How much do you know about blood sugar test strips?

Diabetes has become one of the diseases that middle-aged people are prone to. The main reason is that people in modern society have been eating better and better as their living standards have risen, so few people pay attention to controlling their blood sugar. Generally speaking, blood sugar test strips are used for self-testing of blood sugar. Do you know some common sense about blood sugar test strips?

Operation Notes

For in vitro diagnostic use. The test strip can only be used at 18-35°C (64-95°F). Only fresh whole blood from fingertip capillaries can be used, and earlobe blood can also be used as a blood sample. Venous blood, plasma or serum are not used. The test strip can only be used once. Incorrect timing - leaving the blood sample for too long will increase the reading. Wiping the blood sample too early will reduce the reading. The test result of an extremely high hematocrit value (>55%) may be 15% lower than the actual value, and the test result of a too low hematocrit value (<35%) may be 10% lower than the actual value. The standard colorimetric plate may produce color gradients due to different batches, and the operation should refer to the instructions.

Test strip classification

Blood glucose test strips can be divided into six categories, which are: blood drop test strips, active test strips, siphon test strips, stable test strips, steady test strips, and portable test strips.

Purchase Note

When buying blood glucose test strips, you must pay attention to the following: blood glucose test strips and blood glucose meters are used together. You should buy blood glucose test strips that match the brand and model of your blood glucose meter. The price of blood glucose test strips is not a problem. The important thing is that the quality of blood glucose test strips directly affects the measurement results. Therefore, while paying attention to the price of blood glucose test strips, you should try to buy branded products with good quality.

Storage method

The test strips should be kept dry, away from light and sealed. Blood glucose test strips are required to be placed in a dry environment with an appropriate temperature between 10 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius. Under normal circumstances, test strips do not need to be stored in the refrigerator. Putting them in the refrigerator will easily be affected by moisture and affect the test results. If the indoor temperature is too high in summer, the test strips can be simply put into a plastic bag, put in a desiccant, and then put in the refrigerator for refrigeration. After taking out the test strip tube from the refrigerator before each test, you should wait for the test strip tube to return to room temperature before opening the lid to take out the test strip for testing; do not take out the test strip before the test strip tube reaches room temperature to avoid condensation in the test strip tube. Ensure that unused test strips are always stored in the original tube. Do not divide the test strips into other containers (including old tubes), and do not mix used test strips in the current test strip tube. Pay attention to the expiration date of the test strip and make sure to use it up within the validity period. After taking out the test strip, immediately close the cap of the tube.