When choosing a glucose monitor (also known as glucometer), buyers should verify its reliability. The range of glucose readings should be checked with check strips or control solutions to make sure the results fall in the target range specified by the manufacturer.
Another important consideration is the simple use of the glucose monitor with minimal training to obtain reliable results. The displays should be large and easy to read; the control buttons should not have multiple functions or other confusing qualities; codes should be easy to enter if applicable.
Each glucose monitor should accept strips designed only for those units. Some glucose analyzer units may also reject outdated, used, or blank test strips or control solutions. For extremely high or low blood glucose levels, the glucose monitor should provide error messages to avoid misleading data interpretations.
The glucometer devices should offer low battery indicators, warning the user before the performance is affected. The monitors should use commonly available batteries.
Typical use and abuse should be tolerated by the monitors. This may include rough handling - normally encountered in medical centers and emergency vehicles. When users disassemble the device for cleaning or replacing a battery, no damage or loss of function should occur.
The manufacturer should provide facilities with information regarding glucose monitor maintenance, such as the ease and frequency of cleaning, materials needed for cleaning, and whether the monitor can be disinfected.
In facilities with multi-patient applications, there are some glucose analyzer monitors that require disinfection or replacement of components after use on each patient. Some glucose monitor devices are not designed to protect against cross-contamination, so they should not be used in medical centers or physician offices.
The blood glucose monitor should be easily and properly operated also by people with vision and/or hearing impairment. They should be able to correctly interpret its data. Visually impaired users should look for tactile landmarks that are easy to locate and use, as well as audible signals, such as those for reaction time and out-of-range glucose values; some hypoglycemia detection units offer electronic voice readouts.
For hearing-impaired users, one manufacturer is offering optional tele-communicative devices and teletypewriters to enable users to contact the company's customer service department for troubleshooting tips or maintenance advice.
To minimize user errors in general, buyers are encouraged to undergo intensive training in blood glucose monitor (glucometer) use.

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