Diabetes is a disease that may be controlled with the help of special glucose test strips. They assist diabetic patients in the process of easy and convenient tracking of their blood glucose levels. These strips, if used together with a glucometer which is a glucose meter, will make it possible to get an instant result on the blood sugar levels hence enabling patients to control their condition well.
Here, we will get to know more about how glucose test strips work, their components, and how they work. We will also look at their use in the management of diabetes as well as how they can be used.
Glucose test strips can be described as a sophisticated diagnostic tool even though it looks like a small piece of paper. The strip on its own comprises several parts that enable it to capture the right glucose level measurements.
This is the layer where the blood sample is to be placed when using the test strip in the test. It is usually of a plastic or paper nature and is intended to provide a flat surface on which the blood can spread out to allow the function of the test.
This layer has cells that are capable of reacting with glucose that is present in the blood. There are two types of enzymes that are commonly used in glucose test strips, glucose oxidase or glucose dehydrogenase. These enzymes are employed in the degradation of glucose into a form that can easily be measured.
Electrochemical mediators are reagents that are added to the strip to enhance the transfer of the electrons generated by the glucose-enzyme reaction. They assist in the transfer of electrons from the reaction site to the electrode to be measured by the glucometer. Examples of some of the well-known mediators include ferricyanide and potassium iodide.
The last layer is an outer layer which helps to eliminate the effects of external interferences such as moisture, dust, or dirt to get the right results.
A lot of chemistry is used in glucose test strips that use electrochemical reactions and enzymes. The following is a description of how these strips work when a blood sample is placed on them The following are the detailed steps on how these strips function when a blood sample is applied on them.
The substrate layer of the glucose test strip is made from a small blood drop as is normally drawn from a finger prick. This layer helps in the circulation of blood across the strip to enable the enzyme and the mediator layers to respond to it similarly.
When the blood sample is in contact with the enzymatic layer, the enzyme which is glucose oxidase or glucose dehydrogenase starts to metabolize the glucose of the blood sample. It is involved in the oxidation of glucose which is in the blood and the process it forms gluconolactone and electrons.
When glucose interacts with the enzyme, electrons are also emitted. Some of these electrons are transferred to the electrode layer with the help of a mediator such as a ferricyanide ion. The number of electrons released is directly proportional to the glucose concentration that is present in the blood.
The fourth step involves the creation of an electrical signal which is an electrical impulse that travels through the neurons to relay the message. The electrodes in the strip can identify the flow of electrons and thus produce an electrical current. This current is determined by the glucometer. The frequency of the current depends on the concentration of glucose in the blood sample taken for the analysis.
The glucose reading display is a component for showing the level of glucose in the blood of the patient. The glucometer amplifies and filters the electrical signal and then translates it into a numerical figure that indicates the glucose level in the blood.
Glucose test strips are used in the determination of the blood glucose levels and the accuracy of the strips depends on the following factors. While glucose test strips are generally reliable, several factors can affect their accuracy:
Some test strips are affected by high or low temperatures and high humidity. In exposure to heat or moisture, the enzyme or mediator is likely to get spoiled thus compromising the test.
Old test strips may not work as expected because the enzymes on the strip are denatured as the age of the strip. It is advisable to check the date of expiry of the test strips before using them to get the right results.
As far as blood is concerned, there is a need to have an adequate quantity of blood to obtain a good read. If the blood sample is small, the test strip may not respond or give the glucometer an inaccurate reading, or it will give an error message.
This is because if a test strip is exposed to moisture, dirt, or any other substance before its use, it will give wrong results. It is recommended that one should always wear clean gloves when handling the strips and should use them as soon as they are taken out of their pack.
The glucose test strips have been of great importance in the management of diabetes since they enable individuals to test their blood sugar levels at home. Here are some reasons why these strips are indispensable: Here are some reasons why these strips are indispensable:
Test strips offer quick results on blood glucose levels therefore allowing people to tweak their diet, activity, and medication.
In this way, people can control the dangerous fluctuations of blood glucose that cause such consequences as ketoacidosis, peripheral neuropathy, or hypoglycemia.
Blood glucose measurements also help healthcare providers monitor and control patients’ diabetes more effectively by modifying the treatment regimens to match the patient’s requirements.
Test strips enable people to have a level of control over diabetes and its management and also help users monitor changes over time.
The glucose test strips are the main equipment used in the management of diabetes since they enable diabetics to have real-time measurements of their blood glucose level. These small strips are highly developed and work based on enzymatic reactions, electron transfer, and electrochemical measurements to detect glucose. When people with diabetes know how they function and how they are to be utilized, they can control their condition and manage their blood sugar levels appropriately.
Most test strips rely on enzymes that interact with glucose in your blood to produce an electrical signal that the glucometer translates into your blood sugar levels.
Some of the causes of inaccuracy include; poor storage conditions, expired strips, lack of adequate blood samples, or contamination.
You have to wash your hands, place the strip into the glucometer, apply the blood sample, and the reading will be ready soon. Make sure strips are still within their shelf life and that it is free from dirt, dust, and other debris.
ANTITECK provide glucose strip production line for glucose test strips manufacturing, contact us for more information via [email protected]
Maybe you also like:
How To Manufacture Glucose Strip?
How To Manufacture Urine Test Strips?
