One Touch Select Test Strips - Recommended Use. Glucometer One Touch Select Plus: instructions, price, reviews

Diabetes- a severe endocrine disease, the essence of which is a violation of the regulation of glucose metabolism in the body. To date, there is no method that would help to completely cure diabetes. The efforts of physicians are reduced primarily to keeping the disease under control. Normalization of blood sugar levels allows patients to live a full life, as well as prevent the development of complications of diabetes: neuropathy, retinopathy, vascular disease.

To maintain blood glucose at the level of the physiological norm, insulin injections are used (for insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes) and hypoglycemic drugs (for type 2 diabetes, non-insulin dependent). However, the normalization of glucose metabolism is impossible without constant monitoring of blood sugar levels. It tends to fluctuate not only after meals, but also after physical and even emotional stress, so it is important to regularly determine it, adjusting nutrition and hypoglycemic therapy in accordance with the figures obtained.

Of course, it is impossible to visit the laboratory several times a day to take a blood test for the level of glucose in it. And you don’t need to: for everyday monitoring, portable glucometers have been developed that can measure blood glucose levels at any time you need. A high-quality glucometer allows you to determine the level of sugar in the patient's capillary blood in a matter of seconds with high accuracy. However, it is important to understand that the accuracy of measurements depends not only on the meter itself, but also on the quality of the test strips that are used for analysis.

One Touch Ultra Test Strips

test strips one touch Ultra- special consumable for One Touch Ultra and One Touch UltraEasy blood glucose meters. The special structure of the test strip allows you to independently and instantly determine the level of glucose in capillary blood using a glucometer. At the same time, the accuracy of the analysis is not inferior to studies made in a professional laboratory.

The principle of operation of One Touch glucometers is electrochemical. That is, the glucose level is detected by determining the intensity electric current resulting from the interaction of the reagent that is part of the test strip with glucose dissolved in blood plasma. The strength of this electric current is extremely small, but a highly sensitive device detects it and, by calculating according to a programmed formula, displays numbers indicating the blood glucose level. In this regard, the accuracy of measurements largely depends on the quality of the test strips, on the reagent that is applied to them. The device of the test strip is quite simple: in its central part there is a mechanical capillary, through the lumen of which blood is collected during the analysis. On top of the working part, the test strip is covered with a special protective coating, which allows you to avoid contamination of the test strip, contact with bacteria, water and ultraviolet rays on its surface. This prevents the test strip from being influenced by any factors that could cause distortion of the final result. Also, the strip is equipped with a chip, through which the glucometer determines the strength of the current that has arisen as a result of the reaction on the strip for subsequent calculation and analysis.

Technical parameters of One Touch Ultra strips

  • for analysis, a minimum amount of blood is required: 0.4 μl is enough;
  • blood can be applied to either side of the test strip;
  • strips work on code 25;
  • measurement accuracy is extremely high, not inferior to laboratory studies using modern equipment;
  • the study can be carried out even at extremely low blood glucose levels - less than 1 mmol / l;
  • one package contains 50 test strips, the expiration date from the moment of opening the package is 6 months, after which their use is unacceptable.

Van Touch Ultra test strip analogs: is it acceptable to use them?

Some manufacturers produce generic test strips that are compatible with one or another type of glucometer, but at the same time cheaper than original strips from the meter manufacturer. One Touch strips also have such a generic: strips UniStrip, which, according to their manufacturer, are fully compatible with One Touch blood glucose meters. Is it so?

If we recall the principle of operation of glucometers, it becomes clear that the slightest deviation in the composition of the reagent, its quantity, and the device of the strip can affect the accuracy of the study. The device captures the slightest deviations in the strength of the current resulting from the electrochemical reaction and converts it into blood sugar levels, and such a measurement is extremely sensitive to the most insignificant factors. It is in connection with this circumstance that the strips unused within six months from the moment the package was opened must be thrown away: the result of the study is distorted, which in some cases can lead to fatal consequences. For Unistrip strips, the shelf life is even less: 3 months, after which the stability and accuracy of the study cannot be guaranteed.

Technical parameters of UniStrip strips

  • analysis requires at least 0.7 ml of blood;
  • testing is possible with a range of glucose fluctuations from 1.1 to 33.3 mmol / l;
  • strips work on code 49;
  • expiration date - 3 months from the date of opening the package.

