Blood Glucose Meter Usage Guide: Avoiding Errors and Accurate Blood Glucose Monitoring

Medication Management Guidelines for Hyperglycemia Patients:

Avoid Improper Use of Blood Glucose Meters:
A blood glucose meter is an instrument for diabetic patients to monitor their blood glucose levels. Because it is easy to operate, quick to test blood glucose, and more accurate than urine glucose monitoring, it is very popular among patients. However, the following points should be noted when using a blood glucose meter:

Determine the Testing Interval Based on the Situation
The interval for blood glucose monitoring should be based on the principle of controlling blood glucose within the target range, depending on the type of diabetes and the condition. It is best to test blood glucose according to the doctor's advice. Generally speaking, the interval is determined in the following four situations:

(1) For those newly diagnosed or adjusting medication: Test 4 times a week, each time selecting different time points from 8 different time points.

(2) For those with stable conditions: Test 4-7 times a month, each time selecting different time points.

(3) For those with unstable blood glucose before and after surgery, during colds, travel, etc.: Test at least 4 times a day, each time selecting different time points. (4) Daily Blood Glucose Profile: This includes eight time points: before and after meals, before bedtime, and at night. It is suitable for patients with unstable conditions, gestational diabetes, and those using insulin. Generally, a daily blood glucose profile is measured every 2-4 days.

Blood Sample Collection: The patient thoroughly washes and dries their hands; warms and massages the fingers to increase blood circulation; briefly lowers the arm to allow blood to flow to the fingertips; press the thumb firmly against the interphalangeal joint of the finger to be punctured, then prick the skin on one side of the fingertip with the lancing device; do not squeeze after puncturing the skin to avoid tissue fluid mixing with the blood sample, causing inaccurate test results.

Lacquer Needles Should Not Be Reused: Once a lancing needle has been used, its tip becomes blunt, increasing pain when used again. Furthermore, used lancing needles are prone to bacterial growth, which may directly harm health. Therefore, after blood glucose testing, it is best to properly dispose of the used lancing needle immediately.

Test Strip Storage: (1) Test strips should be stored in a dry, dark, and sealed environment. (2) The desiccant inside the test strip container cap has a good drying effect. After each use, immediately tighten the cap to prevent the test strips from becoming damp and to prevent the desiccant from becoming ineffective due to air exposure.

(3) Discard old test strip containers. Do not use old container to store other things (especially alcohol) to avoid mixing up the caps and causing the test strips to become damp.

(4) Always store unused test strips in their original containers. Do not repackage test strips into other containers (including old containers). Do not mix used test strips with currently used test strip containers. Pay attention to the expiration date of the test strips and ensure they are used within the expiration period.

(5) Test strips should generally be stored in a cool, dry place. However, if refrigeration is necessary, wait for the test strip container to return to room temperature before opening the cap and taking out the test strips.

It is worth noting that many patients suspect inaccurate results from inconsistent blood glucose meter readings and therefore believe the meter is malfunctioning. In fact, just like healthy individuals, diabetic patients' blood sugar levels are affected not only by their physical condition and hormonal changes, but also by emotions, diet, exercise, and medications. Therefore, blood sugar levels fluctuate throughout the day, resulting in variations in each measurement. Of course, if two to three consecutive tests taken at the same time yield significantly different results, you should check if the testing procedure was correct, if the test strips are expired, and if the blood glucose meter is malfunctioning. If you are unsure, consult a medical professional at a hospital.

Storage of Blood Glucose Meters: Blood glucose meters should generally be stored between -40℃ and +70℃ to prevent damage from excessively high or low temperatures, which could affect test results. Relative humidity should be below 85%. Avoid storing the blood glucose meter near electromagnetic fields (such as mobile phones or microwave ovens).