5. Performing a test
Test procedure
IMPORTANT:
Remove a test strip from the container and quickly
reseal it. The cap contains a drying agent that will be exhausted if
the cap is not quickly replaced.
Step 1:
Insert a test strip
Note:
A test strip may be inserted either before or after turning
the meter on. If you turn the meter on using the button and have
not inserted a test strip, the meter will prompt you by flashing the
test strip icon:
The meter will display the code number and
flash the word code. Check the code number
matches the code number printed on the test
strip label.
Step 3:
Apply blood with the strip in the meter
A small drop is all that is needed to
quickly cover the test zone.
WARNING:
The test zone must be
completely covered, otherwise you
may obtain a false reading.
Apply the drop to the centre of
the test zone. It is OK to touch the
mesh.
When a blood drop has been applied, the meter will give a beep and
commence measuring. Do not move the test strip as this will lead to an
incorrect result. The hourglass icon will flash until a result is displayed.
The meter will display the result with time and date.
The result will automatically be saved to the meter
and card memory.
The test is underway, await the result.
Was enough blood applied?
Remove the test strip from the meter and check that the circular
window on the back of the strip is even in colour. If it is not even, then
you have not applied enough blood. You will need to repeat the test.
Double Checking the Result
Comparing colour
Does the meter result match the colour chart?
On the test strip container label, you will find a range of colours, each
corresponding to a glucose concentration.
1. Match the colour in the circular window to the nearest colour on
the chart.
2. Compare the value from the chart to the value you obtained from
the meter.
This should be done between 30 and 60 seconds after applying
blood to the test strip.
If the two values approximately agree then the result is confirmed. If
they do not agree then repeat the test. If the problem persists you
should perform a control test and see the
Meter maintenance
section
of this manual.
Disposal
As blood is potentially infectious, please dispose of the used
test strip and lancet in a contaminated waste container or in
another suitable way.
Measurement range
The G5 meter measures blood glucose between 10-500mg/dL
(0.6 – 27.7mmol/L) . Values outside this range are reported as ‘Lo’
or ‘Hi’.
Results greater than 500mg/dL (27.7mmol/L).
Results less than 10mg/dL (0.6mmol/L).
Caring for the G5 meter
The meter must be kept clean and stored safely away from water,
moisture (<85% humidity), extremes of heat or cold and dust. Avoid
getting blood on the meter. If you do, clean it immediately.
Cleaning the strip guide
The black area where the strip is inserted may be removed for
cleaning. Slide it off and rinse it with cold soapy water. Check it is
clean on both sides and then dry it.
The optics area under the strip guide can be cleaned using a cotton
tip or soft damp cloth. Be careful not to get water into the meter!
Do not scratch the optics area as this will lead to incorrect
readings.
6. Meter maintenance
Changing the batteries
When the battery warning symbol appears, it is time to replace your
batteries. Approximately 50 tests may still be conducted before the
batteries completely fail.
Battery types
•
2 button batteries LR44 (Panasonic) or
•
A76 (Ucar) or
•
V13GA (Varta) or
•
G13 (Toshiba)
alternatively;
•
2 batteries type CR1/3N (Varta) or
•
DL1/3N (Duracell)
Note
Results stored in the meter’s memory will not be lost if the batteries
are removed, however time and date will need to be reset.
Problem solving
Error message
If the meter displays an error message or warning symbol, consult
the section,
Key to symbols and error messages
for an explanation.
Implausible results
If a result which has been obtained is not plausible, then repeat the
test. If the problem persists then check through the following list:
•
Does the code number on the screen match the one on the test strips?
•
Was enough blood put on the strip?
•
Is the circular window on the back of the test strip even in colour?
•
Are the test strips within their expiry date?
•
Is the optical area under the strip guide clean?
•
Are your hands clean and dry?
•
Was the strip inserted fully and was it straight and flat in the guide?
•
Was the blood sample capillary blood (obtained from a finger prick)?
•
Have the strips been stored and handled in accordance with the test
strip instructions? e.g. in the container and away from heat or cold?
If you answered no to any of the above then repeat the test after
addressing the problem. See the section
Checking the meter’s
accuracy
if you continue to obtain implausible results.
Meter not turning on
Check the following:
•
Are batteries in the meter?
•
Are they facing the correct way?
•
Is contact being made with the terminals (they may have been
bent when the batteries were inserted)?
•
Has the meter been dropped? If so it will need to be returned for repair.
Key to symbols
Insert strip
When this symbol flashes, insert a test strip into the
meter.
Low battery warning
When this symbol appears the meter will still perform
another 50 tests. You should replace the batteries.
Ambient temperature
The ambient temperature is/was outside the
recommended range 10-40˚C (50-104˚F). The result
will be stored in memory with this symbol. Do not make
treatment decisions based on this result.
Apply blood
Apply blood to the test strip.
Testing underway
Test is underway, await result.
Memory recall
Memory result recalled.
7. Troubleshooting
Key to error messages
EMC error
EMC error (electromagnetic field) move away from
possible source e.g. mobile phone, microwave.
Flat battery
Flat battery, no test may be performed.
Calibration error
Out of calibration, return to supplier.
Check test strip
Damaged or used test strip or strip not fully inserted or
the measurement optics are dirty. See section
Caring
for the meter - Cleaning
.
Too much light
Too much ambient light or strip removed during test.
Move out of direct sunlight.
Memory card full
Replace with a new memory card from a fresh pack of
test strips.
Note:
Some models will sound a warning chime instead
of E-4.
Key to error messages
Faulty test strip
Faulty test strip. Check that you have stored and handled
the test strips as instructed in the package insert.
