LIVING WITH DIABETES: BLOOD TESTS

Posted: April 23rd, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: Diabetes | No Comments »

The most useful information you can have in the day-to-day control of diabetes is to know how much glucose is present in the blood. This varies so much that it is essential to test frequently and on a regular basis at home. The tests are sometimes called Home Blood Glucose Monitoring.

The test is made on a drop of blood applied to a small test strip. You will need a fine needle or lancet to prick the skin, a small plastic device to ensure that the pricks are painless and easy, a supply of test strips, and for most people a meter to measure the glucose value.

The test is very reliable if it is done exactly correctly. It will give the wrong answer if it is done incorrectly.

Use the correct strip

There are several different types of test strip, and it is essential to use one that is right for the meter that you are using. Test strips must be stored properly. The container must be kept tightly closed at room temperature but not exposed to heat. Test strips should not be used after the expiry date shown on the container. The types of strips commonly used with blood glucose meters are: the AMES Test BG, BM Test BG, Glucostix, BM Test Glycemie 20/800 and Hypoguard GA. strips.

Obtain a large drop of blood

Use a fine lancet such as the Monolet either held in the hand or use an automatic pricking device such as the Autolet, Glucolet, Soft Touch or the Autoclix. You can use the lancet many times on one person, but if you do, you should keep it in spirit between uses and allow it to dry well before you use it.

The fingers are the easiest part to obtain blood. They need to be reasonably clean and must be dry. Do not use a spirit swab.

Warm fingers bleed more easily than cold.

You may do the test anywhere on the last joint of the finger to give a satisfactory drop of blood. It is often easiest to use the tip, but try not to use only the tip as eventually after many years this may lead to some loss of sensation. Try instead to use the edge of the fingers sometimes. Use a different finger each day to give them a rest.

You must get a large drop of blood; not just a smear. It should be applied to the strip by letting it almost fall on it. The strip should then have a drop of blood.

Time is vital

Blood must be on the strip for exactly the right time. The strip contains chemical reagents which react with the blood, and if the blood is on the strip for less than the proper time, the result will read too low. If the blood is on the strip too long, the result will read too high. If you are using a meter, it will have a timer and this will indicate exactly the right time to remove the blood. If you are not using a meter, you will need to time it exactly using a sweep second hand or a digital second timer on your watch or clock.

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