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SERVICE > FAQ |
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Blood glucose
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Why do I obtain different values from two consecutive measurements?
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This is absolutely normal. The test strips are produced according to stringent standardization guidelines. By using a bioenzyme, as with all biological materials, there could be minute fluctuations which are within the above standard. As a precaution, the Beurer test strips are additionally monitored in the lab. This provides for optimum conditions for reliable measurement.
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Why does my doctor measure a different value with his device than I measure with mine, although we measured at the same time?
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The doctor will normally take the blood test for blood glucose from the arm vein. Self-measurement takes place in the fingertip. Different blood withdrawal site produce different values. Please, read more detailed information on this question.
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What guidelines are there?
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The table below shows blood glucose values for persons without diabetes for comparison
with your own readings.
Time of day Blood glucose range without diabetes
Before breakfast 70 - 105 mg/dL (3.9 und 5.8 mmol/L)
Before lunch 70 - 110 mg/dL (3.9 und 6.1 mmol/L)
1 hour after meals Below 160 mg/dL (8.9 mmol/L)
2 hours after meals Below 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L)
Between 2 and 4 a.m. Over 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L)
Source: Krall,L.P., and Beaser, R.S :Joslin Diabetes Manual. Philadelphia: Lea and Febiger (1989),1 8 |
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Why do I have to encode my device?
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To compensate the fluctuations in the production of the test strips, there are code numbers printed on the test strip container. So that the device can coordinate with the test strips perfectly, it is important to enter this code in the device before opening a new container of test strips. The numerical data on the container of test strips must then match the number on the device display. The process is very easy and precisely described in the instructions.
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When should I measure my blood glucose?
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Type 1 diabetics generally measure before meals, before going to bed and additionally with physical strain. They have precise instructions from their doctor coordinated with their living conditions.
Type 2 diabetics should measure blood glucose on an empty stomach, because it is the most significant. For this
purpose you shouldn’t have eaten anything two hours before the
measurement. Then your measured value should be less than 120mg/cL. We recommend monitoring blood glucose two times per week. In the case of doubt you should follow your doctor‘s instructions.
To receive comparable values, always measure in the same way.
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Why should I not use my test strips and control solution after the expiration date?
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The test strips and the control solution are partly composed of biological substances, which are no longer fully effective after expiry. On expiry the accuracy of the measured values decreases. In addition, opened test strips and control solutions are to be used only within 3 months (after opening). |
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How / where should I store my blood glucose monitor?
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The blood glucose monitor and the accessories are sensitive to temperature and sensitive to humidity: Please note the following storage conditions:
Temperature +2 to +30 °C
Humidity 10 to 85 % relative humidity
Do not store the accessories in the fridge. Do not leave your blood glucose monitor and accessories in the car and do not expose it to prolonged solar radiation. |
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What is the operating temperature of my blood glucose monitor?
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The operating temperature is from +10 to +40 °C and a relative humidity from 10 to 85 %.
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Blood pressure
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Is the blood pressure device also suitable for detecting abnormalities of heart rate? |
In heart rate disorders, particularly atrial fibrillation, electronic
devices that use oscillometric measurement are only partially suitable.
In this situation, the blood pressure must be measured with the
stethoscope (Riva-Rocci method) as incorrect results can be obtained
with electronic devices. See notes in the instructions for use. |
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Do the devices have to be calibrated regularly? |
In accordance with the “Operating regulation for medical devices“,
regular technical inspections must be carried out if the device is used
for trade or commercial purposes. Even in the case of private use, we
recommend technical inspection by the manufacturer at 2-year intervals.
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Why do I get different readings with my blood pressure device than those at the doctor’s? |
Blood pressure readings obtained at the doctor’s practice by the doctor or practice staff using the standardized Riva-Rocci method of listening to what are known as the Korotkoff sounds are usually somewhat higher than the blood pressure readings you obtain when you measure it yourself in a relaxed atmosphere at home. We call this “doctor’s surgery“ or “white coat“ hypertension. People who have raised blood pressure under the stress of everyday conditions can have normal readings under quiet conditions at the doctor’s. We then speak of “doctor’s surgery normotension“.
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Why are different readings obtained in 2 successive readings? |
Blood pressure and pulse depend on many factors that can have an effect even in the short term:
- Physical influences
- Medical influences
- Physical exercise
- Muscle tension
- Talking
- Excitement
- Noise etc
The way the measurement is taken is also relevant:
- cuff applied too tightly / too loosely
- cuff not at heart level
- too short a break between measurements
- no visual or acoustic shielding of the subject
Device tolerances are also important, of course. In the case of devices with a manometer, there is also parallax error (error in reading the result). |
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Why are there differences between measurements on the upper arm and the wrist? |
The wrist measurement must be taken with the wrist at heart level. If
the arm is laid flat on a table, for instance when you are seated, the
blood pressure is overestimated by approximately 7-8 mmHg because there
is a difference from heart level (1.5cm is equivalent to 1 mmHg).
Incorrect results also occur with wrist measurement in the case of
heart rate abnormalities and changes (e.g. due to age) in the arteries of the wrist. Particularly in elderly persons, wrist devices may give
imprecise readings. The arteries in the upper arm are not so sensitive
with regard to these influences.
For this reason, occasional measurements on the upper arm are recommended for comparison.
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What are the guidelines for systolic and diastolic pressure?
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Independent of age, the figures for normal blood pressure according to the German Hypertension League are:
- Upper limits: systolic 140 mmHg / diastolic 90 mmHg
- Ideal reading: systolic 120 mmHg / diastolic 80 mmHg
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How long should one wait between 2 measurements? |
There should be a break of at least 3 minutes before successive measurements.
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Body temperature
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Why do I get a different result measuring temperature with the ear or forehead thermometer compared to rectal measurement? |
The different thermometers are suitable for measuring body temperature in different parts of the body.
Forehead thermometer: measurement only on the forehead, ear thermometer: measurement only in the ear, rod thermometer: rectal (in the back passage), axillary (under the arm) or oral measurement (in the mouth).
The temperature varies depending on the part of the body where the measurement is taken. The difference in healthy persons between different parts of the body can be between 0.2–1 °C. The approximate normal temperature ranges are as follows:
- Forehead temperature – measured with a forehead thermometer: 35.8 °C to 37.6 °C.
- Ear temperature, measured with an ear thermometer: 36.0 °C to 37.8 °C.
- Rectal temperature, measured with a conventional thermometer: 36.3 °C to 37.8 °C.
- Orally measured temperature – measured with a conventional thermometer: 36.0 °C to 37.4 °C.
Beurer tip:
Temperatures measured with different thermometers cannot be compared with one another. You should therefore tell your doctor or bear in mind if you are diagnosing yourself what thermometer you used to take your temperature and in what part of the body.
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Which factors can influence the temperature measurement with a healthy person? |
The temperature of a healthy person is also influenced by the following factors:
- The person’s individual metabolism
- Age (body temperature is higher in babies and small children and falls with increasing age. Greater temperature fluctuations occur faster and more often in children)
- Clothing
- The outside temperature
- The time of day (body temperature is lower in the morning and increases during the day towards evening)
- Preceding physical and, to a lesser extent, mental activity
Beurer tip:
Taking the temperature gives a measurement that provides information about a person’s current body temperature. If you are uncertain about interpreting the results or if the result is abnormal (e.g. fever), you should consult your doctor. This also applies in the case of slight temperature changes if there are other symptoms of illness such as agitation, severe sweating, flushed skin, fast pulse rate, tendency to collapse etc.
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