The Freestyle Libre 2 sensor is a steady glucose monitor (CGM) that may allow you to observe your blood sugar ranges. It is a small, spherical system that is worn on the again of your higher arm. The sensor is inserted into your pores and skin and measures your blood sugar ranges each couple of minutes. The info is then despatched to a reader or smartphone app, the place you possibly can view your blood sugar ranges and developments.
The Freestyle Libre 2 sensor is mostly secure and simple to make use of. Nonetheless, it is vital to take away the sensor correctly while you’re performed utilizing it. If the sensor isn’t eliminated correctly, it might trigger pores and skin irritation or an infection. On this article, we’ll present you methods to take away the Freestyle Libre 2 sensor safely and simply.
To take away the Freestyle Libre 2 sensor, you have to the next provides:
– Alcohol wipes
– Gauze pads
– Adhesive remover wipes
– A brand new Freestyle Libre 2 sensor
– A reader or smartphone app
– Optionally available: A numbing cream
Making ready to Take away the Sensor
Earlier than you take away your Freestyle Libre 2 sensor, it is important to arrange adequately to make sure a easy and painless course of. This is an in depth information that will help you get began:
Collect Needed Provides:
To take away the sensor successfully, you may want the next provides:
- Sensor removing device: This small, round device is designed particularly for eradicating sensors with out inflicting any discomfort.
- Alcohol wipes: These wipes assist clear the pores and skin across the sensor insertion web site earlier than and after removing.
- Gauze or cotton balls: Use these to use strain to the insertion web site and cease any bleeding after eradicating the sensor.
- Bandage: A small bandage may help defend the insertion web site and promote therapeutic.
Clear the Insertion Web site:
Earlier than detaching the sensor, it is essential to scrub the pores and skin across the insertion web site. This step helps stop an infection and ensures a correct seal.
- Use an alcohol wipe to softly clear the world across the sensor.
- Enable the pores and skin to air dry utterly earlier than continuing.
Examine Sensor Expiration:
It is vital to notice the expiration date of your sensor. If the sensor has expired, it could not operate accurately or may pose a threat of an infection.
- Examine the expiration date indicated on the sensor packaging.
- If the sensor is expired, comply with the disposal directions offered by the producer.
Different Concerns:
- Shave or trim the world across the sensor: This may help guarantee a greater adhesive bond and make removing simpler.
- Put together a snug spot: Discover a clear, well-lit space the place you possibly can take away the sensor with out distractions.
- Calm down: Take a number of deep breaths and calm down earlier than beginning the removing course of. This may assist decrease any discomfort.
Gently Pulling the Sensor Up
1. **Put together your pores and skin**. Earlier than eradicating the sensor, clear the world round it with an alcohol swab to stop an infection.
2. **Find the discharge tab**. The sensor has a small, raised tab on one finish. That is the discharge tab.
3. **Maintain the sensor at a 90-degree angle**. Place your thumb and forefinger on the discharge tab and the bottom of the sensor, respectively. Be sure that the sensor is perpendicular to your pores and skin.
4. **Pull the discharge tab gently**. Apply regular, upward strain on the discharge tab till the sensor loosens and lifts off the pores and skin. Don’t pull too arduous or rapidly, as this might harm the sensor or your pores and skin.
5. **Take away the sensor**. As soon as the sensor is free, gently elevate it off the pores and skin and eliminate it correctly.
6. **Clear the world**. Use an alcohol swab or light cleanser to scrub the world the place the sensor was connected. This may assist stop an infection.
Ideas for Gently Pulling the Sensor Up
- Use a delicate contact and keep away from jerking or pulling the sensor.
- If the sensor is troublesome to take away, attempt making use of a heat compress to the world for a couple of minutes to loosen the adhesive.
- Don’t use sharp objects or solvents to take away the sensor, as this might harm your pores and skin or the sensor.
- For those who expertise any ache or bleeding when eradicating the sensor, cease and speak to your healthcare supplier.
Utilizing the Elimination Assistant (Optionally available)
For those who discover it troublesome to take away the sensor manually, you should use the offered Elimination Assistant. This is methods to use it:
1. Put together the Elimination Assistant: Take away the protecting cap from the Elimination Assistant.
2. Align the Elimination Assistant: Maintain the Elimination Assistant perpendicular to the pores and skin and align it with the sensor head.
3. Press and Rotate: Press down on the Elimination Assistant and rotate it clockwise till you are feeling a “click on.”
4. Pull and Take away: Gently pull the Elimination Assistant and sensor straight as much as take away them out of your pores and skin.
