These videos were provided by members of the PKU Community (and shared with their permission) to help others, whether you’re just learning to do finger pokes for DBS, or transitioning to the method due to changes in clinic requirements. If you have video to share, please email [email protected] and we’ll give you instructions on how to get it to us so we can add it to this page. Even if you’ve posted a video to Facebook, please share with us as well. There are many members of the community who aren’t on Facebook, and we’ve created this page as a public resource for everyone.
Remember: All clinics have different procedures and requirements, so always check with your clinic first. None of the information on this page or in these videos should be construed as medical advice. Always consult your medical providers with questions.
Here are some good tips to get blood flowing:
- Make sure you’re well-hydrated
- Make sure your hands (or feet, for heel/toe pricks) are warm – rub them together, run them under warm water
- Get blood moving: do jumping jacks, windmill your arms
- For younger children, make sure they are secure in a high chair, lap, or other location so you can focus on the blood spot
- Make sure the finger or toe you’re working with is below heart level so blood flows more readily
- To encourage blood flow, massage the hand or foot, but don’t squeeze/pinch close to the spot you’ve poked
Click on the diverging arrows icon at the bottom right of any video to view full-screen
