The steps are similar for many meters, and generally look like this:

1. Wash and dry your hands—using warm water may help the blood flow.
2. Turn on the meter and prepare a test strip as outlined in your owner’s booklet. Many Accu-Chek meters turn on automatically when a strip is inserted.
3. Choose your spot—don’t check from the same finger all the time. Using the side of the fingertip may be less painful than the pads.
4. Prepare the lancing device according to the user guide provided, then lance your fingertip or other approved site to get a drop of blood.
5. Touch and hold the test strip opening to the drop until it has absorbed enough blood to begin the test.