Meter Discrepancy?

[beclt]

I just tested Cali 3 times in a row and got 396, 303 and 354. I know there is usually a variance but this seems pretty extreme?

We use the Contour meter and strips.

 

[Melissa and Bailey]

Meter variance can legally be up to 20% of the number, so they are generally more accurate at lower numbers. The +/- 20% range for 354, for example, would be 284-424! :dizcat Hard to think about that too much, I know it made me crazy at first :lol:

I have never used the Contour but others here do, I believe it is considered a good meter.

 

[Teresa and Poopy]

I use Contour (my first was given to me by my diabetic brother, he had a spare) and can get the different numbers off the same drop of blood, too. They are all within the 20% variance so I just go with my first reading. I have found expired strips read a bit more widely (even if still within the 20%), and often lower than non-expired strips. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) :smile:

 

[BJM]

Yup - the FDA allows the 20% variance

mini reference chart
50 -> 40 - 60
100 = 80 - 120
150 = 120 - 180
200 = 160 - 240

etc

Thus, if comparing 2 values from the same meter, add 20% on to the lowest number and subtract 20% from the highest.
If the low + 20% is greater than the high - 20%, you have overlap, and the values may be considered 'the same'.