May 4, 2006
Other
Question from Vineland, New Jersey, USA:
Our 10 year old daughter has had type 1 diabetes for five and a half years. Somewhere along the line, we stopped using control solution to validate the test strips. How important is it to use control solution to test each bottle of test strips?
Answer:
Control solutions check the accuracy of both the meter and test strip. In 2001, the FDA held focus groups to ask people with diabetes and their families about blood glucose meter use. Most of the people did not use control solution often and many reported never using it. However, it is still recommended that control solution checks be done every time you open a new vial of strips or anytime you question the accuracy of readings. It is even more important to do the control solutions and ensure accurate results for a child or person with lessened hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic symptoms.
MN
