Compare BG monitors

[glennd11]

Hi, I have been using the Accu Check Aviva for the past couple of weeks to test my BG levels but due to the expense of the strips i have just got an SD code free machine. I done a finger prick test on both machines and got a difference of 1.8 mmol/l

Aviva = 9.5 mmol/l
SD = 7.7 mmol/l

In your opinions which do you consider more accurate ?

 

[chubbyian]

I just tend to use my Contour next usd, I have had it for about 5 months now, and the average reading I get is the same as my HBA1c, So it might be out a bit, but the overall reading is sound

 

[douglas99]

tbh, I'd wash my hands and test both again.

Was the first test the same finger prick, and the same drop of blood?

If not get a bigger drop next time, and use the same drop.

 

[carraway]

I can get wildly differing results too. I have my suspicions about the SD Code free because it's cheap. But I cant afford to run anything else.

However I can get differing results from differing fingers, so I just have to use it a a rough guide and hope for the best

I like Douglas's idea of using the same drop on two different meters and I would be interested to hear the results if you do that.

Cara

 

[PhilT]

Make up a glucose solution and compare meters with that ?

7 mmol/litre is 1.26 grams per litre

 

[douglas99]

Now you mention it, every meter I've had came with a calibration solution, and most manufacturers websites list them as freebies.

 

[jopar]

There is always some variability with any meter you are using, test the same spot of blood with the same meter and you still likely to get a different reading.. There is a permitted 20% tolerance on accuracy on meters.

Now that I use a combi insulin pump, my blood glucose meter is also my remote for the pump, but prior to this I only every used one meter for testing, I always have an emergency back up meter just in case my main breaks. But sticking to one meter you got consistency with your readings.

What I used to do if my meter broke, is get a replacement the check out the readings for both meter, the one that gave the higher reading used to go for my back up meter..

 

[glennd11]

tbh, I'd wash my hands and test both again.

Was the first test the same finger prick, and the same drop of blood?

If not get a bigger drop next time, and use the same drop.

Hi douglas, yes same finger prick same blood.
I know there is a certain percentage in accuracy just wandering which machines overall give the more accurate readings.

 

[PhilT]

The variability may occur within units of one type as well as between types of meter. The only way is to compare your meter(s) against a reference solution.

I've read meter tests on the web but they usually compare one of each of 4 different meters with a large number of blood samples against a lab analysis.

 

[iHs]

I do think that the Accu chek meters tend to give a higher bg reading than most of the other leading brands but none of them are 100% accurate so stay with a brand of teststrip that demands a small blood sample and for those who need to purchase a bg meter and strips themselves, then the SD Codefree is very good value for money and should enable most diabetics to stay well.