Instructions for use of the meter

Acquiring a glucometer instruction manual should be one of the most important components of the entire kit. After all, it is not always clear how to properly use this device and how to configure it.

Mechanical adjustment. In this case, you have to tinker a bit. First you need to insert the batteries. Because you have already set the date and time. This is done simply, it is necessary to hold the main button and wait for the sound signal. The device turns on and then turns off the power temporarily. Next, use the up and down buttons to set the date, time, and other functions. Then you can start using it.

The lancet is inserted into the socket, screwed and with the help of the rotation on the device the necessary mark is chosen for taking blood on the sample. Then the lancet is pulled to the stop and becomes fully ready for use. After that, you can start taking blood. The test strip must be inserted into a special port. Then, using a lancet, the finger pad breaks through, and drops of blood are applied to the test strip. In 8 seconds the result will be known.

Automatic tuning. There is nothing complicated in using such a device. Everything is configured automatically. Blood sampling is carried out in exactly the same way. Therefore, choosing a device, it is worth looking at personal preferences, and starting from only them.

[1], [2]

Indication for the use of a glucometer

The main indications for the use of a glucometer are diabetes mellitus of the first and second type. Naturally, there are such devices that show both the level of cholesterol, as well as the coagulability of blood.

But basically, it is used by people with diabetes to determine the glucose content. There are no other indications. In fact, everything becomes clear from the definition itself.

But, despite this, without consulting a doctor, use the device is not worth it. Even starting from the fact that a person suffers from diabetes. Because there are a number of reasons why it is better to exclude it.

In general, this is a universal device that allows you to quickly determine the level of sugar. Thanks to this, it became possible to react quickly in those situations when it is vitally necessary. Because the level of glucose can both rise and fall. The device in its turn for a few seconds will confirm this and allow a person to introduce insulin. Therefore, if there is a possibility, then this device is necessary.

Characteristics of glucometers

The main characteristics of glucometers should meet all the stated needs of the user. So, there are multifunctional devices, there are also the simplest ones. But whatever device, it is important that it shows the exact result.

When buying a glucometer a person should pay attention to its accuracy. For this, the test is carried out without leaving the store. But to make sure of this characteristic completely, you need to bring a laboratory analysis of the sugar level with you. Then you can test the device, preferably three times. The data obtained should not differ from each other by more than 5-10%, this is an allowable error.

Perhaps, this is the most important characteristic of the device. It is important that the result obtained by him on the whole does not exceed 20% of the barrier. Only after that you can look at the functionality, display and other trivia.

The device can have a voice control function, as well as an audio signal. In addition, the device is able to store the latest data and easily display them on the screen if necessary. But how not to twist, the device must be accurate.

[3], [4]

Calibration of the meter

As a rule, the calibration of the glucometer is either by plasma or by blood. There is nothing complicated in these concepts. In any case, a person does not need to think about this issue at all.

It is worth noting that this characteristic is set by the developers, and a person can not change it on his own. So, initially during the laboratory tests, the blood was divided into fractions. After that, the components were analyzed. Therefore, the level of sugar was determined by plasma. But in relation to the whole amount of blood, this value is much less.

So you need to understand how to use devices with different calibrations. If the device performs a blood test, then everything is simple. The value obtained is the most accurate. But what if the result is by plasma. In this case, the obtained value is simply multiplied by 1.11.

Naturally, in order not to torment yourself with calculations and incomprehensible tasks, it is better to immediately choose a device that has a calibration for whole blood.

[5], [6]

How do I set up the meter?

After the purchase was made, the natural question is how to set up the glucometer. In fact, there is nothing complicated in this process. First of all, you need to install batteries.

Now you can set the encoding. When the device is off, it is worthwhile to put the port in the database. It is necessary to install it into the database by moving it down. When everything is done correctly, a click appears.

Next you need to adjust the date, time and units of measurement. In order to enter the settings, it is necessary to hold the main button for 5 seconds. Then a sound signal will sound, so the memory data appears on the display. Now you need to press the button again until the setting data is available. Before the person can go to the setting, the device will shut down for a while. During this process, the button can not be released.

