Do I need a new meter?

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donnahc

donnahc

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So just to keep it interesting, I always come with dumb questions ;)

We just tested Asher for pmps. We used the Freestyle Lite Meter we have been using for tests 1, 2 and 3...

First test we got 105, I thought no way he can’t be that low. For science we tested him again.
Second test we got 305 !!!!! So now we have to test him again. Poor thing, and we thought we were giving his ears a rest today :(
Third test we get 232 and on the same drop of blood we use the AT vet meter and get 357

Now those 3 readings aren’t 20% apart. And I know I should always use the same meter and I am looking not necessarily at the number per se, but the curve.

But I have to know a number to arrive at a dose, and do you guys think I need a new meter or am I nutz?
 
I always feel like I'm too new to give advice, but, with that spread on the numbers, I would be tempted to try a new meter or maybe new can of test strips. When I was comparing #'s on tests one right after the other (cuz the # seemed wonky), I usually got a 10-20 point differential, nothing like your's. I know there are other variables like how nice a drop of blood, how long it's been sitting out, etc, but still...that seems like a big difference.
 
In the meter’s defense, the first 105 reading was from a real small drop of blood, we thought the meter might error but it didn’t.
That is what prompted Tom to say lets just test again to be sure. Then we get something 200 points higher. Wow.
So now I trust nothing. Dunno what to do.
 
Donna, Have your test strips been left open any length of time in the canister? The first small container of strips that came with the meter when I first started testing I accidentally left open overnight. ( New to testing and not knowing better). I then got a test of HI>600 and nearly fell out, tested again 1 minute later and the BG was 450. I called my vet freaking out and she asked if I had left the strips exposed to light or air for an extended length of time. Thank goodness it was the starter container that only had 10 strips in it, and not the expensive 50 count container. I would try some different strips before I gave up on the meter, and then if it is the meter, just buy the same brand so you can use the new strips.
 
I can’t say we ever left them out or open. I do have two new boxes of strips tho, so we’ll try those tomorrow.
I guess for tonight’s pmps I will just average the numbers and come up with a 249 for tonight.
 
That sounds like a plan. Every meter once in a while will give you a wonky number - especially if the drop of blood is off somehow. New strips sound like a good idea too. The 250 - 300 range sounds right. The nice thing is that you would most likely give the same dose for either number.

And before you throw your meter away, call the company and complain about the meter you are using for your son, Asher. They should send a new meter and strips.
 
Good point Sue! ;)

Also curious if any residue of neosporin on his ears from two days ago could have skewed anything.
My big fear he is not getting the insulin he needs. We’re saying his numbers are good and maybe they aren’t.

Could a good way to test all of this be using the same drop of the control solution to test two meters/a few strips?
 
Control strip for the meter or one of you be the control. Test yourself and a get an idea of your bg range. You can always test yourself then if you get a wonky number.

I am not positive but I don't think you can use the same control solution for two different meters. Someone else will know.
 
Yeah, I think each meter (or at least manufacturer) has their own test solution.

It sounds like that first drop maybe just wasn't enough blood - I've had those before where it just barely makes it to qualify, but you can see visually it doesn't quite look right.

Also I think there's some wonky thing where if you test literally back to back tests the results aren't reliable. You're supposed to wait 10 minutes before retesting. I feel like I made that up b/c it doesn't make any sense to me why it would make a difference, but I have a recollection that I've read that somewhere.

I like the idea of calling and asking about your son Asher's safety with this meter. Crying on the phone too can always be useful. :lol: Ask for coupons for test strips, LOL.
 
just remember that when talking to meter companies, Asher has 2 legs and is 5'8" tall with a football scholarship to USC, not 4 legs with a tail studying birds at the window. LOL!!

if you say you're using it on a cat, it gives them an out to no longer speak to you
 
If you throw out the 105, the other readings do fall close to the +/- 20% accuracy range.

232 - 46 = 186
232 + 46 = 278
305 - 60 = 245
305 + 60 = 365
357 - 71 = 286
357 + 71 = 428

or to look at it somewhat graphically:
186....232...278
..........245....305....365
.................286....357....428

It is disappointing that the meter gave a 105 instead of an error. At least you knew to test again.
 
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