Testing!!!

busydiabeticmum · Aug 1, 2016

Ok, washed my hands pricked my finger test came back 9.6 unreasonably high seeing as i had a salad and didnt like it so only ate a little bit and that is it for today.

Retested immediately and was 6.8 still high but a number i can live with.

Is my accu-chek needing to be thrown? Is it within 20% allowance? Were my blood sugars that high at one point? What can i do to get more accurate result (already test with the codefree as well)?

GrantGam · Aug 2, 2016

That wouldn't fall within the accuracy requirements of 15%.

https://www.diabetesdaily.com/blog/2013/07/blood-glucose-meter-accuracy-comparison-chart/

The test strips are probably more likley to be at fault over the meter. Humidity and age are an example of two factors which can affect the reliability of the BG readout. Have you tried a new pot of strips?

Not sure what model of meter you have; but Accu-chek seem to sell control solutrions for all models. Just click on your meter and you can order online. This will prove the accuracy of the meter and strips:

https://www.accu-chek.co.uk/gb/myaccuchek/orderaccessories.html

If in doubt, I'd continue testing with the Codefree until you can verify the functionality of the Accu-chek with the control solution.

Grant

busydiabeticmum · Aug 2, 2016

GrantGam1337 said:
That wouldn't fall within the accuracy requirements of 15%.

https://www.diabetesdaily.com/blog/2013/07/blood-glucose-meter-accuracy-comparison-chart/

The test strips are probably more likley to be at fault over the meter. Humidity and age are an example of two factors which can affect the reliability of the BG readout. Have you tried a new pot of strips?

Not sure what model of meter you have; but Accu-chek seem to sell control solutrions for all models. Just click on your meter and you can order online. This will prove the accuracy of the meter and strips:

https://www.accu-chek.co.uk/gb/myaccuchek/orderaccessories.html

If in doubt, I'd continue testing with the Codefree until you can verify the functionality of the Accu-chek with the control solution.

Grant

They are a new pot, havent had too big a problem with them as i use the codefree just to make sure of the accuracy, the accu-chek was well out. The codefree tests higher thus the other day i was testing with the accu-chek in the 3s was worried about hypo so tested with the cf but it showed i was in the 4s... so dont really rate its accuracy. I did re tests and it was again 6.8 but just cant explain that 9! This isnt the first time it has happened either, i keep my pots sealed, aswell as sealed in their box until i need them, stored in cool dry place.

It just seems wierd that i keep getting these inaccurate results sometimes with the same drop of blood!

AndBreathe · Aug 2, 2016

busydiabeticmum said:
They are a new pot, havent had too big a problem with them as i use the codefree just to make sure of the accuracy, the accu-chek was well out. The codefree tests higher thus the other day i was testing with the accu-chek in the 3s was worried about hypo so tested with the cf but it showed i was in the 4s... so dont really rate its accuracy. I did re tests and it was again 6.8 but just cant explain that 9! This isnt the first time it has happened either, i keep my pots sealed, aswell as sealed in their box until i need them, stored in cool dry place.

It just seems wierd that i keep getting these inaccurate results sometimes with the same drop of blood!

Can I just ask why you question the Codefree, in favour of the Accu-chek, when in turn your accu-chek is also showing questionable results? Is it because you paid more for the accu-chec or something else?

All meters can throw up the odd bonkers reading for a million and one reasons. I know you washed your hands before testing, in this instance. when you retested, did you re-wash your hands?

busydiabeticmum · Aug 2, 2016

AndBreathe said:
Can I just ask why you question the Codefree, in favour of the Accu-chek, when in turn your accu-chek is also showing questionable results? Is it because you paid more for the accu-chec or something else?

All meters can throw up the odd bonkers reading for a million and one reasons. I know you washed your hands before testing, in this instance. when you retested, did you re-wash your hands?

I have had the accu-chek the longest and was given it when i was pregnant (so used the longest) the nhs seem to trust it more. As well as i havent had the cf that long, also i dont mind the cf (just havent learnt to trust it yet) however if one is saying i am hypo and the other is saying i am fine at that point i worry. I use the cf as a base line and i have seen that they do tally closely. Maybe the fact that tge accu-chek is old means it needs calibrating!

As for retesting i didnt re wash my hands. Same hole used just squeezed another drop out. The last 2 results were identical which would suggest foreign contaminate on the first however the fact that i didnt re wash would say the next should also be contaminated unless it was "washed" away with the first blood!

