Blood glucose monitors: What factors affect accuracy?

Test strip Throw out damaged or outdated test strips. Store

problems strips in their sealed container; keep them away from
heat, moisture and humidity. Be sure the strips are
meant for your specific glucose meter.

Extreme Keep your glucose meter and test strips at room

temperatures temperature.

Alcohol, dirt or Wash and dry your hands and the testing site
other substances thoroughly before pricking your skin.
on your skin

Improper coding Some meters must be coded to each container of test

strips. Be sure the code number in the device matches
the code number on the test strip container.

Monitor problems Fully insert the test strip into the monitor. Replace the
monitor batteries as needed.

Not enough blood Touch a generous drop of blood to the test strip.
applied to the test Don't add more blood to the test strip after the first
strip drop is applied.

Testing site If you're using a site other than your fingertip and you
location think the reading is wrong, test again using blood
from a fingertip. Blood samples from alternate sites
aren't as accurate as fingertip samples when your
blood sugar level is rising or falling quickly.

The amount of red If you are dehydrated or your red blood cell count is
blood cells in your low (anemia), your test results may be less accurate.
blood
Blood glucose monitors: What factors affect accuracy?
Blood glucose monitor quality control tests
The following quality control tests can assure you that your meter is working properly:

• Test using a control solution. Follow your normal blood-testing procedure, but use a liquid control
solution instead of blood. These solutions usually come with your monitor and are available at most
drugstores and pharmacies. Follow package directions.

Use liquid control solutions every time you open a new container of test strips, and occasionally as you
use them. You generally should also use liquid control solutions if you drop your blood glucose meter, or
whenever you get unusual results.

• Match your reading with lab results. Take the blood glucose monitor along when you visit your doctor or
have an appointment for lab work. Check your blood sugar level with your meter at the same time that
blood is drawn for lab tests. Then compare your meter's reading with the lab results. Results that are
within 15 percent of the lab reading are considered accurate.
If your meter isn't working properly, contact the manufacturer of your meter and test strips.

With

M. Regina Castro, M.D.