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AlphaTRAK 2 test strips come in different formulations to meet the diverse needs of healthcare professionals and patients.
This allows health workers to ensure effective monitoring of blood glucose levels in various groups of people.
Standard Test Strips
This is the most common type used in the blood glucose monitoring system. These are used in normal testing situations. These test strips are made of stable and high-quality materials.
Cholesterol Test Strips
Some systems include strips to assess the level of cholesterol in a patient's blood. It provides important information on lipid profiles for heart health monitoring.
Hemoglobin A1c Test Strips
A1c test strips are used to measure average blood glucose levels over a span of weeks or months. This gives a record of how well a patient has managed their diabetes over time.
Ketone Test Strips
These strips are used to measure ketone bodies in blood. These are important for monitoring diabetic ketoacidosis in at-risk patients.
The following factors will help buyers source suitable test strips for their clients.
Supplier reputation
So, it's necessary that buyers only deal with suppliers who have the paperwork to supply AlphaTRAK 2 products. Then, they should read reviews to find suppliers who consistently deliver quality strips and have quick shipping times.
Market demand and competition
Buyers should also analyze the market for other diabetic products before placing orders. There may be opportunities to sell strips that work with popular glucose monitors or combo test kits.
Likewise, knowing what competitors offer will help buyers source unique products. They may find that there is demand for test strips with special features or benefits.
Test strip features
Test strips can vary in important details such as:
Buyers should ensure that the test kits have all the features that their target clients prioritize. They should also consider that there may be patients who prefer strips that provide fast readings or require a small blood sample.
Bulk ordering
Medical facilities usually buy consumables such as syringes in bulk. So, when choosing suppliers, buyers should look for the best deals for large orders. At the same time, they should ensure that the supplier can provide consistent stock at the same quality for repeat orders.
Shipping timelines and costs
Buyers will also need to deal with reliable suppliers who will ship orders promptly. To do this, they should find suppliers who have a record of providing timely deliveries to other businesses. Also, since they may stock items with a low price point, buyers should consider the shipping costs for several large orders.
AlphaTRAK 2 test strips are an important tool for several healthcare scenarios. They provide quick and reliable results so patients can manage their well-being effectively.
Blood glucose monitoring for diabetes management
Measuring fasting blood glucose levels helps diabetic patients manage their condition daily.
That is why these strips are crucial for helping people with diabetes keep track of their health and preventing complications.
Dietary adjustments
In this day and age, it is becoming more common for people to monitor their health. As such, pre-diabetic patients use these strips to monitor their glucose levels to prevent diabetes.
This enables them to adjust their diet and other lifestyle factors as necessary.
Monitoring effectiveness of diabetes medications
These strips enable medical professionals to help patients by giving them the data they need to make informed decisions. It allows them to tailor their treatment.
Preparing for surgery or procedures
Surgery is a stressful situation for patients, and it is important to minimize stress factors where possible. One way to do this is by using these strips to monitor blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.
This will ensure that all surgical protocols are met, and it helps prevent post-operative complications in diabetic patients.
Management of gestational diabetes
Pregnant women who develop gestational diabetes use these strips to monitor their blood sugar levels.
This helps ensure that the levels remain within a normal range for the health of both the mother and the baby.
Emergency situations
AlphaTRAK 2 ketone test strips are used in emergency situations to provide important information. Healthcare professionals use them to monitor ketoacidosis in diabetic patients.
Veterinary care
These strips are also used in veterinary medicine to monitor blood glucose levels in diabetic pets, such as cats and dogs. It allows veterinarians to provide proper care for their diabetic patients.
Research and clinical trials
AlphaTRAK 2 glucose monitoring test strips can also be used in scientific studies to examine glucose levels in the blood. These studies can then make progress in medicine through better disease management.
Buyers can ensure their clients have a consistent supply of these test strips by sourcing them in bulk. However, there are instances where clients may need to create their own test strips.
The following sections will highlight some practical and effective ways for clients to do just that.
