Diabetes : Performing a test (BD Medical - Diabetes Care)

  
 

Performing a test
A1c a memory for blood glucose

Prior to performing a test, make sure you gather all the material that you will need in a dry and clean place.
  • Lancer
  • New lancet
  • Blood glucose meter
  • Strip or sensor
  • Absorbent tissue
  • Diary
  • Waterproof container

Lancer and lancets are for personal use only. Always make sure to use your own lancer and a new lancet each time you perform a test.

To obtain an adequate blood sample, follow the steps described below:
   

Wash your hands carefully with warm water and soap. Results can indeed be altered by the presence on the fingers of products such as disinfectant, cream, lotion or sugar.
   
Pricking the fleshy part of your finger can be painful: it is therefore recommended to prick the side of the fingers, avoiding the thumb and index finger.

Ensure sample spots are changed to avoid callus formation: change fingers regularly and alternate sides.
   

Massage your finger carefully from palm to fingertip. This helps bring blood into your finger.
   

If your lancing device allows it, select the penetration depth that is the most appropriate for you.

Start with the shallowest depth setting, then move to the next level if the blood sample is not sufficient.
   

Prick on the side of the finger to get your blood sample.

   

Once you have pricked your finger, put a drop of blood onto the strip (or sensor) and operate your meter.

Read the result and write it down in your diary.

Safe disposal of used material is your responsibility. It is therefore important to:

  • Recap the lancet with its own cap when posssible.
  • Dispose of all used material in a sealable container: lancet, strip, absorbent tissue.

A few recommendations

  • Avoid touching the reactive part of the strip or sensor.
  • Check the expiry date on the strip vial.
  • Always ensure that the strip code corresponds to the meter code.
  • Keep your remaining strips dry by systematically recapping your vial.
  • Carefully follow the reading time of your meter.
  • Clean your meter regularly.
  • Once a year, compare your results with a simultaneous blood glucose reading performed in a laboratory (a 10% difference is acceptable).

Certain data is particularly important to keep track of and to better understand your diabetes control.

Make sure to write the following in your diary:
Every day

  • Your blood glucose results.
  • The type and dose of insulin injected.
  • The time of injection(s).


Regularly

  • Your weight.
  • Your A1C results.
  • The date of menstrual period (if relevant).


When appropriate

  • Any illnesses.
  • Your urine test results.
  • Any hypoglycaemic events (time and means of correction).
  • Any unusual physical activities or trips.


This data will help you adjust your insulin doses more appropriately. Follow your diabetes specialist’ s recommendations regarding the frequency and timing of monitoring. From time to time, perform a check at other critical hours (e.g. night time).

When your blood sugar level is high, you should also test for the presence of ketones in the urine. If your urine contains ketones, follow your diabetes specialist’ s recommendations.