? Error of margin question

[Mimis mom]

I decided to start checking the readings against one right after the first and I am finding that the couple of times I did- the numbers were a good 50 points off from the one taken just before, which is now making me question all of her numbers?

However, I also wanted to clarify because I thought I read this somewhere- the higher the numbers the more chance of a larger gap in margins (so like 234 and 278 are more common to show up when tested one after another, as opposed to lets say having one reading be 78 and the next be 134 or something)
I hope that made sense and can prevent me from burning through my test strips.

 

[FurBabiesMama]

I think you mean margin of error rather than error of margin. You may have seen people say that the difference between a human and a pet meter is usually greater at higher numbers. As far as numbers with the same meter, there is always a variance of 15 to 20% regardless of whether you are at high or low numbers. A lot of factors can also impact readings...were the tests taken on the same drop or different drops, were they taken immediately back to back or with some time in between, and so on. The only reason to double test is if you get a number so far out of the range of what you expect that you need to double check; otherwise, why drive yourself crazy. If you have reason to doubt your meter/strips, you can get some control solution and test it - or, I have seen some people say they just test themselves.

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

Why drive yourself crazy indeed. Even hospitals use the same meters you and I see at pharmacies and they're allowed by federal law to have that 15 to 20% variance. I've taken blood samples from the same ear 30 seconds apart that made me question my choice of meter. At least we know meters are generally more accurate at lower numbers where the real danger is.

 

[Maggies Mom Debby]

Yes. There is a 15-20% margin of error on all meters, pet and human ones. What does that mean? Each test from each meter CAN vary by that amount.

If you test and get 100, it can actually be anywhere from 80-120. All good numbers, no action needed. If you test and get 300, it can be anywhere from 240-360. All high enough to give a shot.

But if you test and get 50, it can actually be anywhere from 40-60. You need to retest in a few minutes, because at those numbers you need to vigilante.

There was talk of imposing a tighter margin of error on the manufacturing of glucose meters, but I haven’t heard of that happening yet. A 10% variance would be so much more acceptable.