When you have diabetes, controlling your blood glucose is a vital activity. Portable glucometers allow diabetics to lead a normal lifestyle, engage in everyday activities, work and at the same time avoid the consequences of the disease. Timely monitoring of indicators can be provided by the Satellite Express meter, reviews of which indicate the availability of the device in comparison with acceptable accuracy.
What is a glucometer and what are they?
A glucometer is a device that measures the concentration of glucose in the blood. The obtained indicators prevent a life-threatening condition. That is why it is so important that the instrument is accurate enough. Indeed, self-monitoring of indicators is an integral part of the life of a diabetic.
Portable blood glucose meters from different manufacturers can be calibrated by plasma or whole blood. Therefore, it is impossible to compare the readings of one device with another in order to check their accuracy. The accuracy of the device can be ascertained only by comparing the obtained indicators with laboratory tests.
To obtain the material glucometers use test strips, which are issued individually for each model of the device. This means that the satellite express meter will only work with the strips that are issued for this device. For blood sampling, it is convenient to use a special pen-piercer, in which disposable lancets are inserted.
Briefly about the manufacturer
The Russian company Elta has been manufacturing portable blood glucose meters since 1993 under the trademark Satellite.
The Glucometer Satellite Express, which reviews it as an affordable and reliable device, is one of the modern devices for measuring blood glucose. The developers of Elta took into account the shortcomings of previous models - Satellite and Satellite Plus - and excluded them from the new device. This allowed the company to become a leader in the Russian market of self-monitoring devices, to bring its products to the shelves of foreign pharmacies and stores. During this time, she has developed and released several models of rapid meters for measuring glucose concentration in the blood.
The complete set of the device
The Glucometer "Satellite Express PKG 03" includes everything you need to take measurements. The standard equipment from the manufacturer includes:
- device glucometer "Satellite Express PKG 03;
- instructions for use;
- batteries
- piercer and 25 disposable lancets;
- test strips in the amount of 25 pieces and one control;
- case for the device;
- warranty card.
A convenient case allows you to always take everything you need for express measurement with you. The number of lancets and test strips proposed in the kit is enough to evaluate the performance of the device. A convenient piercer allows you to get the amount of blood you need to measure almost painlessly. The included batteries last for 5,000 measurements.
Specifications
Glucometer "Satellite Express PKG 03", the instructions for which are enclosed in the box with the device, performs measurements according to the electrochemical principle. For a measurement, a drop of blood with a volume of 1 μg is enough.
The measurement range is in the range of 0.6-35 mmol / liter, which allows you to take into account both reduced rates and significantly increased. The device is calibrated with whole blood. The device memory is capable of storing up to sixty of the last measurements.
The measurement time is 7 seconds. This refers to the time that elapses from the moment of blood sampling to the issuance of the result. The device operates normally at temperatures from +15 to +35 ° C. It should be stored at temperatures from -10 to + 30 ° C. When stored in a temperature regime that is beyond the permissible limits, it is necessary to allow the device to lie down for 30 minutes before operating at the indicated operating temperatures.
Advantages over other glucometers
The main advantage of this model of the glucometer over the instruments of other companies is its availability and the relatively low cost of accessories. That is, disposable lancets and test strips have a significantly lower price in comparison with components for imported devices. Also a positive point is the long-term guarantee that the company "Elta" provides for the glucose meter "Satellite Express". Customer reviews confirm that availability and warranty are the main criteria for selection.
Ease of use is also a positive point in the characteristics of the device. Due to the simple measurement process, this device is suitable for a wide population, including the elderly, who are more often ill with diabetes.
How to use a glucometer?
Before starting work of any device, it is necessary to read the instructions. There is no exception and the satellite express meter. The instruction for use, which is attached to it by the manufacturer, contains a clear scheme of actions, compliance with which will help to successfully measure on the first try. After carefully reading it, you can begin to work with the device.
After turning on the device, you must insert the code strip. A three-digit code should be displayed on the screen. This code must necessarily coincide with the code indicated on the packaging with test strips. Otherwise, you need to contact a service center, since the results of such a device may be erroneous.
