Why does bleeding occur and what can I do to prevent it?
The information provided on this page is not intended to replace medical treatment advice. Please consult your healthcare professional for guidance related to your treatment.
Why does the sensor sometimes bleed on insertion?
For the insertion needle to reach the interstitial fluid (where it measures the glucose), it must penetrate the dermis layer of the skin. The Dermis layer has blood vessels scattered throughout. Penetrating those blood vessels can cause bleeding.
If you do not notice bleeding on insertion but notice some dry blood on removal this may have happened on insertion or could be due to the sensor being knocked or compressed during wear:
Seek medical attention if you see any signs of infection such as the area being swollen, red, hot, painful or oozing.
What increases the chance of bleeding?
Many things can increase the chance of bleeding:
Pressure
Body heat
Pregnancy
Drinking alcohol
Knocking the sensor
Anti-coagulants
What if I use anticoagulants?
Anticoagulants are a family of medications that help prevent blood clots. Anticoagulants are also called clotting inhibitors or blood thinners. As a result of anticoagulant use, the sensor insertion site may bleed faster, more heavily, and/or longer. If you use anticoagulants, you can still use Dexcom CGM products, however it is important to consider all the points below.
How can I prevent or reduce bleeding on insertion?
A good insertion technique is important to prevent bleeding. Ensure that the area being inserted into is relaxed. Do not tense area. If using your arm for insertion, avoid excessively bending it.
Excess pressure is not required to insert any of the Dexcom CGM devices.
For Dexcom G7 or Dexcom ONE+, a slight push towards the skin is required to make sure the clear safety ring is depressed.
Make sure that when inserting you depress the sensor against the skin and then press to insert straight away. If you depress and hold or do a “countdown” a vacuum will be created underneath the applicator and bleeding may occur
Think about the timing of insertion. Do not insert sensor when your body is warmer than usual as this can mean that the blood vessels are dilated and may bleed more
Avoid (where possible) inserting:
After a bath or shower
After exercise
After getting out of bed
After wearing several layers of clothing such as thick jumpers or winter coats
Allow body/skin temperature to return to room temperature before insertion.
Alcohol thins the blood and whilst a moderate intake offers short-lived effects, heavy or chronic drinking can severely impair clotting increasing the chance of bleeding.
If regular bleeding occurs, then holding something cold against the skin for a few minutes before insertion will cause the blood vessels to constrict and may reduce or prevent bleeding altogether. Make sure you are not putting ice or non-medical ice packs in direct contact with the skin. Put a piece of wet cloth / paper towel in between the ice/icepack and the skin.
Should the sensor be replaced if bleeding occurs?
It may not be necessary to remove your sensor. If the bleeding is slight and stops quickly, then continue with setup.
If heavier bleeding occurs or it keeps bleeding, then the bleeding may increase the chances of inaccuracy or sensor failure*.
If bleeding occurs:
Remove the sensor and insert a new one at a different location.
Submit a Product Support Request to report the issue:
https://dexcom-intl.custhelp.com/app/support_request/
For more information on how to insert your sensor (and attach transmitter), please visit our LEARN Journey which can be found here www.dexcom.com/learn where you can find our guides and resources, or you can visit our training website where you can learn at your own pace and enhance your learning experience.
* Finger pricks required for diabetes treatment decisions if symptoms or expectations do not match readings.