Precautions to be taken when testing blood sugar using a glucometer.

[patliputra]

Accuracy is the key word,and a little casualness in approach may result in error in test result. It is a fact that no glucometer is fully accurate, but newer meters are much more accurate than older ones. A few precautions are suggested to avoid error in test readings.

(1) Wash hands-- before every finger prick hand should be washed with soap and water and completely dried.It will prevent infection at the prick site. But mainly to avoid any effect on test reading if one is handling food,drink or using some lotion, cream or ointment etc.

(2) Take care of test strips-- Mishandling test strips leads to error. Please do not put test strips in refrigerator ,but keep them at a cool place away from direct sunlight and moisture,at room temperature. A pocket,wallet or car is not a place for test strips.Please remember strips are COSTLY.

(3) Test repeatedly, if test result is not what have been expected.

(4) Now a days meters don't require coding,but if older meter is being used check coding.

(5) Use control solution-- the solution contains known amount of glucose,so make sure your meter and strips are ok.

[nataraj28]

Thanks for the useful information sir.

[rakeshsolomon]

useful information.thanks

[ushapillai]

From where can one get control solution for One touch.Thanks

[shrisamarth Volunteer in reply to ushapillai]

Call One Touch customer care. Control solution is not available in the market.

[patliputra in reply to ushapillai]

If you don't have customer care number,please get all the information at one touch web site.

[amalmondkar]

Good info. Thanks.

[ushapillai]

Thank you for the info regarding control solution, how often do you need to caliberate the equipment with the solution.

[patliputra in reply to ushapillai]

There is no hard and fast rule ,how often to check with control solution. Whenever you have doubt about blood sugar readings ,control solution can be used.

[patliputra]

If you are wiping the finger with spirit or any disinfectant , please make sure that finger is completely DRY ,before you prick.

[Hidden]

thanks for useful information

[Srk1942]

I would like to add one more precaution while using glucometer on the basis of my experience. See that you get a nice drop on the finger before touching the strip on the blood. If the drop spreads on the finger, the reading is likely to be erroneous.