Glucometer issues Newbie

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macal

macal

Member Since 2012
Hi I just posted a few days ago with Molly's initial BG values using a RiteAid RealTest meter and stopped dosing her with insulin because I was concerned her values were much lower than the vet had found.
BUT now as per your recommendations I've gotten another meter (Relion Micro) and this shows a huge jump in values by comparison. I just used dextrose solutions I made up in the lab since I have access and WOW the RealTest meter gives me a reading of 245 on one solution that the Relion gives me a 500+ on!!!! @-)
The other solution is equally wild. The higher up the sugar concentration goes, the crazier the discrepancy.
SOOOO now I'm off to the store again to buy a reference solution that has been analytically quantified to see which of these meters is closer. I just wanted to put this out there so others know if they're using these meters.
Thanks, will keep you posted on the results.
 
Well, just went To Rite Aid and Walgreens and couldn't find reference solution grrr... I did manage to pick up some keto stix though so not a wasted trip.

I work in a research lab so the solutions I made should be fairly close to 250 and 500 mg/dl. I did not use analytical technique nor did I do assays to quantitate afterwards so a jump of 50 above or below would be possible. BUT just to put it out there here's the values I got for each meter with each solution

RealTest 250 prep gave a reading of 238
500 prep gave a reading of 575
my blood 90

Relion 250 prep gave 500
500 prep gave a reading of "Hi" meaning I'd overshot their range
my blood gave 130

Given that my blood test was a couple of hours after eating a meal, I'm more incline to believe the Relion for the lower range.
Given that I'm not that bad of a chemist, I'm more inclined to believe the RealTest for the higher ranges
 
What is most important with the meters is consistency/reliability - they aren't intended to replace lab assessed values, only to be good enough to let you know if you need to take action.

Here, we suggest using the glucometer data in conjunction with other information to evaluate how your cat is doing. If you check my signature link for Secondary Monitoring Tools, you'll see a few of them described - urine ketone/glucose tests, the 5 Ps, water drunk, etc. You want to take a encompassing view of the cat's status, not just the data from one source.
 
Ok thanks. I think I'll stick to one meter. This is tricky! I'll go with the Relion since many on this board have had trouble with the True Test.
 
You can't check the accuracy of meters with a homemade solution. You have to use the solution provided with/made for your meter. You can't event use solutions made for different manufacturer's meters.
 
Which meters need the smallest sample? I am using Accu check and it seems to be too hungry.

Sharon and Pepe
 
I'm using the Relion Micro right now and it only needs a spec of blood. I think it's 3 microlitres. I must say it works like a charm.
Just took Molly's readings with the meter and 1hr after eating she's at 342.....this is much more in agreement with what the vet found and what her fructosamine levels indicated! The RealTest meter never took her above 200. Soooo definite sticking to
the Relion.
Thank you all for your advice. Much appreciated
 
Pepe's mom said:
Which meters need the smallest sample? I am using Accu check and it seems to be too hungry.

Sharon and Pepe
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Which AccuChek meter do you have? The Advantage one does need a large amount of blood, 1 ul :shock: The Aviva and the Nano both use a much smaller drop of blood, just 0.3 ul.

Here's a meter comparision guide that includes how much blood is needed: http://forecast.diabetes.org/files/images/v65n01_BG_Meters_0.pdf

I don't think I've ever seen meter control solution at the pharmacy. You can try buying it online at AmericanDiabetesWholesale.com and other places or by calling the customer service number for your meter. Just don't tell the customer service people that you are using the meter on a cat because they will not help you at all.
 
Accu chek compact plus. It says 1.5! Yikes! I am going to get the ReliOne micro!
thanks for the link to the comparision :shock:
 
Accu chek compact plus. It says 1.5!
Click to expand...
Holy cow! The Accu chek Aviva is 0.6, which is higher than some meters but I find it to sip better so it seems to take less to me.

Glad it sounds like the new meter is working out better macal. I think the solutions wouldn't necessarily work well for testing the meters as they are calibrated to read blood. That's one of the reasons they can be off with the vet's meters because the difference between human and animal blood so I'd think a lab solution would cause even more variables.

Kind of hints at problems with the TrueTests, the tests with the solution fell nicely within margin of error, but seemed far off on your and Molly's blood. They were calibrated to lab solution.
 
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