7 Common mistakes to avoid while testing blood glucose

Posted by ankita Dhopat on February 25th, 2020

With the recent technological advancement in the medical field, it is easy to self-monitor blood glucose at home. Compact machines for blood sugar testing are easily available in the market.

These machines for testing blood sugar have become an important part of diabetes management with more & more patients opting for them. While using the monitor is very convenient & time-saving, one must be extremely careful with its usage. Quality check, storage, method & timing of the test must be paid close attention to.

Using a reliable glucometer for this purpose is highly recommended. Poor quality glucometers can hamper your readings and give incorrect results. Here are some common mistakes you must avoid while testing blood glucose levels with the help of a blood sugar test machine:

• Washing your hands

This is probably the first step you need to take care of for the procedure. Even if your hands do not look dirty, it is important to wash them properly with soap & water. Avoid using an alcoholic cleanser or disinfectant to wipe the surface of your fingers. Ensure that your hands are free of wetness or moisture. This can dilute the blood and affect the accuracy of the test.

• Insufficient blood sample

Once you wash your hands and dry them off, prick your finger and take the first drop of blood. Not using an adequate amount of blood sample on the strip can reflect on the readings. Massage your finger before pricking it. This will help increase blood flow to your finger. Once pricked, let the blood flow naturally.

• Testing immediately after eating

Taking a blood test within 30 mins or an hour post-meal can give higher results. Experts advise waiting for at least 2 hours post-meal or snack time to take a test.

• Following irregular monitoring

To get uniform results that can be compared in the future, it is important that you monitor your blood sugar level at a regular time schedule. Follow a pattern of a fixed mealtime & checkup.

• Squeezing the finger

People with cold hands or poor blood circulation tend to squeeze their fingers to get enough blood onto the strip. This is, however, not the right way to go about the process. Squeezing the finger can cause interstitial fluid leading to improper results.

• Piercing incorrectly

Piercing the finger more than 2.2mm can cause a deeper puncture than required and can affect the readings. This can also make your finger feel sore as a result.

• Improper storage

It is important to store your test supplies in proper conditions. A clean and dry space is ideal for storing your glucometer, test strips and lancet. Avoid contact with any kind of moisture or low or high temperature.

We hope these tips help you get accurate test results in the future. If you are looking for a reliable and certified diabetes check machine, do get in touch with us today to know more! We have a range of compact medical equipment that you can easily use at home such as blood sugar test machines & more!