Gaining Insights From Routine Blood Glucose Testing
Day-to-day blood sugar checks can give you a good idea of how youre doing at this moment, and they can be reviewed overall to see trends. They can help answer questions such as:
- Are your medications working as they should?
- How does the type or amount of food you eat affect your blood sugar?
- How does activity or stress affect your blood sugar?
What Is Control Solution For A Glucose Meter
Glucose control solution is a liquid made up of water, glucose, buffers, and microbicides. These ingredients are vital to creating a solution with the following properties:
- Has a concentration of glucose that can be used to test the functionality of your meter and test strips.
- Has a pH level that is close to the physiological value of human blood.
- Prevents the growth of micro bacteria that would otherwise alter the glucose concentration.
Your blood glucose monitoring system can detect the amount of glucose present in control solution in a similar way to how it detects the amount of glucose present in blood. A glucose control solution reading on your meter appears as a numerical value. This value should fall within the target range printed on the test strip vial, which is based on the concentration of glucose in the control solution.
Manufacturers often have a few options of control solution that are compatible with each brand of test strips. The different options, or levels Level 1, Level 2, or Level 4 for example have glucose ranges that are different from one another, typically corresponding with low, normal, or high glucose concentrations. Your test strip vial should show the target range for each different level of control solution. Be sure to identify the correct range that corresponds to the type of control solution you have.
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How To Use Glucose Control Solution
Using glucose control solution is simple, which is why it can be such an easy way to ensure you have accurate control of your blood glucose.
Step 1: Insert a new testing strip into your blood glucose meter, and check that the device is powered on, functioning, and ready for a blood glucose test.
Step 2:Shake the bottle of glucose control solution well
Step 3: Squeeze out the first drop from the glucose control solution bottle and discard it. Then wipe off the tip of the bottle to make sure its clean.
Step 4: Dispense the second drop of control solution onto a hard, clean surface, then bring the test strip up to the droplet until youve collected enough solution. This should be almost the exact same process as using a lancet and collecting a drop of blood for a blood glucose test.
Step 5: Check the test results on your meter or monitoring device, just like you would with a blood sample. The bottle of glucose control solution should provide a range of acceptable values that should come up.
Note: If the results of the control solution test are outside of the range expected, we recommend repeating the first 5 steps once more. If the results are inaccurate again, its worth looking into a new pack of testing strips, or a new monitoring device.
Step 6: Dispose of any used test strips and store the glucose solution in a safe place at room temperature.
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Bluetooth Wireless Connection To Your Proex System
Bluetooth wireless connection to your ProEX telehealth device or compatible smartphone, keeps your important information at your hand where and when you need it eliminating the need for a paper diary.
Along with proven accuracy, features like the spill resistant vial, wide test strip dosing area, strip port light and strip ejector button can help make every day glucose monitoring easier. The Accu-Chek Guide Blood Glucose Monitor has a measuring range of 0.6 mmol/L to 33.3 mmol/L to provide better management and tracking.
Available as a kit with 200 lancets with 200 test strips , or with 100 test strips .
Additional lancets and test strips available.
| 2°C 30°C |
- Proven accuracy that exceeds current ISO standard
- Connects wirelessly to Visionflex ProEX telehealth devices
- Have the option of transmitting results to the Accu-Chek Connect diabetes management app on your compatible smartphone using wireless technology
- No more strip confettithe spill resistant vial helps you remove one strip at a time
- Wide test strip dosing area apply a small drop of blood anywhere along the wide yellow edge
- Receive glucose readings in less than 4 seconds
- Monitor in all light conditions, thanks to a bright, backlit display and a strip port light
- Eject used test strips from the meter with the push of a button
- Enjoy virtually pain free lancing with the included Accu-Chek FastClix lancing device
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How To Use Control Solution
Control solution can be used to confirm that your meter and strips are working correctly. You can purchase control solution for your One Drop meter in our online store. One Drop control solution comes in both Level 2 and Level 4. You may receive one or the other depending on which one is in stock at our fulfillment centers. Either one will give you an accurate measurement.If you are enrolled in One Drop through your employer, please email with your name, email, and employer name to request control solution.
Can I use other control solutions?The One Drop glucose meter must be tested with Agamatrix control solution. Control solutions from other manufacturers may not produce an accurate test result.How to use One Drop control solution:
Determine if you have Level 2 or Level 4 control solution. The level is listed on the box.
Find the reading range that matches your control solution level. The range is listed on your One Drop test strip vial.
Use the control solution to take a glucose reading as you normally would, substituting a drop of control solution for the drop of blood.
What is the difference between Level 2 and Level 4 control solution?
