How to use Blood sugar monitor?

Testing blood sugar using the monitor includes few steps.

1. Prepare the lancing device

Take a fresh lancet and insert in to the lancing device. The lancet itself may be protected with a small plastic cap, which you will need to remove and throw away. (tip: If you are removing an old lancet from the lancing device, you may insert this plastic cap on to the removed lancet before you throw them into trash. This will avoid tearing your trash bag with the sharp lancets.)

Be careful with the sharp needle when you place them in to the lancing device. Insert the lancet to the device until it is properly seated on the lancing device.

For specific instructions for your device, refer to the manual that came with the device.

Adjust the puncture level of the lancing device. Most devices offer various puncture settings that can be adjusted based on the thickness of your skin. If your skin is too soft but if you do not adjust the device well, you may end up drawing excess blood causing pain.

2. Prepare your finger

Wash and clean your finger. Dry the fingers using clean napkins. Gently massage the finger tip to ensure good blood flow.

3. Prepare the monitor

Take a test strip from the container and place into the monitor. Make sure you close the strip container quickly. The strips can be damaged by exposing to light and heat for extended time. (That is why usually the strips containers are black in color and light proof).
Most devices may take couple of seconds to get ready to receive blood after the strip is inserted.
Some devices require a code to be set on the monitor. The code can vary for each pack of strips you buy. If your device require a code, look at the code on the strip container and make sure it match with the display in the monitor. Refer to manual for instructions to set this code for your device.

4. Draw the blood

Place the blood sampler (lancing device) gently pressed on your finger tip. Press the button on the device. This will make the sharp lancet to make a tiny drop of blood on your finger. You may slightly get hurt depending on how and where on your finger you used it.

5. Test the blood

Make sure the monitor is ready and is waiting for you to apply the blood. Hold your finger with the blood drop on it near the strip. Gently apply the blood drop the edge of the strip which is placed in the monitor. The blood will get into some special area of the strip where some chemicals are pre applied.
The blood sugar monitor will analyze the changes in the chemicals when it comes in contact with blood and will show the results in few seconds.

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