My new meter gives me a different result than my old meter for the same test. Does that mean my meter isn't accurate?
No. What you are most likely noticing is the different way meters represent results. There are meters that give "plasma" results and meters that give "whole blood" results. You may notice this difference because you have purchased a new meter and are comparing it with your old one, or are comparing it with a lab test results you've received from your doctor. Many people expect that all blood glucose meters will give the exact same result, and expect that it will be the same as their lab test result. After all, they're measuring the same thing-the amount of glucose in your blood, but meters and lab equipment measure different parts of the blood and therefore give seemingly different results.
Other causes:
1. Humidity or heat may have damaged the test strips.
2. Expired or defective test strips.
3. Insufficient amount and improper placement of blood on the test strips.
4. The reading displayed on the meter is not within the normal range numbers printed on the strip vial label.
5. The meter may have been dropped, or its electrical components may be worn out.
6. Meters and laboratory equipment may be calibrated or set to measure blood glucose in different ways and will give different results.
7. User error: Test strips may have been exposed to air longer than a few minutes.
Solutions:
1. Perform a quality control test to make sure your monitor is accurate and reliable.
2. Follow set-up procedures by a health care professional; obtain professional training and guidance for the use of your particular meter.
3. You can test your glucose level while your health care provider watches your technique to make sure you are using the meter correctly.
4. Use test strips within 90 days after first opening or within18 months from production date.
5. Storage condition for test strips is: 10℃ ~40℃, < 85% RH.
6. Make sure the blood sample used for testing is capillary whole blood.
7. Make sure the reading displayed on the meter is within the normal test range shown on the strips vial label.
8. Make sure you are using fresh strips and supplies.
9. Check your testing technique routinely with a professional.
10. Follow the manufacturer’s meter instructions carefully.
11. Don’t expose test strips to open air for more than a few minutes.