Ketone Test Strips are used in blood glucose monitoring, proving particularly useful for home self-monitoring and possible adjustment of drug therapy under the guidance of the attending physician. In the article we will analyze the advantages, the correct methods of use and the reliability of the test strips and the values provided by the meter.
Usefulness of the test strips
Using Ketone Test Strips in combination with the appropriate meter, called a glucometer, the self-sufficient patient is able to control his own blood glucose levels in complete autonomy and in real time, adjusting the drug therapy as necessary according to the doctor’s prescription.
All this allows to avoid episodes of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, frequent in diabetics forced to follow insulin therapy. Glucometer with reactive strips Self-monitoring of blood glucose by means of test strips and glucose meter also has an educational advantage.
By becoming familiar with the instrument and with normal glycemic values, can directly test the influence of dietary and behavioral habits. (physical activity) on its glycemic values, but also the effects of common and transient diseases (such as influenza) on blood sugar.
Overall, therefore, glycemic self-control in a collaborating patient allows to prevent or in any case significantly reduce the appearance of complications typical of diabetes.
Operating principle and correct use
The test strips are typically used in association with a special portable detector, called a glucometer. To measure the blood sugar level it is sufficient:
– Wash your hands with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly
– Take a test strip from the container and close it immediately
– Insert the test strip into the meter and wait for the instrument to confirm
– Gently place a drop of capillary blood on the reactive part (free end) of the strip; the drop of blood is taken through appropriate lancing devices by puncturing a fingertip (before carrying out the puncture always remember to wash and dry the hands, disinfecting the fingertip). To promote vascularization and blood flow, it is recommended to gently massage the fingertip before sampling
Wait for the confirmation of the adequacy of the sample (which may be insufficient or excessive) on the part of the meter and read the measured blood glucose value on the display
Record the glycemic value on your diary and adjust the therapy as necessary according to your doctor’s instructions. Many glucometers allow to keep in the internal memory of the device the values of several tens of blood glucose measurements, and to transfer them to your computer via USB cable; again, some models translate these values into graphs, showing for example the average daily blood glucose and the amplitude of daily glycemic excursions.
