Blood glucose test strips
Test strips form a major component of a comprehensive blood glucose monitoring method. The amount of blood glucose in the blood is determined by applying blood to the test strip that is later placed in a meter to read the findings. There are two types of test strips:
Plastic test strips for visual testing: One end of the pad is soft and has chemicals coated on them, once the blood is placed on the strip the color of the strip changes if there is sugar in the blood. The color formed on the strip should be matched to the one given in the catalogue and the approximate sugar levels can be obtained.
Test strips for meter reading Similar to the visual reading strip but the meter reading is more efficient than your naked eyes. Results are seen within 90 seconds.
Store the test strips away from heat, moisture (wetness), and cold. Remove the strip from the container just before use; screw up the lid of the container tightly once the strip has been removed. Use strips that are of good quality and do not use strips after its expiry date as this may give wrong results.
A1 Blood Glucose Test
Blood glucose analysis is very significant in the diagnosis of cardiac conditions. In many cardiac disorders, the primary diagnostic approach is to determine the patient’s blood glucose level to detect the underlying diabetic conditions. There is significant rise of type two diabetes diabetes on a global scale.
Type II diabetes is associated with the non-production of insulin by body cells. The sugars released into the blood as a result of metabolic pathway are carried to the cells. These sugars if retained in the blood cells can lead to diabetes. The estimation of the glycosylated red blood corpuscles determines the overall blood sugar composition for a particular duration of time in an individual. The average time to estimate the changes associated with blood sugar levels in an A1 C diagnostic method is two to three months. The A1 C test also provides a prophylactic approach to treat diabetes with respect to the dosage of medicines prescribed. The average blood sugar level estimated in a person without diabetes is 150mg/dl and the A1 C rate is measured at 6.5%.
Any A1C values above 6.5% indicate the onset of diabetes. This test is unique and appropriate to categorize the diabetic patients as it monitors the sugar level over a period of time. This helps the physicians analyze and prescribe drugs associated with diabetes, to potential or existing patients.
Principle of the A1C test
The red blood corpuscles contain a protein called hemoglobin that binds the sugar molecules in the blood. This phenomenon is called glycation. Increased number of sugar molecules lead to excess binding in the RBCs. The bound sugar molecules have a life span of 120 days. Thus the values pertaining to the A1C determine the sugar levels for a period of three months. The rise in the value of A1C indicates a diabetic condition. The A1C blood glucose values are directly associated with heart disease. Any A1C value over 6.5% indicates a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.
Blood sugar test
- Fasting plasma glucose test: This blood sugar test is done on empty stomach. The patient should stop eating and drinking 8 hours before the test is done.
- Oral glucose tolerance test: This blood sugar test is conducted to check how the body reacts to a calculated amount of glucose. The person is required to follow a steady diet pattern by consuming at least 150g of carbohydrates per meal, for three days prior to the day of testing. The person is asked to stop eating and drinking 8 hours before the first blood sample is drawn. After drawing the first blood sample, glucose (pre measured amount) is given and another blood sample is drawn after 2 hours. (Normal level - less than 140 mg/dL - 7.77 mmol/L).
- Two-hour postprandial blood glucose test: The test for blood sugar is done after two hours after the intake of a meal.
- Random blood sugar test: This test is done at random, not taking into account the last time you ate. (Normal levels - less than 100 mg/dL - 5.55 mmol/L).
- Glycated hemoglobin test This test is conducted for patients already suffering from diabetes. The average blood sugar level over a period of three months is revealed and is used to check how much a person is able to maintain diabetes.
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Bibliography / Reference
Collection of Pages - Last revised Date: May 5, 2024