# S.O.S. Pricking my finger

May 1

Written By [Malama Health](/content/recently-diagnosed-1?author=62d197200ff3d31faae3e282/index.html)

Take the following actions to ensure you obtain enough blood:

- Run warm water over your hands before obtaining blood to increase blood flow. Be sure to dry hands completely.
- Improve blood flow to the fingers by warming them.
- Lower hands below your waist level and gently massage the selected finger before obtaining blood.
- Press the lancing device firmly against the side of your fingertip.
- After lancing, massage your finger towards the tip to encourage a blood drop to form.

If all of the above steps are insufficient, increase the penetration depth of the lancet device by rotating the cap one step at a time.

[Source: Accu-Check](https://www.accu-chek.com.au/faq/what-can-i-do-ensure-i-obtain-enough-blood-1)

### How to make it less painful?

Here are some tips to help make pricking your finger less painful:

- Use a lancing device that allows you to adjust the depth of the needle. This can help you find the right depth for your skin, which can reduce pain.
- Use a different finger each time you test. This can help prevent soreness in one finger.
- Use the side of your finger instead of the tip. The skin on the side of your finger is less sensitive than the skin on the tip.