A glucose meter is a portable electronic device that measures the concentration of glucose in a small drop of blood. Accurate glucose readings are important for individuals managing diabetes to make informed decisions about their health. To ensure these devices provide reliable results, a specialized liquid called control solution is used. This solution helps verify the proper functioning of the meter and its corresponding test strips.
Understanding Control Solution’s Role
Control solution plays a role in verifying the performance of a blood glucose monitoring system. This liquid contains a known amount of glucose, allowing users to check if their meter and test strips are working correctly. By applying the control solution to a test strip, the meter should display a reading that falls within a specific, expected range provided by the manufacturer. This process helps confirm the system’s accuracy.
Testing with control solution is also useful in various situations where the accuracy of the glucose meter might be compromised. For instance, it can help identify issues if a new box of test strips is opened, if the meter has been dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures, or if blood glucose readings seem unexpectedly high or low. The control solution test does not calibrate the meter, but rather confirms that the meter and test strips are performing within their specified parameters.
The Importance of Specific Control Solutions
Control solutions are not universally interchangeable; a specific solution is required for each glucose meter and its corresponding test strips. This specificity arises because different glucose meters utilize distinct technologies, chemical reactions, and calibration algorithms to measure glucose. A control solution is precisely formulated to react in a predictable way with a particular meter and test strip system, ensuring accurate verification.
Attempting to use a control solution from one brand or model with a meter from another can lead to inaccurate results. The chemical composition and glucose concentration in control solutions vary significantly between manufacturers, as each develops its solution to match the unique characteristics of its own devices. Therefore, always using the control solution specified by the meter’s manufacturer is important to obtain meaningful and reliable verification.
Using Control Solution Correctly
Before testing, it is important to check the expiration date on the control solution bottle, as expired solution can lead to incorrect results. Control solutions are good for about 3 months after opening, or until the manufacturer’s expiration date. Store the solution properly, at room temperature and tightly capped, to prevent contamination or degradation.
To perform a test, insert a new test strip into the meter. Gently swirl the control solution bottle and discard the first drop for a clean sample. Dispense a second drop onto a clean, hard surface, then touch the test strip until the meter indicates absorption.
Compare the displayed result to the expected range on the test strip vial. If the reading falls within this range, the meter and strips are functioning as intended. If the result is outside the expected range, retest with a new strip and solution. If the issue persists, contact the meter manufacturer for guidance.