The Home Blood Glucose TestWhat is home blood glucose test? In simplest terms, it�"s a test carried out by diabetic patients to ascertain the level of glucose in their blood. Such a test can be carried out in the home of a diabetic patient by the patient himself, hence the name, home blood glucose test. The test is required to be performed by the patient at frequent intervals, in some cases daily, and in some cases two to three times a day. Indeed, the frequency of testing is necessary as, if the blood glucose level exceeds the limits then the patient risks suffering a heart or other life threatening problem. Diabetic patients cannot visit a lab to test so frequently; the patient conveniently performs the test and administers the doses of insulin to rectify the condition in the comforts of home. The most essential equipment component required to carry out home testing of blood glucose levels consists of a calibration meter. The calibration meter is available from a variety of companies around the world. Some come with AC adaptors, others are fitted with batteries. Diabetic testers may be required to make use of a single AA battery or an AAA battery. However this is the most preferred version to the AC power supply model due to its portability. The next testing component to consider is testing strips. The testing strips may be manufactured by the same company that provides the testing meters. It would be advisable to use testing strips from the same company as the meter you are using. This ensures compatibility between the meter and the strip. The testing strips are stored in air tight bottles so as not to allow moisture to affect the strip. Some meters have a container along with the machine for storing the strips. Diabetic patients may make use of a solution called the �Ssugar solution control⬝. This solution is used on the strip, to help read the data from the strip. Nowadays most machines do not require this solution and hence you can do away with it. Once all is ready, it�"s time to do the most dreaded part�"the patient must prick himself. This is accomplished with the help of a needle called a �Slancet,⬝ a short needle that has a pre-determined length. The lancet ensures that the prick doesn�"t go too deep but just the right depth to get a single drop of blood. One cannot hold the needle in hand and hence a tester should have a holder in which to fit the needle. A holder is a pen shaped device which holds the needle and which also determines how deep the pricking should be. Last but not the least, cotton balls and rubbing alcohol are required to stop the bleeding and to clean the area to be pricked before and after cleaning. This should be a good start in learning what a home blood glucose test is, who requires it and what equipment is needed for carrying out a home blood glucose test. Of course, this article is intended to be used for general informational purposes only. Patients should consult their physician for questions pertaining to their condition.
Jonathan Doemacher writes for Diabetic Seniors, an informative resource about diabetes for senior patients and caregivers. Visit Diabetic Seniors at this address: http://www.diabeticseniors.com
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