How to Check a Glucometer
Glucometers, or blood glucose meters, are devices diabetics use to monitor their blood sugar levels. When glucometers are working properly, they will give blood sugar readings within a range of plus or minus 20 percent of a lab test reading, according to American Diabetes.com. You can check the accuracy of your glucometer by using a control solution, which contains glucose. Checking the meter with a control solution is as easy as checking your own blood sample.
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Instructions
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Turn on your glucometer. Most blood glucose meters turn on when you insert the test strip. Insert the test strip as far as it will go with the contact bars facing out. Be careful not to bend the test strip. Once the test strip is inserted, the glucometer will turn on and light up.
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Wait for the signal. Each glucometer has a different symbol or symbols for signaling that the glucometer is ready for use. Usually the symbol is a blood droplet. Once the glucometer has signaled that it is ready, you can use the control solution.
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Place the test strip's contact bars against the control solution as if you were checking your own blood sample. The contact bars will draw in the control solution and give you a reading within five seconds.
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Compare the reading with the test strip vial or test strip container. On the test strip vial, there is a label, which has the code range. It is usually printed near the bottom of the label in small letters. If the results do not fall in the range, the meter or test strips may not be working properly.
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Check the expiration date of your test strips. Expired test strips will not give accurate readings. If the date is expired, use another test strip from a new vial and test again. Check the expiration date on the control solution, as well. Once the control solution is opened, it must be used within three months for accuracy. If the test strips and control solution are not expired or contaminated, you may have an inaccurate meter.
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Tips & Warnings
Store the meter, test strips and control solution in a cool, dry place below 86 degrees F. Make sure your meter, your test strips and your solution are at room temperature before testing.
Do not refrigerate the test strips or control solution.
The control solution range printed on the test strip vial is not a range for your blood glucose level. It should be used only to check the accuracy of your meter.
