Inconsistencies in Test Results

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Barb & Checkers (GA)

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When I checked Checkers this afternoon, I got a 248. I thought it was too high for that time, so checked the other ear. It was 239. Checked same ear, only seconds later, and it was 219. I think it's a big difference between 248 and 219.
Went out to buy control solution. None in my area.
Called the WaveSense company, and was told there can be a 20% difference even when retesting immediately.
Says there can be a 40% difference in machine brands.
She is going to send me control solution. In the meantime, I am going to WalMart tomorrow to buy a new meter.
Thing is, how do you trust the numbers? I never had reason to doubt it before.
What do I even put in my spreadsheet... an average of the 3 numbers?

Edited to add: I just found a discussion about this, in posts from Feb 4. Looks like this is normal, between meters, but the same ear, within seconds?
 
I noticed on someone's spreadsheet that she mentioned opening new canister of test strips and testing them.
Should I be testing new strips? This is a new canister today. No where near expiration date.
 
I have noticed this a lot, even testing from the same drop of blood I can get a big difference. You just have to look for trends and realize its +/- 30pts. I've been told that as you get closer to double digits that it gets more accurate. (but I've never been there to compare).

Take a look at my post a couple weeks ago and notice Carolyn and spots answer in particular.
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2760

I did get the Maxima (thru Hocks) and I love the cheap strips, so when I get one thats off, I retest. Surprisingly this meter usually comes back pretty close to the first test, within 25 points anyway. FYI If you put both numbers down in your ss it wont get a color.

Maxima
http://hocks.com/hocks-healthcare/hocks ... FM-14.html
 
The control solution is essentially sugar water that is in the normal human range.

If you are not diabetic, you can use your own blood as a control (should be between 80 and 120 if you haven't eaten recently)

The standard accuracy of meters is 20%

Since it is a percentage, when the blood sugar is LOW, it will read closer to Actual.
50 +20% = 60
50 -20% = 40

When blood sugar is Higher, the readings may be farther apart (and still technically be "accurate")
300 +20% = 360
300 -20% = 240

These meters are miraculously inexpensive for what they do -- they are designed to be "Good Enough" to keep humans safe and yet inexpensive enough for everyone to have one and be able to test themselves (or their kitties :lol: ) as needed.
 
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