Bluetit1802 · Aug 2, 2016

I am guessing here, but the more you squeeze, the more interstitial fluid will pop out. This is fluid that runs underneath the skin and does contain glucose. (The Libre sensor system measures interstitial fluid). However, this fluid is behind the blood by 10 to 15 minutes, so by squeezing too much you may get a mix of blood and fluid, or just fluid, both containing glucose but one reading 10 or 15 minutes later than the other. So not accurate. Just a theory, but perfectly possible.

I doubt the NHS trusts the Accu Chek any more than any other meter. They use it because they get their meters free and the accessories at reduced cost. I was also given an Accu Chek but in a subsequent conversation with my nurse about meters in general, she told me the practise no longer uses them because they have found a cheaper one. So each practise will use whichever happens to be cheapest for them at the time.

busydiabeticmum · Aug 2, 2016

Bluetit1802 said:
I am guessing here, but the more you squeeze, the more interstitial fluid will pop out. This is fluid that runs underneath the skin and does contain glucose. (The Libre sensor system measures interstitial fluid). However, this fluid is behind the blood by 10 to 15 minutes, so by squeezing too much you may get a mix of blood and fluid, or just fluid, both containing glucose but one reading 10 or 15 minutes later than the other. So not accurate. Just a theory, but perfectly possible.

I doubt the NHS trusts the Accu Chek any more than any other meter. They use it because they get their meters free and the accessories at reduced cost. I was also given an Accu Chek but in a subsequent conversation with my nurse about meters in general, she told me the practise no longer uses them because they have found a cheaper one. So each practise will use whichever happens to be cheapest for them at the time.

I test sooo many times a day and the skin has become hard!!! I have to "squeeze" to get any blood out (sometimes it squirts me in the face!) If i dont get blood i use another finger and keep going through fingers until i find one with blood...lol... so once i find blood i will keep using that hole till the next time... the 3rd test was another finger and exactly the same as the 2nd test.

Also a 9 is massively high to get after a few salad leaves with nothing on them! It is very odd... not the first time it has happened either...

Bluetit1802 · Aug 2, 2016

My fingers do not contain blood, I am sure! Since day 1 of testing I have had problems. It doesn't matter which setting I use on the stabber pen, or whether I have a brand new lancet, or whether my hands are hot or cold. It is always difficult, and like you I just keep going on different fingers until I see a red blob. I do have to squeeze or I would rarely get blood, but I do try to squeeze as gently as I can. Very occasionally I see a blob without a squeeze, but it is rare.

I am also OTT about testing. I test many times a day. Moisturising helps a lot in reducing dryness, flakey skin and other issues.

Try not to worry about occasional ridiculous readings. They happen to us all for millions of reasons. Just re-test with the same meter, and if necessary do a 3rd test to confirm one or the other. The other day I tested before evening meal with my Codefree and got 6.3. Now I know that is way out at that time of day. I am normally around 5. I got my Accu Chek out and did a comparison test as I have been a bit unhappy with that particular tub of Codefree strips. The AC read 4.5. Normally both meters match each other give or take and odd point or two. I have put that down entirely to an erratic tub of Codefree strips.

walnut_face · Aug 2, 2016

accu check will send out control solution free

busydiabeticmum · Aug 2, 2016

Bluetit1802 said:
My fingers do not contain blood, I am sure! Since day 1 of testing I have had problems. It doesn't matter which setting I use on the stabber pen, or whether I have a brand new lancet, or whether my hands are hot or cold. It is always difficult, and like you I just keep going on different fingers until I see a red blob. I do have to squeeze or I would rarely get blood, but I do try to squeeze as gently as I can. Very occasionally I see a blob without a squeeze, but it is rare.

I am also OTT about testing. I test many times a day. Moisturising helps a lot in reducing dryness, flakey skin and other issues.

Try not to worry about occasional ridiculous readings. They happen to us all for millions of reasons. Just re-test with the same meter, and if necessary do a 3rd test to confirm one or the other. The other day I tested before evening meal with my Codefree and got 6.3. Now I know that is way out at that time of day. I am normally around 5. I got my Accu Chek out and did a comparison test as I have been a bit unhappy with that particular tub of Codefree strips. The AC read 4.5. Normally both meters match each other give or take and odd point or two. I have put that down entirely to an erratic tub of Codefree strips.

I have found that too with tubs of strips! Maybe it was a faulty strip!

Thanks for the reasurances.

Testing!!!

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