Glucometer Use

St John's EMTs are expected to know when blood glucose testing is indicated and perform testing professionally and adeptly.

NOTE:OneTouch Ultra Glucometer
All testing will be done to FINGER TIPS ONLY.  Forearm testing is NOT indicated in emergency settings.

Remember:
Normal Adult Glucose Levels
80-120 mg/dL

 

Performing Glucose Testing:

 Assemble all equipment:

WEAR GLOVES & prepare your sharps container
Swab selected site with alcohol wipe DRY WITH 2x2 gauze pad
Have patient wiggle fingers
Lance fingertip (theirs not yours!)
Insert test strip into glucometer
Compare Coding (see Coding the Meter below)
Collect sample (see Getting a Sample below)
Test completes in 5 seconds
Compare test result to clinical picture
Error Messages

Coding the Meter

This guide is adapted from the owners brochure and is intended as a quick reference guide.
Prior to performing ANY testing, ensure that the TEST STRIP CODE NUMBER matches the indicated CODE NUMBER ON THE GLUCOMETER.
If these do not match, follow directions for changing the glucometer code number

Coding OneTouch Ultra Meter

Getting a Sample

Error Messages
Glucometer Error Messages

  • From time to time, the glucometer may give you a reading or symbol that doesn't make sense.
  • KETONES:  this is when the glucometer reads above 240.  For our purposes take no additional action.
  • 14 and 30 DAY AVERAGES: glucometers were intended for single patient use only.  Disregard this information
  • HI:  The glucometer has a reading that is greater than 600!  This patient MUST be further evaluated, however is NOT necessarily in immediate life threat.
  • LO:  Indicates a DANGEROUSLY LOW GLUCOSE READING.  INITIATE TREATMENT IMMEDIATELY AND INITIATE ALS Response