You can manage your diabetes successfully by testing your blood sugar level at home. Blood glucose meters help you do this. However, you need to use them properly for the results to be accurate.
To make sure your blood glucose tests are accurate, follow these tips.
ü manual and instructions for use
read the manual and test strip package insert for information on safety and warnings.
follow the instructions carefully.
test your glucometer with a control solution regularly, following the instructions in your manual, to make sure it is operating properly.
use only the test strips and controls that are recommended in the manual for your glucose meter.
ü hand washing
wash your hands before the test, making sure no food, sugar or moisturizer is on your skin.
use warm water when you wash to encourage blood flow.
dry your hands well to avoid diluting your blood sample.
ü lancing device and lancets
use a new sterile lancet for each test.
never share your lancing device with anyone else to prevent the spread of disease.
ü meter use and storage
use the control solution to test your glucometer regularly.
store the glucometer and test strips in a cool, dry place like a bedroom, never in your bathroom.
follow instructions for testing conditions because temperature, humidity and altitude can affect the results.
keep the meter clean and disinfected using the process described in your manual (other methods may harm your meter).
ü test strips
make sure they have not expired.
store test strips in their original container at the temperature indicated on the container.
close the cap right after you remove a test strip.
check that the container holding the test strips is not cracked.
use a new test strip for each test.
Causes of inaccurate readings.
In addition to issues with the meter and test strips, other factors can affect the accuracy of blood glucose readings.
There are other reasons why blood glucose meters may not measure accurately.:
1.not taking enough blood for the test
2.not inserting the test strip properly into the meter
3.having traces of food, sugar or water on the finger you tested
4.performing the test from other areas of the body, such as the forearm or palm (known as alternate site testing)
5.testing in these areas can be less accurate than the fingertip, especially after eating or exercising when glucose levels are changing rapidly
6.Certain physical health issues can affect a reading:anemia,dehydration,
if you are sick or stressed.
7.A reading can also be affected by:medications,substances that contain vitamin C,the ratio of the volume of red blood cells to the total volume of blood (hematocrit),treatments, such as removing waste products from your blood when your kidneys aren’t functioning properly (peritoneal dialysis)