How to use blood glucose test strips
Disease description:
Hello doctor, my father has diabetes and needs to monitor his blood sugar frequently. We just purchased some blood glucose test strips, but we are not very clear about how to use them properly. We are worried that improper operation may affect the accuracy of the measurements, thus preventing us from accurately understanding his blood sugar levels. Could you please provide detailed instructions on how to use the blood glucose test strips?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Measuring blood glucose using a test strip generally involves six steps: preparation, hand cleaning, disinfection of the blood collection site, blood collection, absorption of blood, and reading the result.
1. Preparation: Turn on the blood glucose meter and ensure the code on the meter matches that of the test strip. Prepare the lancet, alcohol swabs, and cotton swabs.
2. Hand cleaning: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, and dry them properly. This ensures measurement accuracy and prevents impurities from affecting the result.
3. Disinfection of the blood collection site: Choose the sides of the fingertip for blood collection. Disinfect the area with an alcohol swab and wait until the alcohol has completely evaporated before proceeding.
4. Blood collection: Attach the lancet to the lancing device and adjust the penetration depth according to skin thickness. Press the lancing device button to prick the finger, then gently squeeze the finger to allow blood to naturally flow and form a drop.
5. Absorption of blood: Take out the blood glucose test strip and bring the blood-absorbing end close to the blood drop. The blood will automatically be drawn into the reaction area of the test strip. Avoid smearing the blood, as this may affect the measurement.
6. Reading the result: Insert the test strip into the blood glucose meter and wait for the glucose reading to be displayed. During the entire process, ensure the blood glucose test strips are within their expiration date and stored properly to avoid moisture or heat exposure. After the measurement, press the puncture site with a cotton swab to stop the bleeding.
If you have doubts about the result, repeat the measurement or visit a hospital for re-examination.
