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Understanding Blood Glucose Results (continued)
Control Solution
IMPORTANT
Control solution results should fall within the control solution range printed on the test strip vial.
Do not use this range when testing blood glucose.
CAUTION
Control solution range is not a range for animals’ blood glucose level.
AlphaTrak 3 control solution is a red liquid that contains a fixed amount of glucose.
The purpose of a control solution test is:
• To practice testing without using animal blood
• To confirm that the meter and test strips work together properly
• To use when you are unsure of the blood glucose test results
Control solution information
• Use only AlphaTrak 3 control solution with the AlphaTrak
3 meter
• Replace the bottle cap and tighten it securely immediately
after use
• Control solution results are only accurate between
39 – 104 °F (4 – 40 °C)
• Store control solution at a dry place between
39 - 86 °F (4 - 30 °C)
• Do not add water or other liquid to the control solution
Out of range control solution results
Possible causes:
• Expired or defective control solution
• Expired or defective test strip
• Testing error
• Watered-down control solution
• Meter malfunction
• Test strip deterioration
• Control solution test done outside of 39 – 104 °F (4 – 40 °C)
• Correct code is not set in the meter
What to do:
• Repeat the test if control solution results are out of range
(printed on the test strip vial)
• Stop using the meter if control solution results are
consistently out of range (printed on the test strip vial)
• Contact Zoetis Customer Care
For information on how to obtain control solution, contact Zoetis Customer Care.
IMPORTANT
Low or high blood glucose readings can indicate a potentially serious medical condition.
Consult a veterinarian regarding low and high blood glucose levels.
Lo Result Display (LOW)
Result
What It Means
What To Do
Lower than 20 mg/dL or
1.1 mmol/L (outside the
system range)
Severe low blood glucose
(Hypoglycemia)
• Follow a veterinarian/veterinary surgeon’s advice to treat low blood glucose
• If the blood glucose result does not match the clinical signs, perform a control
solution test to confirm that the meter and strips are working properly
HI Result Display (HIGH)
Result
What It Means
What To Do
Higher than 750 mg/dL or
41.6 mmol/L (outside the
system range)
Severe high blood glucose
(Hyperglycemia)
• Follow a veterinarian/veterinary surgeon’s treatment advice to treat high
blood glucose
• If the blood glucose result does not match the clinical signs, perform a control
solution test to confirm that the meter and strips are working properly
Higher than 250 mg/dL (13.9
mmol/L) for adult cats &
dogs
2, 3
High blood glucose
(Hyperglycemia)
Dogs and Cats
• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Weight loss
• Excessive appetite
• With chronically elevated
levels can see vomiting,
dehydration, depression,
acetone (‘fruity’) breath,
coma
• Repeat the test with a new test strip if the result
is not consistent with the clinical signs.
• If the blood glucose result is not consistent with
the clinical signs, perform a control solution test
with a new test strip.
• If the test results are within the range printed on
the test strip vial, retest using fresh blood and a
new test strip.
• If the blood glucose result is still not consistent
with the clinical signs, contact a veterinarian/
veterinary surgeon.
