How to Test Your Glucose Meter

Test your glucose meter to get accurate readings.

Those with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes use a glucose meter to monitor their blood sugar, or glucose levels, in their blood system. Glucose is blood sugar that your body needs for energy. Those with diabetes have trouble controlling their blood glucose levels. You should test your glucose meter every time you open a new container of test strips, as you use the test strips and meter, and whenever you receive errors or weird results. This helps you to detect any problems with your meter or test strips.

Things You'll Need

• Test strip
• Liquid control solution
• Tissue or paper towel

Instructions

1. Insert a test strip into the glucose meter. The bars should be facing out of the meter.

2. Wait for your screen to turn on. If it does not turn on, remove the test strip and insert it again.

3. Roll the liquid control solution bottle around on a flat surface or between your hands. Open the bottle and squeeze a drop of the liquid on your fingertip. Wipe away any solution left on the bottle.

4. Hold your fingertip to the meter. The code displayed on the liquid control solution bottle should display on the meter's screen. If it says, "ERROR" or "ERR," consult your user manual to identify and correct the problem.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult your healthcare provider and the manufacturer company if your meter malfunctions or still has an error code.

References

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Glucose Testing Devices
• ACCU-CHEK: ACCU-CHEK® Advantage Meter System