Learning to Trust Your Meter
Three ways to ensure accurate results
Have you ever looked at the number on your meter and thought, “What? That can’t be right! My blood glucose level is 238 mg/dL and I haven’t eaten anything.”
There are many reasons why your blood glucose fluctuates throughout the day, such as food, exercise and stress. But regardless of these factors, you should be able to trust the result you get from your meter and use it as a basis for action. Here are three ways to ensure accurate results and help you test with confidence.
Look for a 20% accuracy range
A meter reading is considered accurate when it is within 20% of a laboratory measurement. Next time your doctor orders fasting-lab work, bring your meter and test on your fingertip at the same time your blood is being drawn. The two readings should be plus or minus 20% of the lab result. So for instance, if the lab result is 100 mg/dL, your meter should display a result between 80 and 120 mg/dL This should give you confidence that your meter is working properly.
The role of test strips
Your test strips also play a role in accuracy. Check to make sure the meter is coded to match the code on each vial of strips. When you first open a test strip or control solution vial, you must record the discard date in the space provided on the label. The new date is three months from the day you open the vial. Control solution included in your test kit should be used whenever you think your strips are not working properly. Compare the result displayed on the meter to the control solution range printed on the test strip vial. Control solution also has an expiration date to keep it fresh. For more information about coding and the use of control solution with OneTouch® Blood Glucose Meters, consult your Owner’s Booklet.
The importance of hygiene
You also need to do your part. Before you test your blood glucose, thoroughly wash your hands or forearm with warm, soapy water. Then, rinse and dry. These steps will help assure you that your meter and strips are giving correct readings.
