2 meters 2 different readings

[jonjosbro]

Why am I getting different reading from two different BG meters one read 6.5 the other 4.9.

 

[urbanracer]

Why am I getting different reading from two different BG meters one read 6.5 the other 4.9.

Hi @jonjosbro ,

So many variables, your blood is not all the same (believe it or not) and our meters are not scientific instruments - they have a tolerance range of +/-15%.

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/blood-glucose-meters/blood-glucose-meter-accuracy.html

Edited:-
If you did the same drop of blood twice with same meter, your readings would probably be different!

 

[patco1]

Hiya. I can get range of readings from same meter! Sometimes as much as 2 points! So I always take the lower one. Don't understand that at all.

 

[Robbity]

It's not an issue with your meter, it's the fact that your glucose levels change all the time and your blood is continuously circulating round your body, so you're not getting identical drops of blood to test.

Robbity

 

[Bluetit1802]

Hiya. I can get range of readings from same meter! Sometimes as much as 2 points! So I always take the lower one. Don't understand that at all.

It may be the lower one that is wrong! Best to take 3 tests in those circumstances, which may confirm one or the other. If not, best to average them.

 

[PenfoldAPD]

Like @patco1 says I always take the lower one too "oh 6.7, it can't be that high - lets retest"

Interesting though to hear why you can get different results, someone told me you have to remember the monitors are just an indication - not scientific like your HbA1c reading is.

 

[Bluetit1802]

You also need to check the calibration of both meters. Some meters are calibrated to somehow estimate a plasma blood reading from the whole blood finger prick, to bring it in line with a venous blood test. You should find whether this applies to your meter in the technical specifications somewhere. If one is a Codefree or Accuchek Mobile, they are both calibrated to convert the reading to a plasma one. Whole blood readings (finger pricks) are around 12% lower than plasma readings (venous tests)

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/whole-blood-readings-to-plasma-converter.html

 

[KevinPotts]

Just received my new Code Free today to supplement my Accu for a better comparison.

HomeHealth were excellent, as I received an mmg meter when I wanted an mmol. Phoned HomeHealth and I'll receive my replacement tomorrow AM with no requirement to send back the wrong model...so zero hassle all round . Well done Jamie @ HomeHealth ...take a pay rise


Sent from my iPad using DCUK Forum mobile app

 

[tim2000s]

Like @patco1 says I always take the lower one too "oh 6.7, it can't be that high - lets retest"

Interesting though to hear why you can get different results, someone told me you have to remember the monitors are just an indication - not scientific like your HbA1c reading is.

Even your Hba1C is not "accurate", due to physiological factors that can cause variance and that there are three different methods to establish a value.

Basically, everyone likes to think of the numbers as an accurate reflection of what's going on. The reality is that they are all estimates with a fairly large tolerance for difference, rather than error, and that in reality, we could round to the nearest single digit and have good enough information!

 

[PenfoldAPD]

Even your Hba1C is not "accurate", due to physiological factors that can cause variance and that there are three different methods to establish a value.

Basically, everyone likes to think of the numbers as an accurate reflection of what's going on. The reality is that they are all estimates with a fairly large tolerance for difference, rather than error, and that in reality, we could round to the nearest single digit and have good enough information!

Mmm, no wonder many folks are just totally confused ....

 

[jonjosbro]

Thanks for all the replies. Just to be clear, I tested my BG reading using both meters. Alternating 1st and 2nd reading from the same pin-prick. The meter with the lower reading is averaging 1.4 less than the other meter.
Will be seeing my Diabetic Nurse in a fortnight, so will be asking her which meter matches best with my blood test.
Hope its the meter with the lower reading.

 

[Bluetit1802]

Thanks for all the replies. Just to be clear, I tested my BG reading using both meters. Alternating 1st and 2nd reading from the same pin-prick. The meter with the lower reading is averaging 1.4 less than the other meter.
Will be seeing my Diabetic Nurse in a fortnight, so will be asking her which meter matches best with my blood test.
Hope its the meter with the lower reading.

...... and you actually expect her to know this?