How To Use True Metrix Control Solution

Understanding True Metrix Control Solution

True Metrix control solution is designed to verify the accuracy of your True Metrix blood glucose meter and test strips. It contains a known amount of glucose, which, when tested, should fall within a specific range printed on your test strip vial. This ensures that your meter is functioning correctly and providing reliable blood glucose readings.

Using the control solution is a crucial step in maintaining the accuracy of your blood glucose monitoring system. Always follow the instructions provided in your True Metrix meter user guide and the control solution package insert.

When to Use True Metrix Control Solution

It's essential to perform a control solution test under specific circumstances to ensure the reliability of your meter. Here's when you should use it:

• When you first receive your meter.
• When you open a new vial of test strips.
• If you suspect your meter or test strips are not working properly.
• If your blood glucose test results don't match how you feel.
• If you have dropped your meter.
• At least weekly to ensure proper meter function.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the necessary materials:

• True Metrix blood glucose meter
• True Metrix test strips
• True Metrix control solution
• A clean, dry surface

Ensure that the control solution is not expired. Expired control solution can lead to inaccurate results.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Performing a Control Solution Test

Follow these steps carefully to perform an accurate control solution test:

1. Preparing the Meter and Test Strip

Insert a True Metrix test strip into the meter's test strip port. The meter should turn on automatically. If it doesn't, consult your meter's user guide for instructions on manually turning it on.

2. Applying the Control Solution

Shake the True Metrix control solution vial gently before use. Then, apply a small drop of control solution to the top edge of the test strip. Make sure the drop is large enough to be drawn into the test strip completely. Do not apply control solution directly to the meter.

Important: Only use True Metrix control solution with True Metrix meters and test strips. Using other brands may lead to inaccurate results.

3. Reading the Results

The meter will display a countdown, and then the control solution result will appear on the screen. Record this result.

4. Comparing the Result to the Control Range

Locate the control range printed on the test strip vial. This range is specific to the lot number of your test strips. Compare the control solution result displayed on the meter to the control range on the vial. The result must fall within this range.

5. Interpreting the Results

If the control solution result falls within the range, your meter and test strips are working correctly. If the result falls outside the range, repeat the control solution test.

Troubleshooting Control Solution Test Results

If the control solution test result falls outside the expected range, consider these troubleshooting steps:

• Verify the expiration date: Check the expiration dates of both the test strips and the control solution. Expired materials can cause inaccurate results.
• Check the temperature: Ensure the meter, test strips, and control solution are at room temperature (68°F to 77°F or 20°C to 25°C) during the test.
• Repeat the test: Perform the control solution test again, carefully following all instructions.
• Clean the meter: Clean the meter and test strip port with a soft, dry cloth.
• Check the control solution vial: Make sure the vial is tightly closed to prevent contamination.

If, after repeating the test and taking these troubleshooting steps, the control solution result still falls outside the expected range, contact True Metrix customer support for assistance.

Important: Do not use the meter to test your blood glucose if the control solution test fails repeatedly. Using a malfunctioning meter can lead to inaccurate readings and potentially harmful health decisions.

Storing True Metrix Control Solution and Test Strips

Proper storage of control solution and test strips is crucial for maintaining their accuracy. Follow these guidelines:

• Store the control solution and test strips in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Keep the test strips in their original vial, tightly closed.
• Do not refrigerate or freeze the control solution or test strips.
• Use test strips within the expiration date printed on the vial.
• Use the control solution within the timeframe indicated after opening the vial (typically 3 months, but refer to the specific product insert).

Importance of Accurate Blood Glucose Monitoring

Accurate blood glucose monitoring is essential for managing diabetes effectively. Consistent and reliable readings allow you to make informed decisions about your diet, exercise, and medication. A malfunctioning meter can lead to inaccurate results, which can have serious consequences for your health.

Regularly performing control solution tests is a simple but important step in ensuring the accuracy of your blood glucose monitoring system. By following the guidelines outlined in this article and in your True Metrix user guide, you can help ensure that your meter is providing reliable readings and supporting your diabetes management efforts.

Safety Precautions

While performing a control solution test, keep the following safety precautions in mind:

• Keep the control solution out of reach of children.
• Do not ingest the control solution.
• If the control solution comes into contact with your skin or eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.
• Dispose of used test strips and lancets properly in a sharps container.

Key Takeaways

Here are the key takeaways regarding the use of True Metrix control solution:

• Control solution tests verify the accuracy of your meter and test strips.
• Perform a control solution test when you first receive your meter, when you open a new vial of test strips, and when you suspect your meter is not working properly.
• Compare the control solution result to the range printed on the test strip vial.
• If the control solution result falls outside the range, troubleshoot the problem or contact True Metrix customer support.
• Store control solution and test strips properly to maintain their accuracy.
• Regularly performing control solution tests is crucial for accurate blood glucose monitoring and effective diabetes management.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that your True Metrix blood glucose monitoring system provides you with the accurate and reliable readings you need to manage your diabetes effectively.