AlphaTRAK (4 of 4) How to get a blood sample and testing

[@TerriLoberg]

I found the video series helpful, but was still very nervous because my first time using it was going to be an appt home glucose curve (a reading every 1-2 hours for the full day). I called my vet and they set up a quick vet tech appointment with me, the husband and the dog, and they walked us through it, hands on. That was very helpful. I recommend working with your vet if you are nervous.

[@traceydeblase2391]

I just talk to a rep from Zoetis and she said the cap is mainly used for pushing against a fatty/callus area whereas it is can enter a little through the hole at the top and the dial control moves the cap up or down to enable the needle to move close or further away from the tissue that can squeeze through the hole. Basically the cap is useless, and is really meant for personal safety. You can use this with out the cap, just prick where you need to accordingly. The needle does not move at all. I hope this clarifies the cap and needle conundrum.

[@any4003]

I'll have to give this a try I haven't been able to draw any blood from my pug with the provided needle and lancet. So I might have to try with that cap off

[@susanlawrence1704]

This video is so fast it is hard to absorb all the information and see the example, please slow down. The information on the video and manual does not show what numbers and there they are. Please point out and show the place these numbers are.

[@lisaandrew4421]

Thanks for sharing the information. I use the Ambrosia Blucon with Libre, It helps me to get constant readings on my Apple Watch and iPhone, the alarms help me at night. It is a much more reliable and accurate cgm with a low cost. I loved!

[@maryc2501]

Just found out my cat is diabetic, I'm so nervous in doings this. He is ok with his insulin shots. I guess im nervous because I dont want to hurt him the ear is such a sensitive area.

[@alaaivjadfjnidisk5726]

DOESNT WORK ANYWAY THE LANCE WONT PROTRUDE BEYOND THE CAP TO GET ANY BLOOD AND I CANT GET A REFUND UNLESS ITS IN SELLABLE CONDITION SO THATS £130 PLUS ID HAVE TO PAY RETURN POSTAGE AS WELL THIS PRODUCT IS TOTAL RUBBISH NO WONDER THEY DONT SHOW A BLOOD SAMPLE IN THIS VERY RUSHED AMERICAN VIDEO ITS BECAUSE YOU CANT GET ONE AVOID DONT BUY

[@philochristos]

What setting should you use on the lance doohickies to poke the ear? Are you suppose to aim for that vein? Because I can't see the vein without the light, and I can't shine the light and poke the ear at the same time.

[@Miss_Maggie]

Isn’t it so very kind of her?! You asked a question “ONLY 8+ MONTHS AGO” - and she still hasn’t bothered to reply! 🤨

[@saradastrickman6406]

I use a needle (say 22-23 gauge)...much easier

[@hermannhavenstein2718]

Video is nonsense, shows you how to prick a blood spot but never shows an actual successful sample being taken... It is DIFFICULT takes hard work and several tries. Look at the "amateur" videos, there is a lot more involved than just "pricking". You need quite a large droplet of blood.

[@milliem8051]

Do you have some good videos you could share? I’m struggling with my cat and she’s mad at me now, it’s making it harder, she doesn’t want me to touch her ears at all 😞

[@any4003]

Exactly my pug is nearly impossible to get blood from. I've tried almost everything I could think of to push some blood out just for a drop and I can't get anything it's like he is blood less lol

[@ScarceWidow]

I’m having a lot of trouble getting the test strips working. I get a good sample then it says error. Like wtf?

[@margeryritchie97]

Me too! It's so frustrating--and I haven't found any useful info on Zoetis site. The only thing I can think of is that somehow the test strip got scratched or compromised in some way

[@Pillow4cat]

How often should I check my cats level?

[@rokoroo]

Yeah, that's all well and good, but she doesn't show how to put the lancet into the device. And there is a dial you can set from 1 to 5, what's that and how do you use it?

[@any4003]

I have been have an impossible time getting blood from any of these spots on my pug and I can't do the lip because it will be messy and he will not cooperate with that. I'm not sure what to do. I got this as an emergency backup because he's on the 14th day freestyle Libre sensor but sometimes it fails so I wanted this as a backup but nothing works

[@janeemens1163]

VIdeo is too fast, info regarding lancet is missing, and lancet is not the same as the one with my Alpha Trak 2. NOT HELPFUL.

[@mattgoodwin1286]

For drawing a sample, the directions say, "Remove the round cover from the lancet and prick the test site." Yet on the illustration that comes in the package, and every draw I've seen on video, the cover is on the lancet. I am poking my poor dog till she yelps but getting no blood.

[@robertbrandywine]

Yeah, the illustration is wrong. After turning the cap to set the number you *must* remove it so you can insert the needle and use it.

[@drymartini777]

THE INSTRUCTIONS ARE HORRIBLE. DISGUSTING.

[@ThePOPDIVA24]

I had the same problem when I kept the cap on my lancing device. It really helped me to just keep the cap off once I put the lancet into the lancing device. I then unscrew the cap of the lancet to reveal the needle once it’s in the device. Then, I just slide the slider of the lancing device back to cock the lancing device, put the device to my dog’s inner ear, and push the button. He yelps, but it does the trick. Please try not to get discouraged if it takes more than one time to get it right. Heck, sometimes, it has taken me a few times myself to get a sufficient blood sample. I wait a few moments too if I don’t immediately see a sample. When I see a dot of blood, then I kind of press around the perimeter of spot until there’s a little more blood and then place the black corner of the test strip to my dog’s ear. It’s gotten easier. Not perfect, but easier.

[@mariadelaluzzilinskas4165]

What the bottle of red stuff for?

[@indigomoon7848]

Wait so you lance at the back of the cat's ear, not the front?

[@michellereynolds5603]

What a poorly made video.

[@barryjmccormack]

Dont buy this product it does not work a lot of the time . It is very hot and miss. This video is a misprepresentation

[@alaaivjadfjnidisk5726]

THE LANCE DOES NOT EVEN PROTRUDE FROM THE CAP ON MINE AT ALL AND I HAVE TO PAY TO RETURN IT AND THE SELLER WILL NOT REFUND ME UNLESS ITS IN RESELLABLE CONDITION SO THATS £130 PLUS POSTAGE WASTED THE PRODUCT IS RUBBISH AND THAT IS WITH THE LANCE SET TO THE HIGHEST POSITION DOESNT WORK DONT BUY LOAD OF RUBBISH

[@myrnapullen3252]

I completely agree with this reviewer. This is the sorriest excuse for an instruction video I have ever seen.......and, besides, it is showing the AlphaTrak 2 when that is no longer available. I cannot find a decent video for AlphaTrak 3. The printed directions are incredibly tiny.........and, for goodness sake, taking care of your beloved animal with diabetes is difficult enough without paying a gosh awful price for their torture object with rediculous instructions.

[@Trishprattle]

So unhelpful. This isn’t easy and the lancets are freaking useless. I’ve wasted so many lancets and strips

[@JJ-is9sz]

The video is not great. Here's what I recommend: Use the control solution to practice. It takes the place of your pet's blood. You may use a few test strips but then you will know what to do. 1. Put the test strip in machine-butterfly facing up and antennae toward machine. Push in until it stops. 2. place control solution on your finger and then on underside of strip (the nonbutterfly side). leave the strip in the machine the entire time. 3. hold control solution (fake blood) on the underside of strip until lines go in circle on machine and number shows on machine. hope this helps

[@drymartini777]

THIS IS CLICK BAIT. 🤬 IT'S USELESS. DON'T WATCH THIS CHANNEL.