To set the date, simply use the up and down buttons and thus set the correct time. A similar procedure is repeated for units of measurement. After each change, you need to press the main button to save all data.

Next is to prepare a lancet device. The upper part opens and the lancet is inserted into the socket. The protective tip of the device is then unscrewed and screwed back. By rotating on the device, you can select the appropriate mark for taking blood for the sample. The lancet device is pulled up to the stop in the upper part and ready for use.

Now you can start taking blood. This is done simply. The test strip is inserted into the port until an audio signal is received. Then the lancet device is applied to the finger pad and pierces it. The blood is carefully inserted into the device. The main thing is that there is not a lot of "raw materials", because there is a possibility of contamination of the port for encoding. A blood sample should be touched by the entrance to its fence and held finger until an audible signal is heard. The result will appear on the screen after 8 seconds.

Meter test strip

When using the device, the test strip for the meter is one of the most important components. Use them to determine the level of sugar. Glucose falls on the strip and thereby forms an electric current, on the basis of which the research is carried out.

Acquire test strips need to be very serious. Experts recommend to pay attention to them, rather than on the device itself. The quality of these components depends on the result.

It is important to have some knowledge about the storage of test strips. For this it is necessary to take into account your own needs and not to buy extra. Quite a few pieces for the first time. The main thing is not to allow the strips to contact the air for a long time or with direct sunlight. Otherwise, they can deteriorate and give a completely different result.

Another important point when choosing test strips is to consider and compatibility with the device. Because there are no universal components, everything must be carefully selected. In this case, the device can show the correct result.

Lancets for a glucometer

What are lancets for a glucometer? These are special devices that are involved in the process of piercing the skin in order to draw blood for analysis. This "component" allows you to avoid unnecessary damage to the skin, as well as painful sensations. The lancet itself is made of sterile material, so it is perfect for everyone.

Needles of the device should differ by the minimum diameter. This will avoid pain. The diameter of the stylus determines the length and width of the puncture, and if this is the case, the blood flow velocity. All needles are sterilized and are in individual packages.

Using lancets, you can not only determine the level of glucose, but also the content of cholesterol, hemoglobin, clotting speed and much more. So in some way this is a universal product. The model is selected taking into account the available device and the purpose for which the lancet is purchased. The right choice eliminates later the formation of calluses and accentuated scars.

During the production of lancets, the type and thickness of the skin is taken into account. Therefore, even "babies" can use such "components". This is a one-time tool for individual use. So you need to buy a lancet with one-time piercing. Without this component, the machine can not be operated.

Pen for a glucometer

What is the purpose of the pen for the glucometer? This is a special device that allows you to inject insulin in cases where a person has forgotten about this action. The handle can combine both electronic and mechanical components.

The dose is set by means of a special rotating wheel. During this process, the dialed dose is displayed in the side window. On the button, which is on the handle, there is a special display. He remembers the entered dose, and the time when it was introduced.

This will allow parents to control the insulin intake by their children. Such an invention is great for young children. The dose is easily corrected by rotating the switch in both directions.

In general, without this invention it would not be so simple. You can buy it at any specialized store. In this case, the compatibility of the device and the pen is not at all important. After all, this is not a component of the apparatus, but its addition is simple. Such an invention is perfect for both children and adults. Therefore, acquiring such a device, it is worth taking care of this component.

How to use the meter?

In how to use a glucometer, there is nothing to worry about. If a person does this for the first time, then experience, obviously not worth it. So, the first thing to do is puncture the skin with a lancet.

Usually, this component comes with the device. In some models, it is built-in. After the puncture is performed, you need to bring the blood to the test strip. It contains special substances that can change its color, depending on the level of sugar. Again, the test strip can go both in the kit, and be built into the device.

It should be noted and the fact that some devices allow you to take blood not only with your fingers, but also from the shoulder and forearm. With this moment, everything is clear. When the blood is on the test strip, the device will start its operation, after 5-20 seconds, the digest will be available on the display indicating the level of glucose. Use the device is not difficult. The device saves the result automatically.

