Monitoring blood glucose levels accurately is essential for people with diabetes or those managing blood sugar for preventive health. One key tool to ensure the accuracy of glucose meters is a blood glucose control solution. This specialised liquid mimics the properties of human blood and is used to verify whether your glucose meter and test strips are working properly. Learning the correct steps to use a control solution can improve reliability, reduce errors, and help you make better decisions about your health.
In this detail we’ll provide 5 easy blood glucose control solution instructions, explain their importance, and offer practical tips to maintain precision and consistency.
What is a Blood Glucose Control Solution?
A blood glucose control solution is a specially formulated liquid used to check the accuracy and proper functioning of blood glucose meters and test strips. It contains a precise amount of glucose and is designed to mimic human blood in how it reacts to the meter’s sensors. While it doesn’t replace actual blood testing, it acts as a diagnostic tool to ensure your glucose monitoring equipment is giving accurate readings.
For individuals managing diabetes, reliable blood glucose readings are critical. Faulty meters or expired test strips can lead to incorrect readings, which may result in wrong treatment decisions, including inappropriate insulin doses or unnecessary changes in diet and exercise routines. That’s where the control solution comes in it acts like a “calibration check” to validate your meter’s performance.
How It Works?
Each vial of blood glucose control solution is manufactured with a known glucose concentration. When you apply the solution to a test strip (just as you would apply a drop of blood), the glucose meter should return a reading within a specified range, which is usually printed on the side of the test strip container. If the reading falls within that range, your meter and test strips are functioning properly. If not, it could indicate an issue with the meter, strip, or the testing process.
Control solutions are often available in different levels commonly low, normal, and high to allow you to test how your meter performs across a range of glucose levels. Most people primarily use the normal level for routine checks.
When Should You Use It?
Using a blood glucose control solution isn’t something that needs to be done every day, but there are key times when it’s highly recommended:
- When using a new bottle of test strips
- If you drop or damage your glucose meter
- When results don’t match how you feel
- If you suspect your strips may have been exposed to heat or moisture
- Once per month as part of routine equipment checks
This simple step helps eliminate uncertainty and supports better diabetes management.
Important Notes
Never apply the solution directly from the bottle to the test strip; instead, squeeze a drop onto a clean, non-absorbent surface first.
Do not use control solution past its expiry date, which is usually 3 months after opening.
Always match the control solution brand and type with your glucose meter and test strips.
Store the solution at room temperature and keep it tightly sealed to avoid contamination.
5 Easy Blood Glucose Control Solution Instructions
1. Prepare Your Supplies
Gather everything needed: your glucose meter, test strips, control solution (matching the brand of your meter), a clean tissue, and a timer. Wash your hands to avoid contamination, even though blood is not being used. Ensure your control solution is not expired—it usually expires 90 days after opening.
Tips:
- Shake the control solution bottle well
- Check the temperature range recommended by the manufacturer (usually 20°C to 25°C)
2. Insert a Test Strip into the Meter
Turn on your meter by inserting a test strip. Make sure the strip is properly seated and that the device recognises it. Most modern meters will display a symbol or indicator showing it’s ready to receive a sample.
Important:
- Use the test strip recommended for your meter
- Avoid touching the strip’s tip to keep it clean
3. Apply the Control Solution
Shake the bottle again and squeeze a small drop onto a clean, non-absorbent surface (like the test strip container’s cap). Touch the test strip to the solution as if it were a blood drop. Do not apply the solution directly from the bottle to the strip as this can cause contamination.
Tips:
- Avoid excess solution
- Close the bottle immediately after use
4. Read and Compare the Results
Wait for the reading to appear—usually within 5 seconds. Compare it to the control range printed on your test strip vial. The number should fall within this range. If it’s outside the range, repeat the test. If the result is still abnormal, contact the manufacturer.
Note:
- Different solution levels (low, normal, high) are available
- Always use the right level as per your testing purpose
5. Record and Evaluate the Results
Keep a log of your control solution tests. Write down the date, meter used, control level, and result. This helps you track trends and detect problems early. If results are frequently out of range, it could indicate an issue with the meter, strips, or solution.
Recommendations:
- Test control solution monthly or as per manufacturer guidelines
- Replace solution bottles 3 months after opening
Understanding Control Ranges
Each test strip vial lists a specific range of acceptable results for that lot. This is based on rigorous lab testing. Readings within this range mean your meter and strips are working accurately. Results outside this range may mean you need to replace your strips or recalibrate your meter.
When to Use a Control Solution
| Situation | Should You Use Control Solution? |
|---|---|
| New test strip vial opened | Yes |
| Dropped or damaged meter | Yes |
| Suspect faulty test results | Yes |
| First-time meter usage | Yes |
| Routine blood sugar checks | No |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Expired Control Solution
Expired control solution can produce inaccurate results, giving a false sense of meter accuracy or suggesting issues when none exist. Once opened, control solution typically expires within 90 days. Always check the expiration date and mark the bottle with the opening date to avoid unintentional use after it expires.
