Testing with control solution:
- OneTouch Verio® Control Solution is used to check that the meter and test strips are working together properly and that the test is performing correctly. (Control solution is available separately.)
- Note:
- Use only OneTouch Verio® Control Solution, Level 3 (Mid) or Level 4 (High), with your OneTouch Verio IQ® Meter. Either level can be used to check your system.
- When you first open a new vial of control solution, record the discard date on the vial label. Refer to the control solution insert or vial label for instructions on determining the discard date.
- Tightly close the cap on the control solution vial immediately after use to avoid contamination or damage.
- CAUTION:
- Do Not swallow or ingest control solution.
- Do Not apply control solution to the skin or eyes as it may cause irritation.
- Do Not use control solution after the expiration date (printed on the vial label) or the discard date, whichever comes first, or your results may be inaccurate.
Do a control solution test:
- Whenever you open a new vial of test strips.
- If you suspect that the meter or test strips are not working properly.
- If you have had repeated unexpected blood glucose results.
- If you drop or damage the meter.
Performing a control solution test:
1. Insert a test strip to turn the meter on.
a. Wait for the Apply Blood screen to appear on the display.
- Note: The same Apply Blood screen that appears during a blood glucose test also appears during a control solution test.
2. Prepare the control solution.
a. Remove the vial cap and place it on a flat surface with the top of the cap pointing up. b. Squeeze the vial to discard the first drop.
c. Wipe both the tip of the control solution vial and the top of the cap with a clean, damp tissue or cloth.
d. Then, squeeze a drop into the small well on the top of the cap or onto another clean, non-absorbent surface.
3. Apply the control solution.
a. Hold the meter so that the side edge of the test strip is at a slight angle to the drop of control solution.
b. Touch the channel on the side of the test strip to the control solution. Wait for the channel to fill completely.
4. Read your result.
a. The meter will count down from 5 to 1. Your result is displayed along with the date, time, unit of measure, and the words Control solution. The meter automatically marks the result as a control solution test.
- CAUTION: If the words Control solution do not appear on the screen, this result will be included in your averages and your averages will change too. Repeat the test with a new test strip. If the problem persists, contact OneTouch® Customer Care.
5. Check if the result is in range.
a. Each vial of test strips has both OneTouch Verio® Level 3 (Mid) and OneTouch Verio® Level 4 (High) Control Solution ranges printed on its label.
b. Compare the result displayed on the meter to either the OneTouch Verio® Level 3 (Mid) and OneTouch Verio® Level 4 (High) Control Solution range printed on the test strip vial, depending on the type of control solution you used.
- Out-of-range results may be due to:
- Not following the instructions detailed above in this article.
- Control solution is contaminated, expired, or past its discard date.
- Test strip or test strip vial is damaged, expired, or past its discard date.
- Meter, test strips and/or control solution were not all at the same temperature when the control solution test was performed.
- A problem with the meter.
- Dirt or contamination in the small well on the top of the control solution cap (see Step 2). See Step 2 above in this article.
6. Cleaning.
a. Clean the top of the control solution cap with a clean, damp tissue or cloth. Control solution results can be seen when reviewing past results, but are not included in result averages.
- CAUTION:
- If you continue to get control solution results that fall outside the range printed on the test strip vial, Do Not use the meter, test strips, or control solution. Contact OneTouch® Customer Care.
- The control solution ranges printed on the test strip vial are for control solution tests only and are not recommended ranges for your blood glucose level.