Shelf life of the meter

What is the expiration date of the meter and can it be increased in any way? That the most interesting this criterion depends on how the person used the device. If it was operated carefully, but the device will last for more than one year.

True, this expression has its own nuances. Much depends on the battery itself. So, basically it suffices literally on 1000 measurements, and it equals to year work. Therefore, this fact is worth considering.

In general, this is a device that does not have a certain expiration date. As mentioned above, it all depends on how a person treats him. It's easy to damage the device.

It is important to monitor its appearance. Do not use expired components. In this case, there is a test strip and a lancet. All this can significantly reduce the operating time of the device. Therefore the period of its validity directly depends on the treatment with it. So, this information should be placed if there is a desire to use the device for more than one year.

Manufacturers of glucometers

The main manufacturers of glucometers, which should pay attention should comply with certain standards. So, in recent years, more and more new devices have appeared. And their diversity is so great that it is almost impossible to choose the best of them. After all, they are all good and have a minimum of shortcomings.

So, recently appeared devices Abbott (brand line Medisense), Bayer (Ascensia), Johnson & Johnson (One Touch), Microlife (Bionime), Roche (Accu-Check). All of them are novelties and have an improved design. But the principle of work has not changed this.

It is worth paying attention to the photometric devices Accu-Check Go and Accu-Check Active. But you need to understand that they have a high error. So, the leading positions remain for electromechanical devices. A number of new products on the market, such as Bionime Rightest GM 500 and OneTouch Select, have good characteristics. True, they are configured manually, many devices today do this automatically.

Medisense Optium Xceed and Accu-Chek have proven themselves. It is worth paying attention to such devices. They are not expensive, easy to use, yes, and so much so that even a child can independently check the glucose level. Choosing the device you need to look not at its name, but on the functionality. More details on some models of glucometers, it will be discussed below.

Contraindications for the use of a glucometer

Despite the excellent reviews, there are contraindications for the use of the glucometer. To determine the level of glucose in no case can not take venous blood. Not suitable for this and serum, as well as a capillary "material", which is stored for more than 30 minutes.

If a person is experiencing liquefaction or thickening of the blood, then the device should not be used in any case. A similar rule applies to those times when a person used ascorbic acid. The results may not be accurate.

Patients with malignant tumors should abandon the device. The same goes for people with severe infections and massive swelling. If there are violations in the use of the device or its components. This can affect the accuracy of the result.

And in general, without consulting a doctor, this can not be done. This can lead to a complication of already having problems. And much depends on what type of diabetes in man. After all, some people are still prohibited from using this unit.

[7]

Meter indicators

People who use this device should know the basic characteristics of the meter. Naturally, it's good when the device "speaks" itself about the fact that the glucose level is exceeded or, on the contrary, it is lowered. But what if there is no such function? In this case, you need to be able to independently understand what is the figure before the person and what it means.

So, there is a special table, which indicates the instrument readings and the actual level of glucose. The scale starts from 1.12 and ends at 33.04. But this is the data of the apparatus itself, how can they understand the sugar content? So, the index at 1.12 is equal to 1 mmol / L of sugar. The next figure in the table is 1.68, it corresponds to a value of 1.5. Thus, the indicator increases all the time by 0.5.

Visually understand the work of the table will be easier. But it's best to resort to buying a device that automatically thinks everything. For a person who uses the device for the first time, it will be much easier. Such a device is not expensive, everyone can afford it.

Reviews of glucometers

Positive feedback on the meter, perhaps, are the most common. Because nothing bad can be said about these devices. They are able in a few seconds to show the level of glucose. And if the sugar is exceeded, then using the pen-syringe is introduced the necessary amount of insulin.

Earlier, monitoring glucose levels was not so simple. I had to visit a doctor and take a periodic examination. There was no special possibility to follow the sugar yourself. To date, it's very simple to do.

Therefore, there can be no negative feedback about these inventions. They are compact, which allows you to carry these devices with you always. Due to this, you can check the sugar level at any time. No inconvenience, everything is fast and convenient. Even children can use the instruments. On special displays information about the last check and insulin entry is displayed, it is very convenient. Therefore, the glucometer is a universal and convenient tool that has only positive feedback.