 for average skin
• 4 to 5.5 for thicker-than-average or calloused skin
Also, get in the habit of "milking" or massaging blood out of your finger after the fingerstick, as if you were squeezing toothpaste out of a tube. This will enable you to obtain the maximum amount of blood with as shallow a fingerstick as possible.
Site rotation
It is better to use as many fingertip sites as possible rather than sticking one spot over and over. Don't use only the soft, central part of your fingertips; use the sides as well. The sides of your fingertips may be more comfortable for you to stick because they have fewer nerve endings.
Finger care
Repeated cleaning of the fingerstick site with alcohol can encourage thickening of the skin. Whenever possible, wash your hands with warm, soapy water before a fingerstick instead of using alcohol. The warmth of the water has the added advantage of bringing additional blood into your fingers. Regular use of a lotion may also help soften and soothe your fingertips. Do not apply lotion just prior to performing a fingerstick.
For help with your ACCU-CHEK Product, please call the ACCU-CHEK Customer Care Service Center at 1-800-858-8072. For meter support, we're here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Software support is available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. EST.