Check memory card
Memory card not properly inserted or has a fault.
Memory card failure
Memory card cannot be read. Remove your card and
reinsert. If the problem persists, you cannot use the card
or test strips.
Incorrect temperature
Temperature outside permissable range. Tests cannot be
performed outside permitted limits 5-45˚C (41 - 113˚F).
Test strip removed
Test strip removed during testing, repeat the test and
leave test strip in the meter until the test is completed.
Strip inserted incorrectly
Review test procedures or try inserting the strip BEFORE
turning the meter on.
OR Blood applied too early
Blood applied too early, repeat the test and wait for the
blood drop icon.
• Use fresh test strip if drop of Control Solution has not completely wet test pad.
• If the drop applied contained air bubbles, repeat the test.
Storage and handling of control solution
• Store the Control Solution between 4 and 30ºC (39 and 85ºF).
• Do not refrigerate.
• Use before the expiration date shown on the label.
• Wipe the bottle tip and reseal tightly after each use.
Procedure:
To perform a Control Solution test, follow the same test
procedure that is used for a blood glucose test, substituting Control
Solution for a drop of blood. Refer to
Performing a test
.
• Discard the first drop of Control Solution.
• If large bubbles are present at the tip of bottle, wipe off the bubbles with
a clean tissue before applying a drop of Control Solution to the test strip.
• Apply one drop to the test strip.
• To avoid contaminating the Control Solution with enzyme, DO NOT
touch the test strip with the tip of the Control Solution bottle.
Expected results:
See Memory/Code card for the acceptable range of
values. If result is within the stated range, the meter and test strips are
performing correctly. If control result is outside the stated range, check
that you have followed the correct procedures (see
Sources of error
). After
eliminating all potential sources of error, repeat the control test. If control
result is still outside stated range after the second test, please call your NDP
representative.
Sources of error:
If test results fall outside the acceptable range, the test
should be repeated. Results which fall outside the acceptable range may
indicate user error, Control Solution or test strip expiration, Control Solution
contamination, test strip deterioration, meter malfunction, or extremes in
testing temperature. Refer to
Troubleshooting
for assistance. Ensure;
• That the test strip guide is clean (see
Caring for the G5 meter
),
• That the test strips and Control Solution you used were correctly stored
(expiry date, storage conditions),
• That the meter, test strips and Control Solution were at the correct
temperature during the control test.
Betachek G5 Control Solutions
Checking the meter’s accuracy
Special solutions of glucose are available as a quality check to verify
the accuracy of your Betachek G5 blood glucose system.
BETACHEK
®
G5 Control Solutions are water based solutions containing
a known amount of glucose which when used in place of blood will
react with BETACHEK
®
G5 Test Strips. The Control Solution should
give results within the expected range printed on the memory/coding
card. Obtaining a result within the expected range is sufficient to verify
system performance.
When to carry out a control test:
• If you obtain unexpected results.
• After opening a new pack of test strips
• After you have replaced the batteries.
• After you have cleaned your meter.
• Whenever you suspect the meter or test strips may not be
functioning properly.
Use of Control Solution is also recommended for teaching or learning
how to use the system.
Also required:
BETACHEK
®
G5 Meter and BETACHEK
®
G5 Test Strips.
Chemical composition
1
Glucose
0.03
Buffer
0.70
Preservative
0.40
Non reactive constituents
18.00
Water
80.87
1
Values are expressed as a percentage by weight and vary depending on the control
level. Figures given are for control 1.
Precautions and limitations
• Do not allow Control Solution to enter the meter, use only on test strips.
• Discard any unused Control Solution 3 months after opening. Note
the discard date on the Control Solution label.
Materials needed
Betachek G5 Meter
Test strips and the memory card supplied with the test strips
Lancing device with lancet
Preparation
Check test strips have not past the expiry date printed on the label.
Inserting a lancet
Wash hands with warm soapy water.
This removes traces of glucose from
your hands that may contaminate
the test sample. Warm water
increases blood flow to your fingers
to make it easier to obtain a blood
drop without excessive squeezing.
Twist off protective lancet cover.
Firmly hold body, twist off head
to expose lancet holder.
Gently pull out lancet holder.
Replace the head.
Select skin penetration depth
by twisting selector until arrow
points to desired number.
1 = minimum ; 5 = maximum
Note: After use, remove used lancet and replace the protective lancet cover onto
the lancet tip. Dispose of lancet in a suitable sharps container
.
1
2
3
Arrow
Protective
lancet cover
Lancet
enjector
Cocking
mechanism
Body
Head
Penetration
depth
selector
Lancet
holder
Release
button
1
2
3
Lancing Pen
IMPORTANT:
The lancing device is intended for personal use only. It may
only be used by one person for obtaining blood. If used by other people,
there is a risk of infection being transmitted.
Note:
•
Hold the strip close to the middle
AS SHOWN. DO NOT hold strip
at the end, as you may kink or
bend strip while inserting it.
Caution:
• Carefully insert the strip as far
as it will go into the meter.
• DO NOT bend or kink the strip
as this will damage it.
• To avoid insertion errors (E7),
insert strip before turning the
meter on.
Example Only:
Step 2:
Obtain Blood Sample
When you are ready to perform
a test, pull back cocking
mechanism.
Push lancing device firmly
against fingertip and press the
release button to obtain blood
sample.
Insert a new sterile lancet.
For safe removal of used lancet
from lancing pen, twist of head
to expose lancet holder. Push
the lancet ejector with thumb and
simlutaneously pull back cocking
mechansism.
BG5UM-ENG-JUL12
