Directions for Using a Glucometer Machine

A glucometer (glucose meter) is a device that is used to check the concentration of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Glucometers are usually used with patients who have blood sugar abnormalities, such as type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The glucometer and test strips can be purchased at your local pharmacy. There are many different brands and models of glucometers; they vary in size, functionality and ease of use. However, all glucometers perform the same basic function.

Things You'll Need

• Glucometer
• Test strips
• Alcohol pad
• Lancet
• Pen
• Paper

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Instructions

• 1

  Set up the device so everything is laid out and easily accessible. Depending on your glucometer model, it may be able to record your blood sugar measurements without your having to write them down.

• 2

  Open the bottle of test strips and insert the new test strip into the unit. Some glucometers can store the test strips within the device.

• 3

  The amount of blood needed varies with each glucometer.

  Wash your hands or use an alcohol pad to clean your finger. Use a new lancet to pierce the skin of a fingertip. Using the side of a fingertip is less painful.

• 4

  Put the drop of blood against the correct edge of the test strip (usually marked with an insignia); you will then see the blood being absorbed into the test strip. Refer to the instruction manual for the test strips if necessary. Wait for the glucometer to calculate your blood sugar reading; when it's finished it will beep and display the results.

• 5

  Your doctor will go over these numbers with you and adjust your medication if necessary.

  Record the reading of the blood sugar and report this to your physician.