Storing the Solution in Extreme Temperatures
Control solution must be stored at room temperature, typically between 20°C to 25°C. Exposure to heat, cold, or direct sunlight can degrade its chemical composition, leading to unreliable results. Never refrigerate the solution unless specified, and avoid leaving it in vehicles or near windows where temperature fluctuates.
Applying Solution Directly to the Test Strip
Applying control solution directly from the bottle onto the test strip can lead to contamination and excess liquid, both of which affect accuracy. Instead, dispense a drop onto a clean, non-absorbent surface, then touch the strip to the drop, mimicking how a blood sample would be applied.
Not Waiting for the Correct Sample Recognition on the Meter
Many meters show a symbol or prompt when ready to receive a sample. If you apply control solution too soon, the meter might not record the test properly. Always wait until the meter displays the correct sample-ready icon before applying the solution to ensure valid and recorded results.
Using Mismatched Brands of Solution and Strips
Each glucose meter is calibrated to work with specific test strips and corresponding control solutions. Using a different brand or incompatible solution may lead to readings outside the expected range, even if the meter is working correctly. Always use the control solution recommended by your meter’s manufacturer.
Storage Tips for Accuracy
- Keep the solution tightly capped
- Store at room temperature, away from sunlight
- Mark the bottle with the date it was opened
- Do not refrigerate unless instructed
Benefits of Using Control Solution
Enhances Trust in Your Readings
Using a blood glucose control solution ensures your meter and test strips are working correctly, helping you trust that each reading is accurate. This confidence is especially important when making critical decisions about insulin doses, diet, or exercise. Knowing your equipment is performing properly allows you to manage your blood sugar with greater assurance and peace of mind, especially during times of fluctuating health or unusual symptoms.
Detects Meter or Strip Malfunction Early
Regular use of control solution can quickly reveal if your test strips are compromised or if your meter is malfunctioning. This early detection prevents continued use of inaccurate equipment, which could otherwise lead to misleading blood sugar readings. Identifying issues before they affect your daily glucose monitoring routine is a proactive step that can save time, avoid health complications, and ensure effective diabetes management from the start.
Prevents Dangerous Misinterpretation of Blood Sugar Levels
Inaccurate glucose readings can result in serious consequences like administering too much insulin or neglecting high sugar levels. By verifying that your meter and strips are functioning within an acceptable range, control solution testing minimises the risk of misinterpreting your actual blood sugar. This protects you from making incorrect health decisions based on faulty data, reducing the chance of dangerous spikes, crashes, or emergency situations related to glucose imbalance.
Promotes Better Glucose Management
Accurate monitoring is essential to effective diabetes control. Using a control solution regularly ensures the reliability of your readings, enabling you to make smarter choices about your nutrition, medication, and activity levels. It also supports consistent tracking over time, allowing both you and your healthcare provider to make data-driven decisions. This proactive habit leads to more stable blood sugar and a healthier, more confident lifestyle.
Summary Table: 5 Key Instructions
| Step | Description |
| 1. Prepare Supplies | Gather meter, test strip, solution; shake and check expiry |
| 2. Insert Test Strip | Properly insert and ensure the meter is ready |
| 3. Apply Control Solution | Use drop on clean surface, not direct from bottle |
| 4. Compare Results | Match result to vial range; retest if needed |
| 5. Record & Evaluate | Keep a testing log; evaluate consistency |
Final Thoughts:
Using a blood glucose control solution may seem minor, but it plays a major role in accurate blood sugar monitoring. These five easy steps make the process simple and effective for anyone using a home glucose meter. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or managing diabetes long-term, taking this precaution gives you peace of mind and better health outcomes.
Never ignore the role of accuracy when it comes to glucose monitoring. A small step like using a control solution can prevent major health issues and ensure that your decisions dietary, medical, or lifestyle are based on trustworthy numbers.
Take the time to perform control tests as recommended, keep your devices in good condition, and stay informed. Good diabetes care starts with good information and reliable readings begin with proper control solution use.
Must Read:
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- How Can I Lower My Blood Sugar?
- What are 5 Signs Your Blood Sugar is Too High?
FAQs:
1. How often should I use the control solution? Use it monthly or when starting a new batch of test strips.
2. Can I use control solution past its expiry? No. Expired solution gives unreliable results.
3. What if my readings are outside the acceptable range? Repeat the test. If still out of range, try a new strip. If the issue persists, replace your meter or contact customer support.
4. Is control solution required for all glucose meters? Most meters recommend it. Some newer models may auto-calibrate, but it’s still a good safety measure.
5. Where can I get control solution? It’s available at pharmacies, online, or through your glucose meter manufacturer.