Control solution is a liquid containing a known amount of glucose, designed to verify the performance of a blood glucose monitoring system. It helps confirm that the glucose meter and its corresponding test strips are working reliably. This ensures individuals managing diabetes receive dependable readings, foundational for effective self-management and clinical decision-making.
Validating Glucose Meter Accuracy
Accurate blood glucose readings are fundamental for individuals with diabetes to manage their condition effectively. Control solution acts as a quality control check for the entire blood glucose monitoring system, encompassing the meter, test strips, and user technique. If an inaccurate meter goes undetected, it could lead to incorrect treatment decisions, potentially resulting in adverse health outcomes.
Using control solution ensures the meter and test strips work correctly by providing an expected result within a specified range. When a drop of control solution is tested instead of blood, the meter processes this known glucose concentration. The result indicates whether the system performs as the manufacturer intended, confirming readings reflect true glucose levels for informed adjustments to diet, medication, or activity.
Control solution contains specific amounts of glucose. Manufacturers often provide two levels: one with a low glucose concentration and another with a high concentration, allowing for checks across different glucose ranges. The consistency of results from control solution tests provides assurance that the device can accurately measure glucose, which is paramount for making daily treatment choices.
Practical Application of Control Solution
Control solution should be used in several specific situations to confirm the reliability of your glucose monitoring system. Perform a control test when using a new meter for the first time or opening a new vial of test strips. Additionally, test if you suspect inaccurate readings, if they do not align with how you feel, or if the meter has been dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Always refer to your specific meter’s instruction manual for control solution test procedures, as they can vary slightly. Generally, insert a test strip into the meter as usual. Instead of blood, apply a drop of the control solution to the designated area on the test strip. You can squeeze a drop onto a clean, non-porous surface like the vial cap or aluminum foil, then touch the strip to it. Do not apply the solution directly from the bottle to avoid contamination.
After processing, the meter displays a result. Compare this reading to the acceptable range printed on your test strip vial or the control solution bottle. If the result falls within this specified range, it indicates that your meter and test strips are working properly. This range is developed by manufacturers based on regulatory guidelines and product accuracy.
If the control solution test result falls outside the acceptable range, it suggests a potential issue with your system. Repeat the test to rule out user error. If the second test also yields an out-of-range result, check the expiration dates of both your test strips and the control solution, as expired products can give inaccurate readings. Ensure the cap on the test strip vial has been tightly closed to prevent exposure to air and moisture, which can degrade the strips.
If problems persist, contact the meter manufacturer for further troubleshooting or to inquire about replacement supplies, as the meter cannot be recalibrated by the user. Proper storage of control solution and test strips in their original containers, away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight, is also important to maintain their integrity and ensure accurate results.