SOP: /

Standard Operating Procedure: Number

TITLE / For the use of Blood Glucose Meter and the Management of the Test Strips and Test Solutions
Purpose: / To perform a blood glucose test using Optium Xceed Meter
Applicable to:
Equipment / Only staff that have undertaken appropriate training and hold a certificate of attendance, issued by Abbott representative or designated trainers from Central Pharmacy department are authorised to use the meters. Therefore it is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that they are appropriately trained and competent carry out the test.
Optium Xceed meters are the only blood glucose monitoring device recommended for used within the Trust. Supplied by Abbott Diagnostics via pharmacy
Solutions
Medisense Control Solutions – usually two bottles of .Hi and Lo solutions with expiry date of 90 days of opening- Supplies from Central Pharmacy stores
Test Strips
Optium H Strips- individually foil wrapped strips with expiry and lot number on each of the foil. Supplies from Pharmacy
Lancets
Unistiks normal- disposable lancets Supplies from NHS logistics supplies
Quality Control Book
It is the booklet use for recording the results of quality control test. It is a legal document and must be kept for a minimum of 10 years
Please note only the products listed above must be used with the Optium Xceed Meter
The meter and the work station (white or orange utility box) must be kept clean in
accordance to trust guidelines)
1. / Calibration
Calibration of the meter must be performed :
  • First time the meter is used
  • When a new box of test strips is opened
  • If the meter is dropped
The calibration bar must be retained for the duration of that box; the bar must only be discarded when a new box is opened.
Calibrating the Meter
  • Insert the white calibration bar in the strip port of the meter with the lot number facing up.
  • The lot number of the calibrator, test strips in use, and the instructions insert should match the lot number displayed on the screen.
The blood test should only be performed if lot number matches
2. / Quality Control
It is important to perform regular Quality Control (QC) test on the meter to ensure that the meter and the test strips are working correctly. Failure to do so may lead to erroneous and misleading results that will adversely affect the treatment /management of the patient and therefore compromising their safety.
A QC test must be carried out within 24 hours of performing a blood glucose test.
It is the operators responsibility to ensure that QC test is carried out and documented in the quality control book and results fall within the expected
Range for each of the solutions
Do not use control solution if it is expired
(Manufacture’s expiry and or date of opening(90 days)
3. / Performing Quality Control
(See User’s Guide Manual)
QC test is carried out using the Hi and Lo Test Solutions.
Using the Optium H test strips
Ensure that meter is calibrated (see 1)
  • Insert Test Strip in meter
  • Meter will display a prompt to add solution
  • Apply a drop Control Solution to the Test Strip
  • The meter will start to countdown when there is sufficient amount of the solution on the test strip
  • At the end of the Countdown, the control result will be displayed
  • Record this result in the Quality Control Book
  • Discard Test Strip
  • Repeat the process using the next solution using a fresh Test Strip
  • Compare the control results to the ‘expected results’ range found on the leaflet in the Test Strip box
Results
If results do not fall within the expected range, the meter and/or strips are not working correctly and should not be used to carry out any further test
NB The person carrying out the above tests must complete all the relevant details in the QC book
4. / Performing Blood Glucose Test (See Users Guide)
Ensure that client hands are clean (wash with soapy water) Do not use alcohol wipes
  • Insert Test Strips in Meter
  • Use lancet device to obtain blood drop
  • Carry the test as above
  • Add sample when prompted to do so
  • Continue to add sample until the countdown starts
  • At the end of the countdown the window will display the results
  • Record the results
Ensure that the test strips are discarded in accordance to the Trust
Guidelines
Written By: / Daphne Dennis
Approved By:
Date:
Review Date:

Pharmacy SOP