| For millions of people around the globe the need to | | | | 4- When you have used a lancet, it is important to |
| perform a blood sugar test every day is a reality. | | | | dispose of it correctly in a timely manner. Lancets can |
| These people suffer from diabetes and the utilization | | | | be dangerous for other people as they can cause |
| of blood tests is the only way to track the sugar levels | | | | injury to adults and children alike. It is suggested that |
| in their blood, therefore, keeping them healthy. As if | | | | you place the used lancet in an empty plastic container |
| taking blood from yourself several times a day weren't | | | | that has a top, such as a laundry detergent bottle. |
| enough, there are also special rules when it comes to | | | | When the bottle is approximately two-thirds to |
| the care and maintenance or the blood testing supplies. | | | | three-quarters full of the used lancet, tightly close the |
| Below is an overview of what needs to be done | | | | bottle and throw it away. NEVER throw a used lancet |
| when caring for these important medical devises. | | | | or any other blood sugar test supply in the trash |
| 1- The most important reason to learn how to take | | | | without taking the necessary precautions listed. |
| care of your blood sugar testing supplies is that the | | | | 5- The most important care tip for the testing strips is |
| information that they provide to you will be used to | | | | to keep them away from humidity. This type of |
| determine your course of treatment. Any reading that | | | | exposure can cause them to be ineffective in your |
| is off because the equipment wasn't correctly taken | | | | daily battle against diabetes. It is best that they are not |
| care of could affect the information that is given, | | | | stored in a bathroom for this reason. Also, make sure |
| therefore affecting the care that you receive. | | | | to replace the top of the bottle that the strips come in |
| 2- The most common blood sugar testing supplies that | | | | immediately upon removing one for testing. |
| are used are the meters, lancets and strips. Every one | | | | 6- It is also a very good idea to make sure that your |
| of these items requires a different course of action in | | | | meter is working correctly. The easiest way to do this |
| regards to its care and maintenance. The most | | | | is in the doctor's office. When the doctor takes blood |
| important step is to carefully read the manufactures | | | | to run his tests, you should also run a blood sugar test |
| suggestions for care and use. | | | | using your equipment. If your numbers are the same |
| 3- When you are learning to care for your meter, | | | | as your doctors', you know that your supplies are |
| there are a couple of things to keep in mind. These are | | | | accurate. |
| sensitive devises; all of them, no matter the brand can, | | | | 7- As with any type of medical issue, it is very |
| and will be damaged from a drop or by simply being | | | | important to keep in close contact with your physician. |
| jarred around. Do not ever leave your meter in a car; | | | | If you have any questions as to the use or accuracy |
| these types of machines cannot be exposed to the | | | | of your blood sugar testing supplies, give them a call. |
| hot or cold temperatures that are experienced in a | | | | They will be able to help you figure out what needs to |
| closed car. Be sure to clean and change the batteries | | | | be done to resolve any issues that you may be |
| in your meter as suggested in the manual. | | | | having. |