One of the questions I have needed to
research the last few weeks arrived in the month of August and asked
why each vial of test strips had a code that needed to be entered
into the meter. I knew this was true, but not a question I had all
the answers to or the reasons behind this requirement. Then the
question expanded to meters not requiring coding and why. This I did
know, but I will cover that later in the blog.
Each test strip manufacturer has a
proprietary method of coding to match the test strip to the meter.
This is their method of making sure that other test strips are not to
be used with their meter. This is also the reason you are told to
use the container the batch came in until the test strips are used up
to 1) not ruin the strips and 2) confuse different batches with
different codes.
To cover as many meters as possible,
the following are some of the reasons for the coding:
#1. For some meters and testing
strips, the vial comes with a “code key” that you insert into the
meter. This key automatically codes the meter to the strips you are
using from that container. When you start a new container of test
strips, you recode the machine using the new “code key” you
receive with that container of test strips.
#2. Some
meters require that you manually change the code to match the number
on the container of test strips. Generally, for these meters, press
and hold the "C" button until the correct number shows on
the screen, then release the button. Your glucose meter is now coded
for the container of test strips you are now going to use.
#3. With many of the newer meters, the
meter will code itself immediately upon insertion of a test strip.
This eliminates the need for a code key or manual re-coding of your
meter. The test strip has the code embedded in the strip for the
meter to read when it is inserted.
#4. Often these codes or other
information (often alphanumeric combinations) on the box with the
test strip container is used if a recall of test strips is made.
What is coding and what are the
purposes of coding?
Several years ago, I remember that
there was an article discussing this and if I remember correctly,
coding was used to correct testing accuracy. If a batch of test
strips were reading outside the acceptable range, such as 15% too
high from the standard, then coding would correct for this and
subtract the 15% to give the correct reading.
Now some of the manufacturers have
moved to no coding required because the coding chip is in the test
strip. This means that the strip is automatically adjusted to the
meter for accuracy by checking the strip electronically.
Blood glucose test strips are a part of
life for people with diabetes. These tests strips are available
online from many companies. The newest ones normally do not require
coding, but the older ones would still require patients to understand
codes and code the meter to obtain accurate results.
The greatest problems with coding the
meter are:
#1. User forgets to recode the meter
when using a new vial of test strips, and
#2. The user enters the incorrect
code.
Then the problems can begin when the
accuracy is compromised. Generally, the incorrect code means the
risk of hypoglycemia increases because the insulin dose was too high.
Seldom the reverse can happen and hyperglycemia results. Either way
the risks have increased and this is the main reason to not use the
meter and test strips requiring coding. I have no problem with the
code key, but even then, errors can be made.
Other interesting blogs you may enjoy
reading include this one and this by David Spero. Then David Mendosa
has this blog on operator errors on Health Central.
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