Glucose control solution is a liquid used to verify the accuracy of a blood glucose meter and its test strips. It contains a precise amount of glucose, buffers, and preservatives, allowing it to react with the test strip similarly to blood. This solution acts as a quality check tool, confirming the glucose monitoring system functions correctly. It comes in different levels, often corresponding to low, normal, or high glucose concentrations, each with a specific target range.
Why Use Glucose Control Solution?
Using glucose control solution ensures the reliability of blood glucose readings. Its primary purpose is to verify that the glucose meter and test strips work together as intended by the manufacturer. Meters and test strips can lose accuracy over time or due to environmental factors like temperature and humidity. Regular testing confirms the readings provided by the system are dependable, which is important for managing diabetes effectively. It acts as a performance check, indicating if the system provides results within an expected range.
How to Perform a Control Test
Performing a control test involves a few straightforward steps. First, insert a new test strip into your glucose meter and ensure it is ready. Gently swirl or invert the control solution bottle a few times; avoid vigorous shaking to prevent air bubbles. Dispense a single drop onto a clean, non-absorbent surface, like the bottle cap or foil, after discarding the first drop and wiping the bottle tip. Touch the test strip tip to this drop, allowing it to draw in the solution until the meter begins analysis. The meter will then display the result.
When to Conduct a Control Test
Performing a control test with glucose control solution is recommended to ensure proper function in specific situations:
- When opening a new box or vial of test strips, to verify their integrity.
- If you suspect your meter or test strips are not working properly.
- If your blood glucose readings seem unusually high or low and do not align with how you are feeling.
- If the meter has been dropped or potentially damaged.
- If the test strips have been exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity.
- After cleaning your meter.
- If the test strip vial has been left open.
What Control Test Results Mean
After performing a control test, the meter displays a numerical result. This result must be compared to the specific acceptable range printed on your test strip vial or the control solution bottle. If the result falls within this range, it indicates your glucose meter and test strips are working properly together. An “out-of-range” result, meaning it is either too high or too low, suggests a potential system issue.
If an out-of-range result occurs, follow these steps:
- Ensure you followed the test procedure correctly.
- Check the expiration dates of both the test strips and the control solution.
- Confirm the test strip vial and control solution bottle were tightly capped and stored properly.
- Retest with a new strip and verify these factors.
- If the result remains out of range, it may indicate a malfunction with your meter or strips; contact the manufacturer for further assistance.
Storing and Maintaining Your Control Solution
Proper storage and maintenance of your glucose control solution are important to preserve its accuracy and effectiveness. Control solution should generally be stored at room temperature, typically between 39-86°F (4-30°C), and kept away from extreme heat or cold. It is important not to freeze the solution. Before each use, ensure the solution has reached room temperature.
After each use, the cap of the control solution bottle should be tightly closed to prevent contamination and exposure to air and humidity, which can affect its stability. Control solutions have two expiration dates: a printed expiration date on the bottle or box, and a “use within” date once opened, which is often 3 months, though some can last up to 6 months. It is helpful to write the date of opening on the bottle to keep track of its usable lifespan.