Why am I getting higher than expected readings?
A. Several factors could influence the blood glucose readings.
- Residual alcohol on fingertip will cause falsely higher readings. So make sure either alcohol is air dry or wipe dry with gauze.
- If blood is smeared, the reading could become higher because the strip is collecting just serum, or lower if not enough blood is collected.
- Patient’s health conditions a. Medications b. Time and dose of insulin were administered c. HCT level d. Interference factors in diet, such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and glutathione (antioxidant). e. Hydration level for patients
- Any recent food uptake will also increase the glucose readings. Therefore a fasting glucose would be recommended if need to compare to lab results.