How to Find an Accurate Glucose Meter

Glucose meters vary widely in accuracy, and it can make a difference in your treatment of diabetes.

Instructions

• 1

  Know the importance of meter accuracy. Doctors need an accurate history of glucose readings to monitor a patient's management of diabetes, and, if appropriate, to adjust insulin dosages. If the patient is taking insulin, accuracy helps to determine how much to take. Finally, a meter is an important tool for helping determine if there is a dangerous low glucose (blood sugar) situation.

• 2

  Know how meter accuracy works. Meter accuracy is determined by several factors such as test strip storage, correct strip insertion, cleanliness of test site, volume of blood, and interference from other substances that may be in the blood (see the FDA warnings - http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm177448.htm). Most meters monitor themselves to verify that the correct strips are inserted (auto coding). Also, since frequent testing can be painful, meters are allowing for smaller drops of blood with each test. Most meters are capable of working with drop of less than a 1uL (microliter) of blood.

• 3

  Understand alternate site testing. Some meters allow for testing of blood at sites other than fingertips. This is a great concept, but testing at alternative sites has some limitations, such as accounting for times when blood glucose levels are changing.

• 4

  Know the FDA rules on accuracy. The historic standard of meter accuracy has been 20%, meaning that the reading of the meter can be 20% above or below the true blood glucose level. However, new standards with tighter tolerance and better accuracy are being considered.

• 5

  Check the technical specifications listed above when choosing meter or ask a medical professional. Always read the meter's user manual.