Step-by-Step Information for Utilizing the Elimination Assistant
| Step | Motion |
|---|---|
| 1 | Take away the protecting cap from the Elimination Assistant. |
| 2 | Maintain the Elimination Assistant perpendicular to the pores and skin and align it with the sensor head. |
| 3 | Press down on the Elimination Assistant and rotate it clockwise till you are feeling a “click on.” |
| 4 | Gently pull the Elimination Assistant and sensor straight as much as take away them out of your pores and skin. |
Step 1: Wash Your Fingers
Earlier than you begin, wash your palms totally with cleaning soap and water. This may allow you to keep away from getting an an infection.
Step 2: Take away the Transmitter
Maintain the transmitter in a single hand and gently pull the sensor out of the pores and skin with the opposite hand. The sensor ought to come out simply.
Step 3: Clear the Pores and skin
As soon as the sensor is eliminated, clear the pores and skin across the web site with an alcohol swab. This may assist stop an infection.
Step 4: Disposing of the Used Sensor Correctly
The used sensor needs to be disposed of in a sharps container. Sharps containers are particular containers which can be designed to carry sharp objects, equivalent to needles and lancets. Yow will discover sharps containers at your native pharmacy or physician’s workplace.
For those who shouldn’t have a sharps container, you possibly can wrap the used sensor in a thick piece of paper or cardboard after which put it within the trash. You’ll want to tape the paper or cardboard closed in order that the sensor can not escape.
| Do | Do not |
|---|---|
| Get rid of the used sensor in a sharps container. | Do not put the used sensor within the common trash. |
| Wrap the used sensor in a thick piece of paper or cardboard earlier than placing it within the trash. | Do not depart the used sensor mendacity round the place it may very well be unintentionally accessed by kids or pets. |
| Tape the paper or cardboard closed in order that the sensor can not escape. | Do not eliminate the used sensor in a approach that would create a hazard for others. |
Cleansing the Sensor Web site
Correct cleansing of the sensor web site is important to make sure correct readings and stop an infection. Listed here are the advisable steps:
1. Collect Supplies
* Alcohol wipes
* Cotton balls or gauze pads
* Cleaning soap and water
2. Wash Your Fingers
* Wash your palms totally with cleaning soap and water.
* Dry them with a clear towel.
3. Clear the Sensor Web site
* Use an alcohol wipe to totally clear the sensor web site.
* Wipe in a round movement, ranging from the middle and shifting outward.
* Enable the alcohol to air dry utterly.
4. Take away Residual Alcohol
* If any alcohol residue stays, use a cotton ball or gauze pad moistened with water to take away it.
* Enable the pores and skin to air dry utterly.
5. Extra Cleansing Concerns for Delicate Pores and skin
* Pores and skin Allergic reactions: When you’ve got delicate pores and skin or identified allergic reactions to adhesives, think about making use of a skinny layer of hypoallergenic pores and skin barrier cream across the sensor web site earlier than making use of the sensor. This may help stop irritation.
* Eczema or Psoriasis: When you’ve got eczema or psoriasis, seek the advice of your physician earlier than utilizing the sensor. They might advocate different pores and skin preparation strategies.
* Pores and skin Irritation: In case of pores and skin irritation, take away the sensor and clear the positioning with cleaning soap and water. Apply a cool compress or soothing lotion to the world. If irritation persists, seek the advice of your physician.
Making use of a New Sensor
1. Wash your palms with cleaning soap and water and dry them totally.
2. Activate the reader by urgent the ability button on the aspect.
3. Take away the protecting cap from the brand new sensor.
4. Peel again the adhesive patch on the again of the sensor.
5. Place the sensor in your pores and skin, making certain that the arrow on the sensor is dealing with your elbow.
6. Press the sensor firmly towards your pores and skin for 10 seconds. Be sure that it’s utterly caught to your pores and skin and there aren’t any gaps or bubbles.
6.1. When you’ve got any pores and skin irritation or discomfort, take away the sensor and apply a brand new one in a special space.
6.2. The sensor needs to be positioned on the again of the higher arm, outdoors of the muscle. It shouldn’t be positioned on scar tissue, moles, or furry areas.
6.3. If the sensor isn’t correctly adhered, it could fall off or change into inaccurate.
Ready for the Heat-Up Interval
The Freestyle Libre 2 sensor requires a warm-up interval of roughly 12 hours earlier than it might start offering correct glucose readings. Throughout this time, the sensor is calibrating and stabilizing, making certain optimum efficiency all through its use. It’s important to permit the complete 12 hours for the sensor to heat up totally earlier than continuing with glucose monitoring, as readings taken earlier than the warm-up interval will not be dependable.
Extra Particulars on Ready for the Heat-Up Interval
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Begin the Sensor within the Morning: Inserting the sensor within the morning permits for the complete 12-hour warm-up interval earlier than utilizing the sensor within the night.
