Damaged strips give false results of blood sugar

Iman Abdullah, Staff Reporter

The Ministry of Health and Prevention warned of Accu-Chek Performa strips, used to check blood sugar, due to packing the strips in open boxes, which may cause unexpected false results.

The ministry indicated that the manufacturer reported that this error could occur in very rare cases, explaining that the product is registered and the user can report any side effects through the decided means of communication.

The ministry recommended the manufacturer not to use them in the following cases, if the box is open or if the cover is not tightly closed.

It also directed not to use the product if any damage prevents closing the cover tightly or if the cover itself is damaged. 

The ministry stressed the need not to use the product and communicate with the manufacturer for a replacement.

Separately, the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, called on all healthcare facilities in the emirate to provide the COVID-19 PCR test at a fixed cost of Dhs65. Other services are also available to meet the urgent needs of the customers with the express service set at either Dhs350 for results within one to two hours, or Dhs250 for results within two to five hours.

This is in line with the efforts to respond to the needs of all community members of the emirate and ensure they have access to services whenever they need them, and to support the exceptional round-the-clock efforts of healthcare workers in protecting the health and safety of the community.

DoH explained that for those who wish to get a COVID-19 PCR test from the comfort of their home should contact and coordinate with the healthcare facilities - noting that an additional fee will be applied.

The department also indicated that the cost of the PCR test should be covered by the individuals themselves if they don’t have any symptoms, otherwise the cost would be covered by the government-funded programmes.