Next, you need to remove the part of the packaging with which the contacts are covered from the prepared test strip. Insert the strip of contacts into the socket of the meter and only then remove the rest of the package. The code again appears on the screen, matching the one indicated on the packaging from the stripes. An icon with a blinking drop should also appear, which indicates the readiness of the device for operation.
A disposable lancet is inserted into the piercer and a drop of blood is squeezed out. She needs to touch the open part of the test strip, which absorbs the amount necessary for the analysis. After a drop falls into the intended purpose, the device will emit a sound signal and the drop icon will stop blinking. After seven seconds, the result will be displayed on the screen. After finishing work with the device, you need to remove the used strip and turn off the Satellite Express meter. The technical characteristics of the device indicate that the result will remain in its memory and can be viewed later.
User Recommendations
If the results given by the device are in doubt, it is necessary to visit a doctor and pass laboratory tests, and hand over the glucometer for examination to a service center. All piercing lancets are disposable and reuse can cause data corruption.
Before analyzing and pricking a finger, you should thoroughly wash your hands, preferably with soap, and wipe them dry. Before removing the test strip, pay attention to the integrity of its packaging. If dust or other microparticles get on a strip, the readings may be inaccurate.
The data obtained from the measurement are not grounds for changing the treatment program. The given results serve only for self-monitoring and timely detection of deviations from the norm. The testimony obtained must be confirmed by laboratory tests. That is, after receiving results that require confirmation, you need to see a doctor and undergo a laboratory test.
Who is this model suitable for?
The satellite express glucometer is suitable for individual home use. It can also be used in clinical conditions, when there is no possibility to conduct laboratory tests. For example, rescue personnel during operations.
Due to its ease of use, this appliance is ideal for the elderly. Also, such a glucometer can be included in a first-aid kit designed for office staff, along with a thermometer and tonometer. Caring for the health of employees is often a priority in company policy.
Are there any disadvantages?
Like many other devices, the Satellite Express PKG 03 meter also has its drawbacks.
For example, many note that the device often has a greater error of readings than stated in the technical specifications. This drawback is eliminated by conducting an examination of the operation of the device in a service center, where you need to contact in case of issuing doubtful results.
Also noted is the fact that in the test strips for the device a large percentage of marriage. The manufacturer recommends that you purchase accessories for the meter only in specialized stores and pharmacies that work directly with the supplier. It is also necessary to provide such storage conditions for the strips so that their packaging remains intact. Otherwise, the results may indeed be distorted.
The cost of the device
The Glucometer "Satellite Express PKG 03", reviews of which primarily indicate its availability, has a low cost in comparison with imported devices. Its price today is approximately 1300 rubles.
It is also worth noting that test strips for this model of the meter are much cheaper than similar strips for devices of other companies. Low cost combined with acceptable quality makes this model of the meter one of the most popular among people suffering from diabetes.
Application restrictions
When can not I use the satellite express meter? Instructions for the device contain several items that indicate when the use of this meter is unacceptable or inappropriate.
Since the device is calibrated with whole blood, it is not possible to determine the level of glucose in venous blood or serum. Pre-storage of blood for analysis is also not acceptable. Only a freshly collected drop of blood obtained immediately before the test using a piercer with a disposable lancet is suitable for the study.
It is impossible to conduct an analysis in such pathologies as blood clotting, as well as in the presence of infections, extensive swelling and tumors of a malignant nature. Also, it is not necessary to analyze after taking ascorbic acid in an amount exceeding 1 gram, which leads to the appearance of overestimated indicators.
Reviews about the operation of the device
The satellite express glucometer, reviews of which are very diverse, is very popular among diabetics due to its simplicity and accessibility. Many note that the device quite successfully copes with the task, following all the steps specified in the instructions for use and recommendations for the user.
This device is used both at home and in the field. For example, when fishing or hunting, you can also use the satellite express PKG 03 meter. Reviews of hunters, fishers and other active people say that the device is suitable for quick analysis, not distracting from your favorite activity. It is these criteria that are decisive when choosing a glucometer model.
With proper storage, observing all the rules for using not only the device, but also its accessories, this meter is quite suitable for daily individual monitoring of blood sugar concentration.