Self-test question

[sjm1966]

Just a quickie (and very possibly been answered elsewhere) - does there tend to be any disparity between testing sites on one hand or the other or is it just me? I'm right handed but my left hand seems to yield lower BG results (using SD Codefree meter)

 

[andcol]

You are not alone. My testing tendency is therefor always test from the same finger and even the same part of the finger

 

[Adelle0607]

@sjm1966, hi! I'm using a freestyle freedom lite for testing and there seems to be not much difference with the other hand, 0.0-0.3 mmol at the most.

 

[urbanracer]

Just a quickie (and very possibly been answered elsewhere) - does there tend to be any disparity between testing sites on one hand or the other or is it just me? I'm right handed but my left hand seems to yield lower BG results (using SD Codefree meter)

Your (our) blood is not completely homogenous (big word for a Sunday morning isn't it) and you will get different results at different sites, it is quite normal. You can even get different results testing different parts of the same finger at the same time. Also remember that the dinky little meters we use have a +/- tolerance range, the results they yield can never be as accurate as lab testing.

edited:-
I once tested the same finger with 2 different meters and got a difference of over 2mmol/L !

 

[ally1]

i do find a difference and also testing the finger next to each other

 

[Bluetit1802]

I agree. I find I get different results whether I use the same finger or different fingers, one hand or each hand. Some people have even used the same drop of blood and got different results.

 

[Pasha]

Just a quickie (and very possibly been answered elsewhere) - does there tend to be any disparity between testing sites on one hand or the other or is it just me? I'm right handed but my left hand seems to yield lower BG results (using SD Codefree meter)

Add to that another variable ie the depth of penetration of lancet and the situation gets even more complicated.

 

[msmi1970]

I agree. I find I get different results whether I use the same finger or different fingers, one hand or each hand. Some people have even used the same drop of blood and got different results.

i've done this a couple of times and bluetit is absolutely right. not great margins but margins nonetheless..who knows why.

 

[tigerlily72]

Add to that another variable ie the depth of penetration of lancet and the situation gets even more complicated.

Oh, I didn't know this I'm using the SD Codefree but I do try to test from the same finger and area when doing a fasting and then again 2hrs or so later.

I'm still new to self testing although as a needle phobe I have to get hubby to do it whilst I shut my eyes and wait for him to stab me with the lancet!!

 

[britincali]

Don't forget the meters have a +- 15% tolerance

 

[britincali]

That's the difference between 4.5 and 3.7 same finger same site same drop of blood at the same time

 

[vit90]

Is the 15% margin of error constant or could one measure be 15% below correct and one be 15% higher?

 

[Bluetit1802]

They could each be +/- 15% out.

 

[vit90]

They could each be +/- 15% out.

Brilliant, so my current headache, not being able to get below 5.5 could actually be 4.8 or even 4.2? Or it could actually be 6.3 or even 7.2?

 

[Bluetit1802]

Brilliant, so my current headache, not being able to get below 5.5 could actually be 4.8 or even 4.2? Or it could actually be 6.3 or even 7.2?

Yep, every time you test.

 

[vit90]

Forums really need a 'sarcastic Like' button...

 

[AnnieC]

Yes you will get different readings everytime you test finger pricks are not as accurate as a proper bood test from the vein. Just take them as an average guide to what you eat