4 Things You Must Know About CareTouch Test Strips

The more you know about the CareTouch System the better you can manage your everyday testing which plays a vital in proper management of diabetes. Here are a few important pieces of information about the CareTouch test strips that often get overlooked:

1. Intended Use

CareTouch blood glucose test strips are for use with the CareTouch blood glucose meter to quantitatively monitor the glucose concentration of capillary whole blood. CareTouch test strips and meter are for use in fingertip, forearm, and palm testing. The strips are intended for self-testing by persons at home, are for single patient-use only, and should not be share. The strips are not for diagnosis of or screening for diabetes nor for neonatal use.

2. Testing Principles

The CareTouch glucose test strip shows glucose concentration in a blood sample. Glucose in the blood sample reacts with glucose oxidase on the strip and a harmless electrical current is produced. The strength of these currents change with the amount of glucose in the blood sample and the CareTouch meter automatically interprets the reaction. The test results are plasma-calibrated to compare results with laboratory methods. Blood glucose results from plasma-equivalent test strips are approximately 11% higher than whole blood equivalent test strips.

3. Checking the Accuracy of your System

Generally, you should perform a control solution testing if one of the following scenarios occur. Perform a test using the CareTouch control solution when:

you feel that your meter and strips are not performing properly.
you feel that the test results are incorrect.
you open and begin using a new vial of test strips.

If the control solution results are in the range marked on the test strips vial, your strips are functioning correctly. If your results are out of range, re-test. If after re-testing the Control Solution result is still out of range contact CareTouch customer service at 1.866.890.8500.

4. Storage and Handling

• Always close the vial cap tightly after removing a CareTouch blood sugar testing strip.
  Store the strips in the original vial between 39.2°F – 46°F. Don’t freeze.
• Do not test if there is any condensation (or water build-up) on your meter or test strip vial. Move your meter or a test strip to cool, dry spot and wait for the meter or a test strips vial surface to dry before testing.
• Keep away from heat or direct sunlight.
• Test Strips are good 3 months after opening date or until the last day of the month of expiration date, whichever comes first.
• Discard any unused test strips 3 months after opening. Write the first opening date of the new test strip vial to prevent using any expired products.
• Do not handle test strips with wet or dirty hands.
• Dispose of used test strips and lancets according to instructions from your healthcare professionals.

Lastly,

Always wash your hands prior to testing and don’t forget to prep your skin with an alcohol swab.

Amir M.

Amir is interested in learning about diabetes management products. He loves sharing his findings and product know-hows with his readers. He is always on the hunt for the next best glucose monitoring system, CGMs, or any other innovative products.