Indeed, the results of testing using Unistrip strips are read and interpreted by Van Touch glucometers, but the accuracy of such an interpretation is lower, which can cause incorrect interpretation of the result by the patient and the development of serious consequences. In addition, among the minuses of UniStrip strips, it should be noted a smaller range of glucose levels in which the study is performed. The reagents of the strip are not able to determine the level of glucose in extremely low or high levels in the blood. The study requires almost twice as much blood volume as when using the original strips, which requires the production of deeper and more painful skin punctures.

One Touch blood glucose meters and test strips were developed as one system - their combination is optimal for the most accurate test result. If you want to replace One Touch test strips with Unistrip strips, you need to remember that the glucometer must be reprogrammed by setting code 49. At the same time, the glucometer should not be “older” than October 2012.

The One Touch meter manufacturer cannot guarantee the accuracy of measurements made with Unistrip test strips for a number of reasons. In particular, Unistrip control solutions are not sold in Russia, which is why it is not possible to check the accuracy of the device with these test strips at home. There is no possibility of carrying out service warranty support for the One Touch glucometer when using Unistrip strips.

In the production of generics, their cost reduction, as a rule, is made through the use of cheaper chemical components or simplification of the composition. Diabetes mellitus is a disease fraught with dangerous consequences for the health and life of the patient, therefore the high accuracy of routine blood sugar tests is very important, and the savings due to the use of generic test strips are, without exaggeration, dangerous. By purchasing Unistrip test strips, the patient assumes responsibility for possible inaccurate measurement results, and the probable complications of the disease resulting from them.

The quality of life of a diabetic depends not only on reliable medicines - to a certain extent, lifestyle modification influences the outcome of treatment. Low-carbohydrate nutrition, control of physical and emotional stress, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels help drugs extend the active period of the patient's life.

Today you can control glycemia at home. This important problem is perfectly handled by the OneTouch Select glucometer and test strips of the same name, which allow you to accurately and quickly make an analysis in any conditions - at home, at work, on the road.

Features of the test material Van Touch Select

OneTouch Select test strips are compatible with OneTouch Select and OneTouch Select Simple blood glucose meters. Both models are manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Lifescan, a division of Johnson & Johnson.


One Touch Select No. 50 test strip pack contains 2 tubes of 25 strips each. Accordingly, in a box of 100 or 150 pieces of pencil cases there will be 2-3 times more. This allows you to extend the shelf life of the package if measurements are not taken every day.

It is important that all the strips that are delivered to Russia are encoded with one common code - 25, which means that when replacing the packaging, there is no need to insert a chip into the device to change the code: when the meter is turned on, this happens automatically. Agree, an important advantage for scattered users of mature age.

If you buy consumables online, for example, from China, be sure to check the code on the package.

If the storage conditions are violated (when the tube is left in the cold or in the sun), the device may display an Er 9 message, indicating that the sensor has detected a discrepancy between the operating temperature range of the device and the environment.

Since the warranty for bioanalyzers compatible with Van Toych Select test strips is lifetime, the maximum that can happen during measurements is battery failure (it is designed for 1000-1500 measurements, depending on the model).

It is especially important to check the battery charge if the device has not been used for a long time.

The device itself reminds of the problem: the display in the corner shows the image of the battery. It is important to choose a replacement battery of the same model.

When replacing a dead battery, or when purchasing a new meter or new pack of test strips, the meter must be checked for accuracy using OneTouch Verio test fluids, which are available separately. Similar testing is also necessary if the instrument has been dropped from a height or stored in improper conditions.

In addition to autocoding, the advantages of OneTouch Select strips include automatic retraction of a liquid drop, a multilayer plate structure that ensures the quality and reliability of the material, and fast (no more than 5 seconds) data processing.

In Russia, the product is certified (registration certificate FSS No. 2008/00034 dated September 23, 2015), it can be freely purchased at pharmacy network. For One Touch Select No. 50 test strips, the average price is 760 rubles.

Whether you have used bioanalyzers before or are handling the meter for the first time, please read the consumables and meter instructions carefully before opening the OneTouch Select test strip container. Not only the operating budget of the device will depend on this (after all, strips damaged by improper handling cannot be restored), but also the accuracy of measurements, and, therefore, the quality of life of a diabetic.

