How to test blood glucose levels

  1. Blood glucose testingWash your child’s hands (and yours).
  2. Prick the side of your child’s finger rather than the tip; this will keep pain to a minimum. But don’t prick too near the nail and don’t prick their index finger or thumb. (Other devices are now available that allow you to take blood from different parts of your child’s body, such as the base of the thumb or the arm. Chat to your child’s healthcare team about the suitability of alternative site testers).
  3. Insert a test strip into the meter. For most meters this will turn it on automatically.
  4. Once a drop of blood is applied to the test strip, the meter automatically reads the test results. All meters and strips are tested to ensure they are accurate, but extreme temperatures can affect readings.
  5. Make a note of all the test results – this will help you and the healthcare team to establish a pattern of glucose levels.
  6. Depending on the type of meter your child uses, you may need to calibrate it when you first use a new packet of strips. Talk to your paediatric diabetes team about how to do this.
  7. You might need to quality check the meter from time to time. Talk to your paediatric diabetes team about how to do this.

 

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