Freestyle Glucose Meters, by Abbott Diabetes Care, offer individuals with diabetes a convenient way to monitor their glucose levels. Being able to self-monitor gives diabetics control and independence as they are able to administer their own insulin when needed without waiting for physiological cues that their glucose is dropping. Abbott Diabetes Care explains that their products are made to use less blood and provide faster results than other monitors. The Mayo Clinic recommends using meters that require a small blood sample. The Freestyle Glucose Meter only requires enough blood to cover the head of a pin.
Step 1
Insert the top of the test strip into the Freestyle Glucose Meter until it cannot be pushed in any further. The meter will automatically turn on when this occurs.
Step 2
Review the screen to be sure it lights up and is working properly. Once the meter displays a blood droplet and the test strip symbols it is ready for use.
Step 3
Wash your hands in preparation for taking a blood sample. Select a site such as the forearm, fingers, upper arm, hand, thigh or calf. Prepare the site where you will retrieve the blood sample by washing it with soap and water as well. Dry your hands and the test area thoroughly.
Step 4
Apply the lancing device to the test area. This will allow blood to break through the skin.
Step 5
Place the Freestyle test strip to the blood at a slight angle. The strip will absorb the blood. Wait until the meter beeps to signal that a complete sample has been obtained. A "working" symbol will move in a circular manner indicating the sample is processing.
Step 6
Wait for the result to appear on the screen. Two beeps will sound when it has been displayed.
Tips and Warnings
- Use a fingertip as a testing site when you feel your glucose levels are low or if you have just taken insulin.
- Do not press the test strip against the skin. Do not scrape or apply the blood in any way other than what is specified.
Things You'll Need
- Test strip
- Freestyle Glucose Meter
- Lancing device
