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- Diabetes: The Silent Disease About 1 in every 20 people
has diabetes, the 7th leading cause of death in the U.S. Many don't even
know they have it until they experience life threatening complications.
The good news is that diabetes may be managed... more...
- Diabetes Glossary Discover the meaning meanings of important terms used for diabetes... more...
About Diabetes Monitoring Kits
Instructions for Using Glucose Meters
Here are general instructions for using a glucose meter:
1. Wash hands with soap and warm water and dry completely or clean the area
with alcohol and dry completely.
2. Prick the fingertip with a lancet.
3. Hold the hand down and hold the finger until a small drop of blood appears;
catch the blood with the test strip.
4. Follow the instructions for inserting the test strip and using the SMBG
meter.
5. Record the test result.
The Food and Drug Administration requires that glucose meters and the strips used with them have instructions for use. You should read carefully the instructions for both the meter and its test strips. Meter instructions are found in the user manual. Keep this manual to help you solve any problems that may arise. Many meters use "error codes" when there is a problem with the meter, the test strip, or the blood sample on the strip. You will need the manual to interpret these error codes and fix the problem.
You can get information about your meter and test strips from several different sources. Your user manual should include a toll free number in case you have questions or problems. If you have a problem and can't get a response from this number, contact your healthcare provider or a local emergency room for advice. Also, the manufacturer of your meter should have a website. Check that website regularly to see if it lists any issues with the function of your meter.
New devices are for sale such as laser lancets and meters that can test blood taken from "alternative sites" of the body other than fingertips. Since new devices are used in new ways and often have new use restrictions, you must review the instructions carefully.