Choosing the Right Control Solutions
Why Control Solution Selection Matters
Control solutions are essentially liquid glucose with a precisely known concentration. They act as a stand in for your blood to ensure that your glucose meter and test strips are functioning correctly as a system. If you choose the wrong solution, you risk getting readings that fall outside the manufacturer’s expected range, leading to unnecessary worry or, worse, a false sense of security regarding your meter’s accuracy. Using the correct brand and level is the only way to perform a valid calibration check.
Step 1: Match the Brand and Model
The most critical factor in choosing a control solution is brand compatibility. Manufacturers calibrate their test strips to react specifically with their own proprietary control formulas. You cannot use a OneTouch solution with a Prodigy meter, nor can you use a generic solution unless it is explicitly labeled for your specific meter model. For example, if you use the OneTouch Verio Flex system, you must use OneTouch Verio Control Solution. Using an incompatible brand will result in inaccurate readings because the chemical composition of the solution will not match the enzymes on the test strip.
Step 2: Understand the Solution Levels
- Low (Level 1): Tests the meter’s ability to accurately detect low blood sugar levels.
- Mid or Normal (Level 2): Tests the meter within the range of a typical healthy glucose reading.
- High (Level 3 or 4): Tests the meter’s performance at elevated glucose levels.
- Multi Packs: Some brands, like the Accu-Chek Aviva Control Solution, provide both High and Low levels in a single package for comprehensive testing.
Control solutions typically come in different levels, often labeled as Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3, or simply as Low, Medium, and High. Each level tests the meter at a different point on the glucose spectrum:
Step 3: Check for System Compatibility
Before purchasing, verify which specific level your meter manufacturer recommends for routine checks. While some users prefer to test all three levels, many manufacturers suggest a mid range or ‘Normal’ level for daily or weekly verification. If you are troubleshooting a specific issue, such as frequent low readings, you should choose a low range solution like the TRUE METRIX Level 1 Control Solution to verify the meter’s performance at that specific threshold.
Decision Matrix: Choosing Your Solution
- Verify the Meter Name: Match the solution brand to the meter brand exactly.
- Check the Test Strip Bottle: The expected range for the control solution is usually printed on your test strip vial.
- Identify the Required Level: Determine if you need Low, Mid, or High based on your doctor’s advice or the user manual.
- Check Expiration Dates: Control solutions have a limited shelf life once opened, typically 90 days. Always check the bottle for the ‘discard by’ date.
Use this checklist to ensure you are buying the correct product for your needs:
Top Recommended Control Solutions
Depending on your specific monitoring system, here are the most reliable options available.
Best for OneTouch Verio Users: This is the standard mid range solution for all Verio meters, providing a reliable baseline for accuracy.
Best for Prodigy Users: An essential tool for Prodigy meter owners to ensure their device is correctly identifying hypoglycemia risks.
Best for TRUE METRIX Users: A cost effective medium level solution that offers consistent results for the TRUE METRIX family of meters.
Best Value Multi-Pack: Provides two different levels in one package, allowing for a more thorough calibration check across different ranges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different brand of control solution if it is cheaper?
No. Control solutions are formulated to work with specific test strip chemistry. Using a different brand will result in incorrect readings and will not accurately verify your meter’s performance.
How often should I use control solution?
Most manufacturers recommend using it when you open a new box of test strips, if you drop your meter, if you suspect your results are inaccurate, or at least once a week for routine maintenance.
Where can I find the correct range for my control test?
The acceptable range for your control solution is typically printed on the side of your test strip vial. It is not the same as your target blood glucose range.
How long does control solution last after opening?
Most control solutions expire 90 days after the bottle is first opened. You should write the discard date on the bottle when you first open it to ensure you don’t use expired solution.
