What are Blood Glucose Testing Strips?
Blood glucose testing strips are small, disposable plastic strips that are used in handheld glucose meters to measure the amount of glucose in a person’s blood. They are meant to be used once and then thrown away. Each strip has a reaction pad at one end that changes color when a small drop of blood is applied, allowing the meter to calculate the blood glucose level.
How do Blood Glucose Test Strips Work?
When a drop of blood is placed on the reaction pad, enzymes and chemicals on the strip react with the glucose in the blood sample. This causes an electrochemical reaction that is detected by the meter through tiny electrodes built into the strip. The meter then instantly displays the blood glucose level as a number in either milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Different types of blood glucose meters may use different chemical compositions and technologies in their strips, but the basic principle is the same - a chemical reaction detects Blood Glucose Test Strip and converts it into a digital reading.
Why is it Important to Monitor Blood Glucose Levels?
For people with diabetes, monitoring blood glucose levels is incredibly important for managing their condition properly. High or low blood sugar can have serious short-term and long-term health effects if left untreated for extended periods. Frequent testing allows diabetics and their healthcare providers to determine whether treatment plans and medication doses need adjustment. It also helps identify trends that may require lifestyle changes. Monitoring provides valuable data to prevent complications and optimize overall health outcomes. Regular testing is especially critical for Type 1 diabetics who need insulin injections to survive, or for those with gestational or prediabetes where glucose levels may fluctuate rapidly.
Key Factors to Consider when Choosing Test Strips
When purchasing blood glucose test strips, there are several important factors to weigh:
- Strips must be compatible with your specific brand and model of blood glucose meter. Strips are not universally interchangeable between meters.
- Cost per strip. Medication budgets are a reality, so selecting an affordable option is prudent. Ask about insurance coverage.
- Storage requirements. How and where do the strips need to be kept to maintain accuracy? High heat or humidity could compromise results.
- Shelf life. When unopened or partially used, how long before strips expire? Check expiration dates carefully.
- Ease of use. The easier and less painful it is to use the strips, the more likely one is to stay adherent to testing schedules.
- Accuracy. Make sure the monitoring system is clearing any regulatory standards for reliability. A margin of error could have medical consequences.
- Volume. Bulk packages may offer better per-unit pricing vs smaller quantities that get used up quickly.
Tips for Proper Use of Test Strips
Here are some tips for getting the most accurate results from blood glucose testing strips:
- Wash and dry hands thoroughly before drawing blood to avoid contaminating the sample.
- Use a lancing device approved by your healthcare provider to obtain a small drop of blood, usually from the side of a fingertip or alternate sites like the forearm.
- Apply the blood drop to the absorbent pad on the strip. Too much or too little blood can alter results.
- Insert the blood glucose strip fully into the meter and wait for the reading to appear on the display.
- Carry extra strips, batteries for the meter, and a lancing device in case of lost or damaged supplies when traveling.
- Store unused test strips in their original vial or container between 35-85° F and out of direct sunlight.
- Record the date opened on any new vial of strips and discard remaining strips past the expiration date listed.
- Calibrate the meter as recommended by the manufacturer, usually every few months, to ensure accuracy over time.
- Seek medical help if multiple tests are inconsistent with how you’re feeling or if readings are very high or low.
Potential Sources of Inaccurate Readings
Despite their prevalence, blood glucose testing strips are not perfect. Common issues that may produce unreliable results include:
- Contaminated blood sample touching skin before application to strip.
- Not getting enough blood on the reaction pad
- Dirty or damaged strip not making proper contact in meter.
- Using expired strips past their usable lifespan.
- Storing strips in extreme temperatures or humid conditions.
- Not calibrating the meter as directed by the manufacturer.
- Failing to follow all instructions and handling the strip properly.
In , taking the time to understand how to work with your test strips and meter properly is key for diabetics and those monitoring prediabetes or other conditions. With consistent and accurate readings, small adjustments in treatment plans can have meaningful impacts on health outcomes over the long-term.
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About Author:
Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)
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