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Keep away from Readings In the course of the First 12 Hours: Don’t try and take glucose readings in the course of the warm-up interval, because the sensor knowledge is not going to be correct.
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Put on the Sensor Constantly: Hold the sensor connected to your pores and skin in the course of the warm-up interval to make sure correct calibration and stabilization.
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Decrease Bodily Exercise: Interact in minimal bodily exercise in the course of the warm-up interval to stop dislodging or damaging the sensor.
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Keep away from Water Actions: Showering, swimming, or partaking in different water actions needs to be averted in the course of the first 12 hours to stop water publicity to the sensor.
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Monitor for Discomfort: For those who expertise discomfort or irritation across the sensor insertion web site, take away the sensor and speak to the producer or a healthcare skilled.
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Extra Concerns for Particular Conditions:
- Fasting: In case you are fasting, your glucose ranges could also be decrease in the course of the warm-up interval. It is strongly recommended to verify your blood sugar ranges with a finger prick take a look at when you have considerations.
- Being pregnant: Pregnant ladies might expertise fluctuations in glucose ranges in the course of the warm-up interval. Monitor your blood sugar ranges fastidiously and seek the advice of together with your healthcare supplier for steering.
- Insulin Remedy: In case you are utilizing insulin remedy, monitor your blood sugar ranges carefully in the course of the warm-up interval, as sensor readings will not be correct till the calibration course of is full.
Often Requested Questions
**1. How usually ought to I modify my Freestyle Libre 2 sensor?**
The Freestyle Libre 2 sensor needs to be modified each 14 days.
**2. What occurs if I put on my sensor for longer than 14 days?**
The sensor might change into much less correct after 14 days, and there’s a threat of an infection if the sensor is left in place for too lengthy.
**3. How do I take away my Freestyle Libre 2 sensor?**
To take away your sensor, comply with these steps:
- Wash your palms with cleaning soap and water.
- Gently pull up on the sting of the sensor till it begins to peel away out of your pores and skin.
- Proceed peeling the sensor away out of your pores and skin till it’s utterly eliminated.
- Get rid of the sensor in a sharps container.
**4. What ought to I do if I’ve bother eradicating my sensor?**
When you’ve got bother eradicating your sensor, you possibly can contact Abbott Diabetes Take care of help.
**5. Can I reuse my Freestyle Libre 2 sensor?**
No, the Freestyle Libre 2 sensor is a single-use system and can’t be reused.
**6. What ought to I do with my outdated Freestyle Libre 2 sensors?**
Get rid of your outdated sensors in a sharps container. You will get a sharps container out of your pharmacy or physician’s workplace.
**7. How do I get a brand new Freestyle Libre 2 sensor?**
You will get a brand new sensor out of your physician or from Abbott Diabetes Care.
**8. How a lot does a Freestyle Libre 2 sensor value?**
The price of a Freestyle Libre 2 sensor varies relying in your insurance coverage protection. You may contact your insurance coverage supplier to learn the way a lot your sensor will value.
**9. Is the Freestyle Libre 2 sensor lined by insurance coverage?**
The Freestyle Libre 2 sensor is roofed by most insurance coverage. You may contact your insurance coverage supplier to seek out out in case your sensor is roofed.
**10. The place can I discover extra details about the Freestyle Libre 2 sensor?**
Yow will discover extra details about the Freestyle Libre 2 sensor on the Abbott Diabetes Care web site at https://www.freestylelibre.us/products/freestyle-libre-2/.
How To Take away Freestyle Libre 2 Sensor
To take away the Freestyle Libre 2 sensor, comply with these steps:
- Wash your palms with cleaning soap and water.
- Collect the next provides: a brand new sensor and transmitter (if wanted), an alcohol wipe, and a cotton ball or gauze pad.
- Activate the reader and choose the choice to take away the sensor.
- Maintain the reader over the sensor and press the button to launch the sensor from the pores and skin.
- Gently pull the sensor straight up and away from the pores and skin.
- Clear the insertion web site with the alcohol wipe.
- Apply a cotton ball or gauze pad to the insertion web site to cease any bleeding.
- Insert the brand new sensor.
Individuals Additionally Ask About How To Take away Freestyle Libre 2 Sensor
How usually ought to I modify my Freestyle Libre 2 sensor?
The Freestyle Libre 2 sensor needs to be modified each 14 days.
What occurs if I do not change my Freestyle Libre 2 sensor on time?
For those who do not change your Freestyle Libre 2 sensor on time, the sensor might not work correctly and you could not get correct readings.
Can I reuse my Freestyle Libre 2 sensor?
No, the Freestyle Libre 2 sensor isn’t reusable.
