The Freestyle Flash meter uses a very small 0.3(µL) sample and allows you to use eight locations--base of thumb, calf, fingertips, forearm, hand, palm, thigh or upper arm--for nearly pain-free blood glucose testing. There are a few steps to follow, but if done properly you will be able to get accurate blood glucose readings that will help in managing diabetes. This can improve the overall health of any diabetic. You will need a few supplies to get started, all of which are available at your local pharmacy, department store or drug store.
Instructions
1. Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap, and dry them on a clean towel.
2. Insert a new lancette into your lancing device. Verify that the lancing device is clean around the tip and the lancette fits properly.
3. Be sure you have the right strips for your Freestyle Flash meter. Confirm that your strips are within the printed expiration date.
4. Insert the test strip into the Freestyle Flash meter with the sample collection end facing out. Be sure that the meter recognizes the strip and wait for the meter to prompt you for the blood sample.
5. Clean the test area with a fresh alcohol wipe and allow it to dry thoroughly. Any excess alcohol may result in an inaccurate reading.
6. With the opposite hand, grasp the lancing device. Holding it firmly against the test site, push the button to trigger the device.
7. Grasp the testing finger slightly below the test site and gently squeeze it to encourage blood flow. You only need a small sample with the Freestyle Flash meter.
8. Hold the Freestyle Flash meter in your free hand and gently touch the strip against the blood sample and allow it to draw the blood in.
9. The Freestyle Flash meter will beep and test the sample Watch the display as it counts down to verify the meter is working. It will display the results on the screen in about five seconds.
10. Use the alcohol swab to gently wipe the test site clean and apply slight pressure to stop the flow of blood. Use the alcohol wipe, gauze or a band aid as needed to stop the bleeding.
11. Record your reading in a log for later reference. The Freestyle Flash will hold 250 test results, but it is a good idea to have a back up of the record just in case.
12. Discard the used strip into the garbage and remove the lancette from the lancing device. The lancette should be disposed of in a Sharps container after use.
Tags: Freestyle Flash, Flash meter, Freestyle Flash meter, lancing device, test site, alcohol wipe
