Glucose control solution helps verify that your blood glucose meter and test strips are functioning accurately. Regularly checking your glucose monitoring system with control solution contributes to reliable readings, which are important for informed health management.
What Control Solution Is
Control solution is a liquid that contains a precise, known amount of glucose. This solution is specifically formulated to react with test strips in a similar manner to how blood samples react. Manufacturers often produce control solutions in different levels, such as low, normal, or high, each corresponding to a specific glucose concentration. These varying levels allow for checking the meter’s performance across a range of glucose readings, ensuring the system provides consistent results. Using the correct control solution, typically from the same manufacturer as your meter and strips, helps confirm that your glucose monitoring system is working as intended.
When to Use Control Solution
Use glucose control solution to ensure your meter and test strips are performing reliably in several situations:
When you open a new vial or box of test strips.
If your glucose meter has been dropped or you suspect damage.
If your blood glucose readings do not align with how you are feeling, or seem unexpectedly high or low.
Periodically, such as weekly, or after cleaning your meter, as suggested by manufacturers or healthcare providers.
Performing a Control Solution Test
Performing a control solution test is a straightforward process, similar to performing a regular blood glucose test. Begin by gathering all necessary supplies, including your glucose meter, a fresh test strip, and the control solution. Always check the expiration dates on both the test strips and the control solution to ensure they are current. Insert a new test strip into your meter, making sure the meter turns on and is ready for testing.
Gently invert or swirl the control solution bottle a few times to mix its contents, but avoid vigorous shaking which can introduce air bubbles. Discard the first drop of solution by squeezing it onto a tissue and wiping the bottle tip clean.
Then, dispense a second drop of control solution onto a clean, non-absorbent surface, such as the cap of the control solution bottle or a piece of foil. Touch the tip of the inserted test strip to this second drop of control solution, allowing it to draw the liquid into the strip. The meter will then process the sample and display a result, typically within five seconds.
Understanding Your Control Results
Once your meter displays the result from the control solution test, compare this reading to the specific range printed on your test strip vial. This control range indicates the expected values for the control solution, not a target range for your blood glucose. If your meter’s reading falls within this specified range, it confirms that your meter and test strips are working correctly together. If the result is outside the indicated range, it suggests a potential issue with your meter, test strips, or the control solution itself.
Several factors can lead to an out-of-range result, including using expired or contaminated control solution or test strips, or not following the testing instructions precisely. Environmental factors like extreme temperatures can also affect test accuracy.
If you get an out-of-range result, retest using a new test strip. If the result remains outside the range after retesting, check the expiration and discard dates of your supplies and ensure proper storage. If problems persist, it is advisable to contact the meter manufacturer’s customer support for further troubleshooting.
Proper Storage and Handling
Proper storage and handling of glucose control solution are important for maintaining its effectiveness and ensuring accurate test results. Store the control solution at room temperature, generally between 59-86°F (15-30°C), and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or extreme heat or cold. It should never be refrigerated or frozen. After each use, securely recap the bottle immediately to prevent contamination and evaporation.
Control solution has an expiration date printed on the bottle or box, and it is important not to use it past this date. Most control solutions have a limited shelf life once opened, typically around 90 days or three months, though some may last up to six months. It is helpful to write the date you opened the bottle on its label to easily track its discard date. Using control solution that has expired or been open beyond its recommended period can lead to inaccurate test results.