Question:
What are Breathing / Fingerstick Exams?

I have just started the process of getting the surgery and I am in the very early stages. I have an appointment next week to get a breathing / fingerstick exam and was just wondering what to expect. I was told not to eat anything 12 hours prior so I am now even more curious. Any help/advice is appreciated. Nathan    — nnklem (posted on November 2, 2005)

November 2, 2005
Nathan, I too am starting my process of having the surgery done. I have not heard anything about having a breathing/ fingerstick exam. Did your doctor say why you were having this done? Could you please let me know how things go. My email address is [email protected] Good luck.
   — kizie23

November 2, 2005
The breathing may be the sleep apnea test But I am not sure what they may mean about the finger stick lol~ Good luck and Blessing to you both... Flo
   — Flo

November 2, 2005
Ive never heard of the fingerstick test either but I just had my breathing tests done. (Pulmonary Function tests). That was no big deal. You just sit in this enclosed cubicle thing and breath into this tube as the therapist instructs you to. It measures your lung function I assume to see how strong your lungs are and if they can handle anesthia/trauma.... The only thing I have had to fast for was the regular blood tests. They do however, poke my finger every month at the Drs office to test my sugar and today the Dr poked my 4yr olds finger to test her iron, so that may be what its about. Best of luck to you!! love and peace, Mary B
   — justaboutkrazy

November 2, 2005
Fingerstick exam is probably just af fingerstick blood sugar test like diabetics do in their own home. Just my guess :o)
   — Kelly B.

November 2, 2005
I did a Google search and came up with this - copy this into your browser to go to the site. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003427.htm More than likely the fingerstick exam is actually called a capillary exam and the doctor is looking at different conditions that you may have and they can tell from just the small sample of blood that they get from a person. Go down on the page to the area that is titled "Why the test is performed".
   — ChristineB

November 2, 2005
NEVER HEARD THOSE TERMS BEFORE, BUT I THINK THAT A FINGER STICK SOUNDS LIKE IT MAY BE A DIABETES/ BLOOD SUGAR LEVEL TEST...NOT SURE ABOUT THE BREATHING TEST. WHAT EVER THEY ARE - GOOD LUCK! DON'T WORRY! WELCOME TO THE ROLLERCOASTER RIDE! ~L
   — Laura G.