Comparison Longevita Family vs Longevita Smart

— Test. To verify the functionality and accuracy of a blood glucose monitor, a control solution test is typically performed. This involves applying two control solutions with known glucose concentrations to the strips instead of blood. If the blood glucose monitor readings align with the expected values of the solutions, it indicates proper functionality. Periodic performance tests, ideally conducted weekly, are recommended, especially in cases of doubt about measurement results, such as discrepancies with one's health status.

— No food intake. The mode of measuring blood counts on an empty stomach, before meals. It is used, in particular, to diagnose diabetes in the early stages, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of drug-free (with the help of a diet) treatment of type 1 diabetes. Analysis data is stored in memory marked "on an empty stomach"; this allows you to track the trend over time.

— After eating. The mode of measuring blood parameters "on a full stomach", after eating. It is used, in particular, in insulin-dependent diabetes — to evaluate the effectiveness and correct the current dosage of insulin. The measurement results are stored in memory marked "after eating" in order to make it easier to track changes over a certain period of time.

Measuring range provided by the blood glucose monitor. It is indicated by the level of glucose in the blood that the device is able to detect — from the minimum to the maximum.

Most blood glucose monitors have a measurement range with a safety margin to cover relevant human values. The lower limit is typically no higher than 1.6 mmol/L, corresponding to severe hypoglycemia requiring immediate medical attention. Similarly, the upper limit in most models is around 27 mmol/L or higher, exceeding critically high values. In practical terms, a patient is more likely to fall into a coma than to surpass the blood glucose monitor's measuring range.

The minimum amount of blood required for testing. The average volume of a drop of blood released when pricked with a lancet is 1 µl; that is, if the sample volume is larger, a little more blood will need to be squeezed out.

Note that in fact, the volume can be taken with a margin — most blood glucose monitors work normally even with more blood than necessary. But too little material leads to serious inaccuracies in the readings, so this parameter should not be neglected.

The encoding method provided in the device.

Encoding involves configuring the device for a specific set of test strips. This is necessary because test strips of the same type in different packages may contain different reagents. To ensure precise results, the device must be adjusted to a particular batch of strips, although there are exceptions — details below.

— Codeless. Codeless blood glucose monitors are the most convenient and cost-effective option. However, they are less accurate because they don't account for the specific features of the test strips in their design, potentially introducing some error in measurement results. Despite this, the margin of error is often negligible, making them suitable for certain user categories, especially the elderly who may appreciate the simplicity of use without unnecessary settings.

— Chip. Encoding using a replaceable chip. Such a chip is supplied with each package of test strips and is installed in the metre before using the package. Changing the chip is much easier and more convenient than entering the code manually (see "Code"), this option is quite popular in modern blood glucose monitors.

— Automatic. Automatic encoding, requiring no additional user actions, involves applying a code to each test strip. The device reads this code during use, automatically adjus...ting to the specific characteristics of the strip. This option is both convenient and accurate, but the consumables for such devices can be relatively costly. — Code. Manual encoding requires users to enter the code from a new pack of test strips into the monitor before use. While cost-effective and fairly accurate, this method can be inconvenient for some users, especially the elderly. Given the availability of more advanced and user-friendly encoding technologies, devices with manual code entry are uncommon.

The type of blood for which the device is designed.

— Capillary. The user-friendly approach involves obtaining capillary blood by shallow skin piercing. While the fingertips are traditionally used, other locations like the thigh or forearm are also viable. Most household glucometers are capable of working with capillary blood.

— Venous. Venous blood is more analytically convenient than capillary blood, allowing for the measurement of additional components besides glucose. However, obtaining venous blood is inconvenient and demands specific skills. Domestic glucometers typically prioritize capillary blood analysis, with the ability to analyze venous blood offered as an auxiliary function. This allows the device to primarily function with capillary blood and switch to venous blood analysis periodically for more detailed results.

— Food note. The feature to annotate measurement results with information about the timing, specifically whether the analysis was conducted before or after a meal, is valuable. Devices with this capability can not only add notes to results but also gather separate statistics, such as averaging, for each result type. This method of data collection is considered optimal because glucose levels before and after a meal are distinct parameters with unique characteristics.

— Date and time. The presence of a built-in clock and calendar in the blood glucose monitor. This function is intended mainly to record the time and date of each measurement — an indispensable function for collecting statistics. However, information about the time and date can be useful for purely domestic purposes.

— Alarm clock. Classic alarm clock — a sound signal given by the device at a specified time. In glucometers, this function is intended not so much for getting up in the morning (although it can be used for this purpose), but to remind you that the time has come to take another measurement.

— Voice notification. Blood glucose monitors with voice capabilities can audibly announce measurement results and may offer other functions through the built-in speaker. This feature is particularly beneficial for indivi...duals with visual impairments who face challenges in reading the display.

— Synchronization with PC. The device's ability to sync with a computer, typically through USB connection, allows for the transfer of collected data since the last synchronization. A specialized application on the computer processes this data, offering more extensive functions than the device itself. These may include daily graph plotting, identifying minimum and maximum values, averaging for specific periods (refer to the relevant section), and facilitating data transfer to the attending physician.

— Backlight. The presence of a backlight in the display of the device allows you to read readings from it in low light conditions — up to complete darkness. The backlight can turn on automatically or by pressing a special button.

— Alert. An audible alert signals users when certain blood parameters reach critical levels, particularly designed for individuals facing health issues that impede reading the display (e.g., blurred vision). The alarm threshold is typically adjustable manually, tailored to individual cases and established in consultation with a doctor.

— Auto swicth-off. Automatic shutdown function after a certain period of inactivity. Provides battery saving and eliminates the need for the user to manually turn off the device; some models do not provide manual shutdown at all — only automatic. The auto-off time, usually, is several minutes — in such a way that the user can familiarize himself with the measurement results without fuss.

— Auto-ejecting test strip. Automatic ejection of the test strip: when the test is completed and the result is obtained, the device opens the holder, allowing the strip to fall out freely. In models without auto ejection, you usually need to press the appropriate button to remove the strip.

The number of lancets supplied with the device.

Lancets, along with test strips, are essential supplies for a blood glucose monitor. These sterile disposable needles have a specialized design for skin piercing to obtain blood for analysis, with one needle per measurement. Kits typically include a matching quantity of lancets and test strips, usually ranging from around 20 to 50 pieces. It is expected that users will purchase additional needles as needed for consistent use.

The power source provided in the device.

— CR2032. A slim "coin" battery, measuring 2 mm in thickness and 3.2 cm in diameter, is suitable for compact devices, including the smallest ones. While its capacity is less than that of AAA cells (refer to the relevant section), it remains sufficient for modern glucometers due to their low power consumption. Notably, some devices use two of these batteries to extend their overall battery life.

— AAA. "Little" batteries, smaller than "AA" batteries but with a comparable design, are ideal for compact devices.

— Battery. Operated by an internal, often non-removable battery, eliminating the need for regular battery purchases and replacements. However, in the event of a depleted battery, replacing it with a spare is a quick solution, while recharging requires time and a power source. Consequently, this option is not widely favored.

— Mains. Operates by connecting to a 230 V household network, ensuring a constant power supply without concerns about battery depletion. However, glucometers, being primarily portable devices, are seldom equipped with mains power capabilities.