What is a blood sugar test strip? How to choose and use blood glucose test strips

For patients with diabetes, blood sugar testing is necessary and is conducted very often. Currently, blood glucose test strips are a very popular measurement method. Let’s find out about blood glucose test strips with Tnhelearning.edu.vn, how to choose and use them through the article below!

What is a blood sugar test strip?

Blood glucose test strips are part of a personal blood glucose meter. This is a necessary instrument to measure and monitor blood sugar levels for diabetics. Each type of test strip will be compatible with the respective manufacturer. However, you should note that test strips are for single use only and are not reusable.

In addition, blood glucose test strips can also be used by anyone who wants to check their blood sugar. Blood glucose test strips are used to regularly monitor blood sugar levels at home, medical centers, clinics,…

According to many studies, people who have symptoms of diabetes in the early stages often feel thirsty, eat a lot, urinate a lot, lose weight suddenly, … also need to check their blood sugar right away to be able to timely disease detection.

Blood sugar test kit

Advantages of blood glucose test strips

Testing blood glucose with test strips is quite popular because of the advantages that this method brings:

• Quickly check blood sugar levels.
• Can be used at home, very convenient for patients who can monitor their blood sugar regularly without going to the hospital or clinic.
• The operation is simple and the amount of blood required for each test is very small.
• Some blood glucose meters have a built-in check of cholesterol, uric acid, …

Support fast blood sugar test at home

How to choose a blood sugar test strip?

There are many different types of blood glucose test strips on the market from many brands. Each type of strip will be compatible with different types of blood glucose testers. Here are some criteria for you to choose quality assurance blood glucose test strips and testers:

• Should choose sticks that are easy to carry around, easy to use and store.
• Choosing a blood sugar test strip has a long shelf life, a long warranty, and it is necessary to consider buying the right amount of strips according to the needs of use.
• Patients will need to use a lot of test strips, so choose a test strip that is affordable.

Should choose a blood sugar test strip with an appropriate price

Steps to use blood glucose test strips

When buying blood glucose test strips will be attached with specific instructions for use. Here are the steps you can refer to:

Step 1 Wash hands thoroughly and dry, disinfect fingertips with alcohol and let dry naturally. Always keep the most comfortable lying or sitting position.

Step 2Take the test strip out of the box and insert it into the slot of the blood glucose tester, make sure it fits snugly and according to the instructions for use of the device. The number of the test strip must match the number displayed on the meter.

Step 3 Insert the test strip into the tip of the pen and adjust the depth of the needle to match the thickness of the patient’s skin.

Step 4 Massage the patient’s hand so that the patient relaxes, the blood is circulated well, gently stroke the fingertip to bring the blood down. Gently press the needle on the tip or side of the finger and prick the blood.

Step 5 Squeeze your finger gently to get enough blood to be tested. Put the drop of blood that has just appeared into the right part of the test strip and inserted into the meter.

Step 6 Use a dry gauze bandage to stop the bleeding and wait about 30 – 45 seconds for the machine to give the results.

Step 7 Record the results and clean the machine according to the instructions for use.

Insert a needle at the tip or edge of your finger to draw blood for a blood test

However, patients should note that the results measured by blood glucose test strips are using capillary blood, so the results will be different from those measured with venous blood. The normal value of fasting capillary blood sugar is about 4.4 – 7.2 mmol/L, 2 hours after eating is <10 mmol/L.

For women in pregnancy, blood sugar test strips can be used to determine gestational diabetes. Normal blood glucose values are calculated as follows:

• Fasting blood sugar: < 5.3 mmol/L.
• Blood sugar 1 hour after eating: <7.8 mmol/L.
• Blood sugar 2 hours after eating: < 6.7 mmol/L.

Record the results of each blood glucose test

Some notes when using blood glucose test strips

How to use and store the strip can affect the results of the blood glucose measurement. Here are some notes you can refer to to avoid unwanted errors:

• Store blood glucose test strips in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and do not refrigerate.
• Always make sure that the test strips are used immediately after taking them out of the box and are not re-used.
• Never move a blood glucose test strip from one container to another to avoid contamination or damage.
• Do not bend, cut or break the blood glucose test strip.
• Note the expiration date to avoid using expired test strips.

Never reuse blood glucose test strips

Where to buy blood sugar test strips? How much?

You should buy blood sugar test strips at reputable medical equipment stores, which are highly appreciated by many consumers to ensure product quality.

Currently, blood glucose test strips cost about 277,000 VND / box of 50 strips.

Buy blood sugar test strips at reputable places

Above is a summary of information about blood glucose test strips. Tnhelearning.edu.vn hopes the article will be useful to you!

Source: Medlatec.vn

Choose to buy quality milk for diabetics for sale at Tnhelearning.edu.vn:

Tnhelearning.edu.vn