According to medical statistics, with regular and proper self-monitoring of glycemia, the risk of developing severe complications is reduced by 60%!

The Van Touch Select system was calibrated with plasma. This is the most modern method of blood testing, which means that the glucometer readings will fully correspond to the results of a blood sugar test done in the laboratory.

It is convenient to store a package of strips in the bedroom, for example, in a darkened locker, inaccessible to children's attention. A refrigerator with its high humidity, a window sill with aggressive ultraviolet radiation or a nightstand near the radiator are definitely not suitable for this purpose.

If the case or strip is damaged (dirty, deformed), or the jar for a long time was in the open state with free contact with air, even with a normal expiration date, such consumables cannot be used.

When opening the tube for the first time, the date must be marked on the package, since now the expiration date of the material (6 months) must be counted from the date of leakage.

The strip has a protective coating, so you can touch it anywhere.

But the hands must be clean, because the ingress of blood or other contaminants on the upper white part of the plate is not allowed.

Do not push the strip into the connector with force so that it is deformed, do not cut any part of it - such manipulations will distort the results.

Consumables are disposable. Even if traces of blood or control solution are washed away, the reagents applied to the working part have already reacted, and a qualitative analysis will not work.

Check the expiration date and temperature of the strips and the meter before testing. They should be about the same if stored at room temperature.

After the procedure, be careful not to automatically put the used test strip back into the tube. It, together with the lancet, must be immediately disposed of in the trash.

Instructions for use

To take measurements quickly and without pain, it is important to follow all the steps of the procedure algorithm. detailed instructions the set is also in Russian.

  1. Make sure you have all the tools and materials you need for your measurements at hand. The system kit is stored in a special case - this way it is better preserved, it is convenient to take it on the road. All necessary accessories are fixed, this allows you to take measurements without taking the device or tube out of the case. There is a mount for a lancing pen, as well as a pocket for storing disposable lancets. For the procedure, you will also need alcohol and cotton wool to disinfect the wound. If you need glasses or additional lighting, take care of this in advance. Despite the compact dimensions of the device, the screen is large and the font is large, but there is no backlight.
  2. A drop of blood can be obtained using the Van Touch pen, which must first be prepared. Unpack the sterile lancet, open the lancing cap and insert the needle into the socket. It is very thin and sharp, so you will not feel pain during a puncture. Remove the protective head from the lancet and close the cap. Adjust the depth of the puncture according to your skin type by turning the lower part of the body. The larger the number in the window, the deeper the puncture. The handle is ready.
  3. Now we need to prepare our hands. If they were in the cold, this impairs blood flow, distorts the results. Wash them in warm soapy water and dry completely. Instead of a random towel, it is better to take a hair dryer.
  4. Remove the test strip from the container and close it tightly immediately. It is covered with a protective layer, so it can also be held by the indicator zone (with clean and dry hands, of course). Insert the strip into the meter with the black and white contacts facing up. The device immediately turns on automatically and shows the code of the test strips - 25. After 5 seconds, the display shows the image of a strip with a flashing drop and the accompanying inscription "apply blood". The device is ready for the procedure.
  5. Prepare the puncture site by lightly massaging your finger to improve blood circulation. While holding the lancing device firmly against the pad, press the release button. Gently form a drop without much pressure (interstitial fluid distorts the results), make sure that it does not smear or spread.
  6. Do not put your finger on the strip - this can ruin the test. Bring the end of the strip with a groove to the drop, hold for a few seconds, and it will automatically draw the required amount of blood into the device. Ensure that the control zone is completely filled with blood.
  7. Now on the display you can see the countdown: 5,4,3,2,1. At the fifth second, the measurement result will appear on the screen.
  8. Clean the puncture site with alcohol.
  9. Remove the pen cap and discard the used lancet. To do this, close the needle with a protective cap and press the button that releases the scarifier. It must be disposed of along with the strip. It remains to replace the cap of the pen and place all the accessories in the storage case.
  10. Do not rely on the instrument's memory (stores up to 350 measurements) and, moreover, on your own capabilities. Record the measurement results in a personal diary of self-control or in a computer. The device also provides such an opportunity.

The One Touch Select system is one of the few available for operation not only for advanced consumers, but also for diabetics of mature age, far from the capabilities of modern technology.

