Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Which of the following scenarios would be a reason to use control solution to evaluate the accuracy of blood glucose meter results?

1. Using the wrong code on the meter

2. Applying an inadequate sample of blood

3. Leaving the cap off the vial of strips

4. Not washing hands prior to performing self-monitoring of blood glucose

The correct answer is: Leaving the cap off the vial of strips

Using control solution to evaluate the accuracy of blood glucose meter results is particularly important when there is a concern about the integrity of the test strips. An example of a situation that warrants this action is when the cap has been left off the vial of strips. Leaving the cap off can lead to humidity or contamination, which can affect the performance of the test strips. Testing with a control solution helps ensure that the meter and strips are functioning properly and can provide a reliable measure of blood glucose levels. In contrast, the other scenarios presented involve user errors or procedural mishaps that do not directly impact the calibration of the meter or the strip's inherent functionality. For instance, while using the wrong code, applying an inadequate sample, or not washing hands can lead to inaccurate readings, they do not necessarily require the use of a control solution to verify accuracy. Instead, these issues may need corrections in technique or practice rather than validation of the meter itself.