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How To Read Your Blood Sugar Results On The Accu
Results are displayed in white-on-black text on the Accu-Chek Guide, with the number displayed in big bold font thats easy to see.
Above the result, you can see the time and date. An additional box is displayed below the result, allowing you to enter comments such as before or after a meal, exercise or insulin that may be influencing the result, or any high or low blood sugar feelings you might have at the time.
Customer Reviews And Brand Reputation
In general, the Accu-Chek Guide receives high marks from people whove used this product. On Amazon, it receives 4.6 out of 5 stars.
The spill-resistant vial of test strips is an oft-mentioned highlight for many people, who describe not having to worry about spilling and losing their test strips especially if its late at night, in a darkened room, or in a cramped space while checking their blood sugar.
Some common concerns mentioned are that the strips may produce an error if they arent inserted correctly or that the meter doesnt connect via Bluetooth as well as theyd hoped.
Using the Accu-Chek Guide, I had great experiences using this product for fingersticks. I find the novel test strip container a creative solution, showing the company took to heart a big issue that many people with diabetes have with test strips. The additional lighting options and easy-to-read display made this meter a preferred choice for use at night or anytime its dark.
The Accu-Chek Guide is just one of the many meters available. Several other name brands exist, including a variety of generic meters that you can find at drugstores and pharmacies.
Here is an overview of some of the fingerstick meter options currently available:
| Product | |
|---|---|
| includes CVS Health Advanced, True Metrix, ReliOn | many meters praised as lower cost while also retaining accuracy and quality |
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Worst Machine For Senior Badly Packed Strips Very Difficult To Put Back In Pouch Very Difficult To Use
Worst machine for senior, badly packed strips ,very difficult to put back in pouch . Very difficult to use because of its tight pouch. Will never recomemmend to seniors or disabled people .
Purchasedin at Chemist Warehousefor $69.
- IncentivisedReview
Been using this for about 30 tests. I still have difficulties in putting the pricker back in position. Both are jet black and have no location marks to aid me. I have to give it to my wife to do and she generally manages it.The other thing thats hard is to locate your finger between the 2 small lugs above the sensor strip.It comes up with error 5. Seems it does not like bright lights. In order to get my little finger in a correct position, I need to hold it up to the light.So I cannot use my little finger to test. So 50percent of my test
Purchasedin
What Is The Accu
Here are some of the standout features of this Accu-Chek Guide meter. Note that the simpler Accu-Chek Guide Me version has a larger, easy-to-read display but doesnt have all the same features nor connectivity to the brands software platform.
The Accu-Chek Guide product specs:
- Dimensions: 3.2 x 1.9 x 0.8 inches
- Weight: 49 grams
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When To Use Glucose Solutions
Experts recommend using control solutions like, Ascensia Contour Normal Control Solution, designed to check the accuracy of glucose meter and test strips, when-
- Prior using the glucose monitoring system for blood sugar test.
- While opening a new container of test strips.
- When and if the results appear unusually high or low depending on the symptoms of the patient.
- When and if the strips are left open or exposed. To avoid any chances of infection, prefer wearing medical gloves.
- When and if the system seems damaged or is not working properly.
What Are Lancets And Test Strips Used For
Lancets are small, short needles encased in plastic, and are used to puncture the skin to obtain a blood sample. Standard lancets fit inside a lancing device designed to make the finger prick quick and painless. Single-use lancets, often referred to as safety lancets, are also available and can help avoid accidental puncture.
After the skin has been punctured, a small bead of blood will surface, which can then be collected using a glucose test strip. Glucose test strips are designed to absorb the blood sample into a sample chamber. There it is mixed with an enzyme and the glucose meter runs an electrical current through the mixture. The level of resistance to the current that the mixture has calculates a blood sugar reading. Then, based on that reading, the user can determine what action they may need to take to regulate their blood sugar levels.
Here are some helpful tips to remember if you are new to the self-management of diabetes, or if you have another condition that requires regular blood testing.
Dispose of needles immediately.
Once you have finished using your lancets, test strips, and, if needed, syringes, immediately dispose of them as they are now considered a biohazard, i.e. hazardous medical waste.
It is important to take this seriously.
Do not attempt to clean and re-use lancets or syringes with alcohol or any other anti-bacterial solution.
Never share needles.
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The Freestyle Libre Reader
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Easy to hold and carry around¶¶
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Easy-to-read graphs
Offers easy-to-understand graphs with a quick summary of glucose history
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Backlit colour touchscreen
Enhances the user experience can be read in the dark
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Complete glucose picture
Stores 90 days of glucose data to provide a complete glucose picture over 3 months
How Do I Use An Accu
A person should check the Accu-Chek manual for instructions on how to use their particular device.
Some general instructions recommend:
People should contact a doctor if their blood glucose levels are higher or lower than usual over an extended period.
