Wash your hands in hot water for about a minute. This will increase blood circulation in your fingers. Dry your hands. Shake your hands to get the blood flowing.

Prepare the lancet by twisting off the plastic pin.

Use the alcohol wipe provided to clean your ring or middle finger. Let the alcohol dry completely before proceeding - this is important for a clean sample.

The lancet will only puncture once. Place your finger against a firm surface and press lancet against fingertip until you hear a click. Remove the first drop of blood. We recommend that you stand up at this stage to let the blood in your arm flow downward. Help the blood drops come out by massaging the finger toward the needle stick.

Press the lancet firmly against the side of your fingertip (not the center) and trigger it. A quick, firm press works best. The side of the finger is less sensitive and bleeds more freely.