"control" solution Relion meter question

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turbocat

turbocat

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When reading the booklet with my ReliOn Confirm meter it mentioned using a control solution occasionally for certain reasons, like if you think it's not reading right or when you start a new package of strips. I don't have any of this solution and wondered if people actually do that, and how important is it? I'm assuming the solution would be at Walmart. Anyone know?
 
It's free.

I use a bayer contour and have the control solution on the way (link for Canadians, control solution and some other stuff is free to order). I've never used it but it doesn't seem like it will hurt to test it if you suspect something is funny or when you start a new lot of strips or a new meter. I really have to trust the numbers on the magic box/meter as my cat as never displayed any signs, so imo it makes sense to verify the meter is working as expected as much as possible. Plus it's free, and I like free.
 
Thanks for the idea, I checked ReliOn and they send control solution for free as well. Ordered some to have all the bases covered. :-|
 
I was actually wondering about that too....thanks so much Brian for the link...gonna be looking at that now!

EDITED TO ADD: Wow, totally awesome. Didn't know you can get all that stuff for free! I was always wondering about having to go and buy batteries if they ran out, etc. Didn't realize they would just send you them. Got batteries as back up, control solution, and a whole bunch of stickers (cuz I might as well have fun with the meter since I use it a ton of times a day lol).
 
Read the package insert of the control solutions carefully.

Mine had only a 60-day shelf life once opened. Since they were $12 each,
and I often used a set only once or twice....I quit using them.

so have a set on hand, but only open them if you have a compelling reason to do so.
 
LILandKIT said:
EDITED TO ADD: Wow, totally awesome. Didn't know you can get all that stuff for free! I was always wondering about having to go and buy batteries if they ran out, etc. Didn't realize they would just send you them. Got batteries as back up, control solution, and a whole bunch of stickers (cuz I might as well have fun with the meter since I use it a ton of times a day lol).
Click to expand...

My order arrived today (shipped by purolator). Sadly the batteries and stickers I ordered weren't in it, so they'll hopefully send them later. I did order a new case, the "Midnight" version and it's quite deluxe. The control solution did arrive, it's an awesome blood colour and my test was 6.7 mmol/L, right smack in the middle of the 'acceptable' 5.6-7.8mmol/L range. The Bayer control is also good for 6 months after opening.

They also have a clear endcap for 'alternate site' testing for the microlet device but it's currently out of stock. I thought it might make aiming easier for cat ears.

Julia & Bandit said:
I always found it easier to use my own blood as a control. Much easier than ordering the solution.
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Your own blood is probably good for a sanity-check and could indicate if things are way off, but your blood sugar is variable so not an awesome control. Even if you test your normal expected range, you couldn't rule out the possibility that your meter was reading high and your blood sugar was low or vice-versa.

I also like getting stuff in the mail, especially when it's free:).
 
Brian, my meter and pen came with that clear cap and I have been using it, it does help quite a bit. I also have no idea what my own BG usually runs so I don't think using it as a control would help me very much.
 
Brian said:
Your own blood is probably good for a sanity-check and could indicate if things are way off, but your blood sugar is variable so not an awesome control. Even if you test your normal expected range, you couldn't rule out the possibility that your meter was reading high and your blood sugar was low or vice-versa.

I also like getting stuff in the mail, especially when it's free:).
Click to expand...

You're mainly looking for inconsistent readings, not inaccurate readings. For that, your blood is fine because it's not going to vary from moment to moment. But there's no problem using the control solution if you really want to--just after a while of ordering it I didn't see the point of going through the hassle.
 
turbocat said:
Brian, my meter and pen came with that clear cap and I have been using it, it does help quite a bit. I also have no idea what my own BG usually runs so I don't think using it as a control would help me very much.
Click to expand...

Normal range for human blood is 82 to 110, a little higher if you just ate a carb-y meal. If I suspect my meter is off, I test myself twice in a row--the first for relative accuracy, the second for consistency. If you're in the normal human range and you're not getting a significant difference between the two numbers, your meter is fine.
 
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