The CDC recommends that people contact their doctor if their symptoms do not improve with medication or any other treatments a healthcare professional prescribes.
Additionally, people should speak with their doctor at least twice a year and should make annual appointments with the following healthcare professionals to screen for any diabetes complications:
- an eye doctor, or ophthalmologist
- a foot doctor, or podiatrist
Additionally, the ADA suggests people seek medical advice before starting any new physical activity. A healthcare professional can advise a person on which activities are safe and whether any exercise will impact the effectiveness of their medication.
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Auto Control Medical Meter Pins
Below is a list of PINs included in the reimbursement program and the amount that will be paid for them.
Table 1. Auto Control Medical Meter PINs
| TELUS PIN | |
|---|---|
| Bionime GM 100 Meter | $30.00 |
A custom class called Auto Control Meter has been added in the Drug Folder for each of these PINs to ensure appropriate pricing is submitted to TELUS Health Assure.
Real People With Diabetes Real Freestyle Libre Stories
Explore inspirational#FreeStyleFreedom stories to see how the FreeStyle Libre system is allowing real people with diabetes to have more freedom in their day-to-day lives.
You have more options when it comes to purchasing the FreeStyle Libre system! Buy today at your local pharmacy or order now online!¶¶¶
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Roche Diagnostics Meter Pins
Below is a list of PINs included in the reimbursement program and the amount that will be paid for them.
Table 1. Roche Diagnostics Meter PINs
| TELUS PIN | |
|---|---|
| Accu-Chek Mobile Meter | $30.00 |
A custom class called Roche Diagnostics Program has been added in the Drug Folder for each of these PINs to ensure appropriate pricing is submitted to TELUS Health Assure.
Proper Hazardous Waste And Sharps Disposal
Proper disposal is being considerate of others. Leaving hazardous medical waste around is risky for anyone, particularly children who may not be aware of the risks and safety hazards. Hazardous waste is not something you should be re-using. Make sure to dispose of per instructions and label!
Always dispose of medical waste after single-use.
Do not clip used needles or alter it as this is prone to an entirely new set of risks. Safe needle disposal is just disposing of the entire needle, preferably with the cap on. The same idea goes for lancets–do not try to alter the lancet for re-use.
To properly dispose of your used lancets and needles, you need a robust container that can be completely sealed and accurately labeled–you can also use this same container to dispose of your test strips as well, but be sure to follow any disposal instructions that are specific to your test strips.
Containers that are sufficient for sharps and hazardous waste disposal are heavy plastic containers like detergent bottles or metal or plastic boxes with a fastening sealing mechanism. You can also find containers specifically made for this type of disposal at stores and pharmacies. Never use glass or a clear plastic bottle like a water bottle or drink bottle, and always seal containers with heavy duct tape to ensure they stay safely closed.
Label the container USED SHARPS: DO NOT RECYCLE. Keep the container out of the reach of children or other vulnerable populations.
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Submitting A Claim For The Abbott Reimbursement Program
To submit a claim for the reimbursement program:
From the Workbench or the patients Profile tab, for the patient using the following information:
Enter the Prescriber.
Enter the appropriate DIN/PIN in Drug Name, as per Table 1. Abbott Meter and Lancet PINs.
Qty Auth = 1 for a monitor or the appropriate quantity for lancets
Qty = 1 for a monitor or the appropriate quantity for lancets
SIG = TEST AS DIRECTED BY PHYSICIAN
DS = 1 for a monitor or the appropriate quantity for lancets
Select Process. The prescription opens in Rx Detail.
Enter A3/CA in the Bill field.
If you are in a province that requires a government plan as the first payer for DUR purposes, ensure it is entered in the Bill field in front of A3/CA .
The overall pricing should match the total reimbursement amount for the PIN, as per Table 1. Abbott Meter and Lancet PINs. Verify the remaining information in Rx Detail and make any necessary changes.
Continue to process the prescription as usual.
Ensure all required supporting documentation is scanned and attached to the prescription for record keeping and audit purposes.
Should You Choose The Accu
The Accu-Chek Guide is an excellent glucometer thats paired with a superb strip holding SmartPack. The accuracy of the unit is excellent, while blood collection is easy thanks to clearly marked strips and the addition of an auto-on strip light.
Bluetooth connectivity and app support from not one but two app options makes data analysis clear and easy. In fact the whole unit is easy to use right from the start. Some might find the lack of colour display or basic design aesthetics less pleasing but in reality these arent massively important factors to most people. While Accu-Chek makes a few meter options we found Guide to be one of the best for all round ease of use, smart functionality and portability. The simplicity also makes this an ideal glucometer for anyone new to blood glucose measuring.
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