When to measure blood sugar

What situations require additional blood sugar measurements?

  • High stress background, diseases;
  • Deterioration of well-being;
  • Dose adjustment of drugs;
  • Driving vehicles;
  • Suspicion of nocturnal hypoglycemia;
  • Sports activities;
  • Adding new products to the menu;
  • Changing the mode of work and rest.

Only an understanding of all the processes that occur in the body of a diabetic will help to approach this issue responsibly. When it is necessary to conduct an express analysis, what should be paid special attention to?

When to take measurements For what purpose
In the morning, on an empty stomach, after waking up How did drugs and the body regulate glucose levels at night?
Before every meal How do food choices and portion sizes affect glucometer readings, is there a need for correction? For insulin-dependent diabetics, it is important to assess the adequacy of the previous dose of short insulin to compensate for the carbohydrate load at the previous meal. Did sugar return to normal after a few hours after eating?
After eating (after 2 hours) How did food choice, serving size, and insulin dose affect glycemic compensation?
Before physical activity Do you need an extra snack, can you do sports or hard work now, or is it better to postpone?
During work and after exercise How did exercise affect blood sugar? Does it have a delayed effect on this indicator? Is there hypoglycemia?
Stress, poor health Do these factors affect blood sugar?
Before bedtime Do you need an extra snack?
At 3 a.m Is there no nocturnal hypoglycemia?
Anytime (on doctor's advice) How does the chosen therapy affect sugar?
Before driving Do the glucometer readings correspond to working, safe for the driver?

The OneTouch Ultra Test Strips are designed for use with the OneTouch Ultra Series blood glucose meters (OneTouch Ultra and OneTouch UltraEasy) for quantitative measurement whole blood glucose levels.

  • Double control of accuracy - the two-electrode structure provides comparison of two working electrodes.
  • Special protective layer - allows you to touch any part of the test strip.
  • The capillary test strip in just 1 second draws in the volume of a drop for analysis.
  • Special contact strips - eliminate the possibility of error.
  • If the test strip is entered incorrectly, the device will not turn on.
  • Special control field - changes color and shows if there is enough blood for the test.
  • The OneTouch Ultra test strip requires a tiny drop of blood, which can be obtained from a shallow puncture.
  • Compatible with One Touch Ultra Series only.
  • Automatic attraction of a drop of blood to the test area of ​​the test strip.

Features of OneTouch Ultra test strips:

  • Fast result of the analysis - 5 seconds.
  • A small drop of blood (1 microliter) is sufficient.
  • The capillary test strip itself draws blood.
  • The control field on the test strip helps you determine when there is enough blood on the strip.
  • Test strips in only one code "25".

Description

The One Touch Test Strip requires a tiny drop of blood (1µl) which can be obtained from a shallow puncture.
The OneTouch Test Strips are designed for use with the OneTouch Ultra Series blood glucose meters (OneTouch Ultra and OneTouch UltraEasy) for the quantitative measurement of whole blood glucose.
The One Touch test strip itself draws in the volume of blood required for analysis and shows whether it is enough to obtain an accurate result.
The capillary test strip allows you to choose the puncture site. It will also be convenient for you to do the analysis from the upper arm/arm or palm, which will allow you to save your fingers from repeated punctures.
The One Touch test strip can be touched anywhere - all sensitive elements are protected. That allows you not to think about how to take the test strip correctly. You can analyze without worrying that external factors (dirt, dust, water) will affect your test results.

Precautionary measures

Do not use after the expiration date, may not show correct results.

Peculiarities

Cannot be used 6 months after opening the tube.

The vial or cap contains a moisture absorbent.

Close the cap immediately after removing the test strip from the vial.

Store the test strip vial in a cool, dry place below 30°C. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and heat. Do not store in the refrigerator.

Keep the test strips in the original case only, do not transfer them to another case or container.

After removing one OneTouch Ultra strip from the case, immediately close the lid firmly.

Use the strip immediately after taking it out of the case.

As soon as you open the package, mark the expiration date on the label. Throw away unused test strips six months after opening the case.

Avoid getting dirt or blood on the top white edge of the strip.

Do not use the strips after the expiry date stated on the package.

Do not bend, cut, or otherwise manipulate OneTouch Ultra.t Test Strips.

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