Blood glucose strips are small, disposable tools that play a significant role in managing diabetes. These strips, when used with a glucose meter, allow individuals to quickly and easily measure their blood sugar levels at home. This regular monitoring helps people with diabetes make informed decisions about their diet, medication, and overall health management, contributing to better control of their condition.
The Science Behind Glucose Strips
The measurement of blood glucose on a test strip relies on an electrochemical process. When a small drop of blood is applied to the strip, the glucose in the blood reacts with specific chemicals present on the strip, generating an electrical current. This current is directly proportional to the amount of glucose in the blood sample.
An enzyme, commonly glucose oxidase or glucose dehydrogenase, interacts with the glucose molecule in the blood. This reaction causes the glucose to be oxidized, meaning it loses electrons. These electrons are then transferred to a mediator molecule, which acts like a shuttle, carrying the electrons to the strip’s electrodes.
The electrodes then measure the flow of these electrons, creating an electrical current. A glucose meter connected to the strip detects this current and converts it into a digital reading displayed as a blood glucose level. This electrochemical method is widely used due to its accuracy and the ability to work with very small blood samples.
Key Components of a Glucose Strip
Glucose strips are designed with several layers and chemical components that enable their function. At their core are the electrodes, which are made from inert materials like carbon, gold, or platinum. A working electrode serves as the point where electrons from the glucose reaction enter the meter for measurement.
Alongside the working electrode, a counter electrode is present, facilitating the complete electrical circuit. A thin layer of enzymes, such as glucose oxidase (GOx) or glucose dehydrogenase (GDH), is immobilized directly onto the working electrode. These enzymes are highly specific to glucose, ensuring that only glucose in the blood sample is detected.
Mediator chemicals are also part of this dry chemical layer. These mediators transfer electrons between the enzyme and the electrode. Additionally, protective layers and a sample application area are designed to draw the blood sample efficiently onto the reactive surface.
Types of Glucose Strips and Their Advancements
The evolution of glucose strip technology has led to various types, primarily differing in the enzymes and mediators used. Early strips utilized glucose oxidase (GOx), which reacts directly with oxygen and can be affected by the amount of dissolved oxygen in the blood sample. This dependence on oxygen can lead to variability in readings, especially with different hematocrit levels.
Newer generations of strips frequently employ glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) enzymes. These GDH-based enzymes are less susceptible to oxygen interference, offering more consistent results. Some GDH enzymes can react with non-glucose sugars like maltose or galactose.
Advancements have also focused on requiring smaller blood sample sizes and faster results. Innovations include integrating wireless technology for smartphone connectivity and developing new enzyme technologies that enhance accuracy and sensitivity. These improvements contribute to greater convenience and reliability for users.
Ensuring Accurate Readings and Proper Storage
Achieving accurate blood glucose readings depends on proper handling and storage of the test strips. Test strips are sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light. Storing strips in their original, sealed vial is important to protect them from moisture and air, which can degrade the reagents and shorten their lifespan.
It is recommended to keep glucose meters and test strips at room temperature. Extreme temperatures, either too hot or too cold, can impact the chemical reactions on the strip, leading to inaccurate results. Always check the expiration date on the vial and discard any expired or damaged strips, as their chemical integrity may be compromised.
Before testing, washing and drying hands thoroughly with soap and water is advisable to remove any substances that could interfere with the reading. Matching the code on the meter to the code on the test strip vial is also a good practice for calibration. Applying a sufficient blood sample to the strip without adding more blood after the initial drop helps ensure a reliable measurement.