Clients may need to make their own test strips for several reasons. The most common is when they can't find the necessary strips in their nearby pharmacy.
The need may also be prompted by the strips being prohibitively expensive or having damaged some of them. Other times, they may want to conduct a single test without going to purchase more strips. So, how do they make their own strips?
Managing diabetes is difficult when diabetics have to poke their fingers several times a day. This is even more so for those who measure their glucose multiple times.
This is because the finger can be sore and swollen by the end of the day. However, there are alternatives to using the tips of the fingers when taking blood samples. These include the palms, the forearms, and the tops of the hands.
That said, there are special lancing devices designed for taking blood samples from alternate sites. These devices have adjustable settings for controlling how deep the lancet punctures the skin.
Such lancing devices also include gentle spring-loaded lancets that take the blood sample quickly and efficiently. Some patients find it less painful and more convenient to use lancing devices than pricking their fingers all the time.
DIY lancing devices can be as simple as a small bamboo stick with a sharp point on one end. But, of course, this is a more rudimentary option, and it's much less hygienic than a metal fingertip lancet.
Although the AlphaTRAK blood glucose meter is compatible with other test strips, it is recommended that users only use AlphaTRAK 2 test strips with the monitor. That is because only these strips are specially designed for the meter.
However, for clients who don't want to keep buying more strips, there are several solutions. They can get a test strip container. These are storage containers that are especially designed to keep test strips safe and organized. It is a really simple and effective solution for keeping strips in good condition.
For some clients, the quick fixes above are not enough. They may feel that making their own test strips means having better access to the materials they need. In this case, it is advisable for clients to invest in a test strip printing machine.
A test paper printer is therefore quite a useful tool for clients who need or want to create custom test strips.
Blood test strips are made from a combination of materials that work together to ensure accurate and reliable results.
The plastic base
The blood test strips' main body or support structure is a plastic base. This base provides a rigid, stable surface on which to perform the test.
As such, most test strips are made from polycarbonate or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic. These types of plastics are really durable and help keep the strips safe from damage while also making them flexible.
Biosensor materials
The biosensor is the key component on the test strip that reacts with glucose in the blood. This chemical reaction is what gives the test its results.
Common biosensor materials for glucose test strips include glucose oxidase, an enzyme that helps turn glucose into a chemical called gluconic acid.
Other times, as in the case of some ketone test strips, they may incorporate a different enzyme, beta-hydroxybutyric acid.
Gold working electrodes
Gold working electrodes are usually deposited on the plastic base of the test strip. The glucose enzymes then become glued onto the conducting gold surface using a sticky polymer called glutaraldehyde.
Binding agents
Afterward, a mixture of chemicals is added to the strip to activate it. These chemicals include:
1. **Conductive Polymer**: A polymer called polypyrrole or carbon powder is added to the strip. This powder sticks to the doorway enzyme-gold mound and also binds other chemicals.
2. **Dye Molecules**: Special dye molecules called redox mediators are also glued onto the gold surface. These dyes will help the strip detect glucose.
3. **Sticky Polymer**: A gooey polymer called hydrogels is spread over the entire strip. It evenly distributes glucose throughout the strip when a blood droplet touches the surface.
Electrodes and metallic components
Subsequently, a metallic mixture of silver, gold, and carbon inks will be printed onto the strip to create different electrodes. These electrodes will conduct the electrical signals from the glucose reaction.
While there are other test strips for glucose monitoring, none of them have the same features as these strips. It is therefore recommended that diabetic pets use these strips to get accurate results.
Yes, like all medical supplies, these test strips have a limited shelf life. However, their results may still be good even after 18 months since they were first manufactured.
Yes, they do. The strips are put through various tests to see if they work consistently in real-world situations. Both environmental factors like heat and humidity and everyday handling by users are among the factors tested.
They will stay good for as long as the box is protected from moisture and light. Once that protective barrier is broken, its freshness is affected by air exposure. On average, they will perform for 90 days after being opened.