When you have diabetes, controlling your blood glucose levels is vital. Portable glucometers allow diabetics to lead a normal life, go about their daily activities, work and at the same time avoid the consequences of the disease. Timely monitoring of indicators can be provided by the Satellite Express glucometer, 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 allow to prevent a life-threatening condition. That is why it is so important that the instrument is accurate enough. After all, self-monitoring of indicators is an integral part of the life of a diabetic.
Portable glucometers from different manufacturers can be calibrated with plasma or whole blood. Therefore, one cannot compare the readings of one instrument with another in order to verify their accuracy. The accuracy of the device can befind out only by comparing the obtained indicators with laboratory studies.
To obtain the material, glucometers use test strips, which are produced individually for each model of the device. This means that the Satellite Express meter will only work with strips that are made for this meter. For blood sampling, it is convenient to use a special lancing pen, into which disposable lancets are inserted.
Producer in brief
The Russian company Elta has been producing portable glucometers since 1993 under the brand name Satellite.
Satellite Express glucometer, reviews of which present it as an affordable and reliable device, is one of the modern devices for measuring blood glucose levels. The developers of the Elta company took into account the shortcomings of the 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 devices for self-control, to bring its products to the shelves of foreign pharmacies and shops. During this time, she has developed and released several models of express blood glucose meters.
Instrument kit
Glucometer "Satellite Express PKG 03" includes everything you need to take measurements. 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;
- device case;
- warranty card.
Convenient case allows you to always take everything you need for express measurement with you. The number of lancets and test strips offered in the kit is enough to evaluate the performance of the device. A convenient piercer allows you to almost painlessly obtain the amount of blood necessary for measurement. The included batteries are enough for 5000 measurements.
Specifications
Glucometer "Satellite Express PKG 03", the instructions for which are attached in the box with the device, performs measurements according to the electrochemical principle. A 1 µg drop of blood is sufficient for the measurement.
The measurement range is within 0.6-35 mmol/liter, which allows taking into account both low and significantly increased values. The device is calibrated on whole blood. The instrument's memory can store up to sixty recent measurements.
Measuring time is 7 seconds. This refers to the time that passes from the moment of blood sampling to the issuance of the result. The device normally works at temperatures from +15 to +35 °C. It should be stored at a temperature of -10 to +30°C. If stored at temperatures outside the allowable range, the machine must be allowed to soak for 30 minutes at the specified operating temperatures before operation.
Advantages over other glucometers
The main advantage of this glucometer modelbefore the devices of other companies is its availability and relatively low cost of accessories. That is, disposable lancets and test strips have a significantly lower price compared to components for imported devices. Also a positive point is the long-term guarantee provided by Elta for the Satellite Express glucometer. Consumer feedback confirms that availability and warranty are top selection criteria.
Ease of use is also a positive feature of the device. Due to the simple measurement process, this device is suitable for a wide segment of the population, including the elderly, who are more likely to suffer from diabetes.
How to use the meter?
Before starting any device, you must read the instructions. The Satellite Express glucometer is no exception. The instruction for use, which is attached to it by the manufacturer, contains a clear scheme of actions, following which will help to successfully carry out the measurement on the first attempt. After carefully reading it, you can start working with the device.
After turning on the device, you must insert the code strip. A three-digit code should appear on the screen. This code must match the code on the test strip package. Otherwise, you need to contact the service center, as the results of the operation of such a device may be erroneous.
Next you need from the prepared test stripremove the part of the package that covers the contacts. Insert the strip with the contacts into the glucometer socket and only then remove the rest of the package. The screen will again display a code that matches the one indicated on the package from the strips. A blinking drop icon should also appear, indicating that the device is ready for use.
A disposable lancet is inserted into the lancing device and a drop of blood is squeezed out. She needs to touch the open part of the test strip, which will absorb the amount necessary for the analysis. After the drop hits the intended purpose, the device will emit a sound signal and the drop icon will stop flashing. 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 glucometer. The technical characteristics of the device indicate that the result will remain in its memory and can be viewed later.
Recommendations for the user
If the results given by the device are in doubt, you need to visit a doctor and take laboratory tests, and hand over the glucometer for examination to a service center. All lancing lancets are disposable and reuse may result in data corruption.
Before testing and piercing a finger, hands should be thoroughly washed, preferably with soap, and wiped dry. Before removing the test strip, pay attention to the integrity of its packaging. If dust or othermicroparticles, readings may be inaccurate.
The data obtained as a result of the measurement is not the basis for changing the treatment program. The issued results serve only for self-control and timely detection of deviations from the norm. The obtained indications 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 for?
Satellite Express Glucometer is suitable for individual home use. It can also be used in clinical settings where laboratory tests are not available. For example, rescue service personnel during operations.
Easy to use, this device is ideal for the elderly. Also, such a glucometer can be included in the first-aid kit intended for office employees, along with a thermometer and a tonometer. Concern for the he alth of employees is often a priority in company policy.
Are there any disadvantages?
Like many other devices, the Satellite Express PKG 03 glucometer also has its drawbacks.
For example, many note that the device often has a greater reading error than stated in the technical specifications. This disadvantage is eliminated by conducting an examination of the operation of the device in a service center, where you need to contact in case of questionable results.
Also noted is the fact that in the test strips todevice a large percentage of marriage. The manufacturer recommends purchasing accessories for the glucometer only in specialized stores and pharmacies that work directly with the supplier. It is also necessary to ensure that the storage conditions of the strips are such that their packaging remains intact. Otherwise, the results may indeed be distorted.
Device cost
Glucometer "Satellite Express PKG 03", reviews of which first of all note 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 glucometer model are much cheaper than similar strips for devices from other companies. Low cost combined with acceptable quality makes this glucometer model one of the most popular among people suffering from diabetes.
Use restrictions
When can't I use the Satellite Express meter? The instructions for the device contain several points that indicate when the use of this meter is unacceptable or inappropriate.
Because the device is calibrated on whole blood, it is not possible to determine the level of glucose in venous blood or blood serum. Preliminary storage of blood for analysis is also unacceptable. Only a freshly collected drop of blood is suitable for the study, obtained immediately before the test using a piercer with a disposablelancet.
It is impossible to carry out analysis in pathologies such as blood clotting, as well as in the presence of infections, extensive edema and tumors of a malignant nature. Also, do not 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
Satellite Express glucometer, reviews of which are very diverse, is very popular among diabetics due to its simplicity and affordability. Many note that the device quite successfully copes with the task, subject to all the steps indicated 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 glucometer. Reviews of hunters, fishermen and other active people say that the device is suitable for quick analysis that does not distract from your favorite pastime. It is these criteria that are decisive when choosing a model of a glucometer.
With proper storage, following all the rules for using not only the device, but also its accessories, this glucometer is quite suitable for daily individual monitoring of blood sugar concentration.
