Blood sugar test kits: how blood sugar measuring strips work

Monitoring glucose levels with a blood sugar test kit or glucometer needs to be done regularly for diabetics. This test can be done independently because the tool is easy to carry anywhere. The results of this blood sugar examination are a benchmark for diabetics (diabetics) to control blood sugar levels through a lifestyle recommended by a doctor.

How does the measurement process take place and how accurate is it? Come on, see the explanation below.

How can such a small device be able to provide information about blood sugar levels?

Talking about a glucometer, monitoring blood sugar levels is important to find out if you have reached a certain target. This tool has a systematic way of monitoring blood sugar levels.

When measuring blood glucose levels, you need to take a blood sample using a syringe. Then give an adequate amount of blood on the blood sugar test strip attached to the glucometer. When put into the measuring strip, the glucose in the blood will react with the enzymes on the strip.

This reaction can create an electric current that is connected to the glucometer. The intensity of the electric current is equivalent to glucose in the blood, so that the results can be identified.

How accurate is this measuring strip for measuring your blood sugar level?

To monitor blood glucose, you can choose a certified blood sugar check tool International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ISO standards are important to ensure whether the blood sugar monitor you use is reliable or not.

The glucometer now uses an ISO: 15197: 2013 accuracy system. Through this standard, 95% yield of this glucose must reach the following standards.

• Independent glucometer test results, for blood sugar concentrations less than 100mg / dL, the level of accuracy can differ ± 15mg / dL from laboratory results
• Independent glucometer test results, above 100 mg / dL, the level of accuracy can differ ± 15% from laboratory results

However, mistakes that are not realized when checking blood sugar may still occur, so that they can give wrong check results.

Among them are not cleaning your hands when taking blood samples. As a result, food waste containing sugar may be included in the blood sample and make the results inaccurate.

Causes of incorrect reading of blood sugar test results

The measuring strip can also be the culprit for an incorrect reading of the blood sugar test results. Some of the causes include:

• Expired test strips. When buying a measuring strip, it usually has the expiration date on it. As quoted from HealthCentral, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend using expired test strips because they can make blood test results inaccurate.
• Air temperature and humidity. Some blood sugar test kits and strips sometimes require special treatment when exposed to temperature. Humid air and extreme hot or cold temperatures can damage the blood sugar measuring strip so that when it is inserted into the glucometer it can display the wrong number or not according to your conditions.

Keep the correct measuring strips for blood sugar tests

To avoid measuring blood sugar errors caused by breaking your measuring strip, here are steps you can take to store measuring strips or blood sugar test kits properly:

• Store the measuring strip in its container / bottle and at room temperature
• Do not store in the refrigerator as extreme temperatures can damage the measuring strip
• Avoid storing in a place exposed to direct sunlight or in a humid place, such as in the bathroom
• Always cover strip containers when not in use
• Do not use the strip that has been stained with dirt or dirt, crumbs, food, or liquids
• Do not use a strip that is damaged

Can the measuring strip be used multiple times?

Unfortunately, you can't. This measuring strip or blood sugar test kit is disposable, aka disposable. As reported by the Diabetes Council website, several people have tried to take measurements using a measuring strip that has been used.

The result is that the glucometer is unable to read blood samples that are on the old test strip. This is because the measuring strip is designed to contain only enough enzymes that can be carried out for one test.

Not only the measuring strip, the needle is used to insert your finger when you are about to take a blood sample (lancet) are also disposable. You have to throw it away after using it. Considering this is considered medical waste, you should not throw it away carelessly.

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