Test strip inquiry

[Marinachi]

1. Yesterday I got a new Petsure pack for my Alphatrak 2. Meter read as 5.1, thought it was too low. Second strip read as 9.6!
   This morning, the reading went from 7.3 to 9.6 to 7.6.
   
2. I did 3 Control Solution tests:
   First reading: 6.4
   Second reading:7.4
   Third reading: 8.8.
   The range on the Petsure vial for code 22 is (7.1 - 15.43mmol).
3. I just did my +6 readings using three strips and I got the following: 9.6, 11. 4, 7.1 I don't even know what to go by? This morning I did not give insulin cause I got a low number and then a 9.1 number. So decided to skip it for today until I figure this out because I didn't know what number he was at. HELP!

 

[FrostD]

Hmm. Pet meters generally allow for 15% variance, but what you're seeing is outside of that.

I'd keep using them another day or so, and if you still have an issue contact the manufacturer.

 

[Christie & Maverick]

Sooo, I'll share my opinion. I've seen this topic come up with using what are promoted as strips compatible for AT2, like Petsure. I personally don't know that I'd use any others strips for the meter in hand but the strips that it is made for. As you have noted, you have discrepancies in test results, perhaps to the point now where you can't trust the reading(s) you are getting. Not good.

Some people do just fine using strips that claim to be compatible, and some people use strips that look like they are the same as AT2 strips (but manufactured by a different company), but the way I see it, if I can't trust the readings, and have to use multiple strips, and still can't be sure, then time to either go back to using AT2 strips in the AT2 meter, or switch to a human meter, which is easier on the pocket book . Plus the reference ranges and info here on FDMB, regardless of the insulin, are based on readings with a human meter, so less confusing for you. Just my 2 Canadian cents.

 

[Marinachi]

Sooo, I'll share my opinion. I've seen this topic come up with using what are promoted as strips compatible for AT2, like Petsure. I personally don't know that I'd use any others strips for the meter in hand but the strips that it is made for. As you have noted, you have discrepancies in test results, perhaps to the point now where you can't trust the reading(s) you are getting. Not good.

Some people do just fine using strips that claim to be compatible, and some people use strips that look like they are the same as AT2 strips (but manufactured by a different company), but the way I see it, if I can't trust the readings, and have to use multiple strips, and still can't be sure, then time to either go back to using AT2 strips in the AT2 meter, or switch to a human meter, which is easier on the pocket book . Plus the reference ranges and info here on FDMB, regardless of the insulin, are based on readings with a human meter, so less confusing for you. Just my 2 Canadian cents.

Thanks, eh! It's weird because this PMPS I used two strips and they were both 9.1 reading! I'm waiting for a new pack of Alphatrak in the mail. I started using the Petsure on Feb 24th until now.
Also which meter would you recommend?

 

[Marinachi]

Sooo, I'll share my opinion. I've seen this topic come up with using what are promoted as strips compatible for AT2, like Petsure. I personally don't know that I'd use any others strips for the meter in hand but the strips that it is made for. As you have noted, you have discrepancies in test results, perhaps to the point now where you can't trust the reading(s) you are getting. Not good.

Some people do just fine using strips that claim to be compatible, and some people use strips that look like they are the same as AT2 strips (but manufactured by a different company), but the way I see it, if I can't trust the readings, and have to use multiple strips, and still can't be sure, then time to either go back to using AT2 strips in the AT2 meter, or switch to a human meter, which is easier on the pocket book . Plus the reference ranges and info here on FDMB, regardless of the insulin, are based on readings with a human meter, so less confusing for you. Just my 2 Canadian cents.

A meter I can find in Canada that is.

 

[Christie & Maverick]

I've seen a few Canadians sign up for the OneDrop meter, I think if I recall correctly, they have some type of subscription, where strips are delivered monthly. I use the Freestyle Lite, I've tried the One Touch Ultra, but that needs a bit more of a blood drop, which I didn't like. They do have some One Touch which have smaller blood drop size requirements. I've seen Aviva accucheck available as well in pharmacies.

Have a look at this for reference, and see what you may find at your local pharmacy. I liked that it showed blood drop size, not sure how outdated pricing may be, and I haven't checked all that are available in Canada but there are for sure a few

http://main.diabetes.org/dforg/pdfs/2018/2018-cg-blood-glucose-meters.pdf

 

[Marinachi]

I've seen a few Canadians sign up for the OneDrop meter, I think if I recall correctly, they have some type of subscription, where strips are delivered monthly. I use the Freestyle Lite, I've tried the One Touch Ultra, but that needs a bit more of a blood drop, which I didn't like. They do have some One Touch which have smaller blood drop size requirements. I've seen Aviva accucheck available as well in pharmacies.

Have a look at this for reference, and see what you may find at your local pharmacy. I liked that it showed blood drop size, not sure how outdated pricing may be, and I haven't checked all that are available in Canada but there are for sure a few

http://main.diabetes.org/dforg/pdfs/2018/2018-cg-blood-glucose-meters.pdf

So strange. This PMPS the readings were 4.7 and 5.4 those are very low considering yesterday Nacho was between 7-9.6, it's just so hard to believe. I feel like these strips were defective. I hope my alphatrak strips come in the mail soon. I will look into the ones you have mentioned. Thanks!

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

A meter I can find in Canada that is.

One that's gaining popularity is the Bravo meter due to it's strip price of only .40 cents each.

The bad part is that they're only available online so you have to take into consideration shipping time when ordering to make sure you have them when you need them.

What I've been suggesting in the Facebook group is that you order at least 200 strips at a time and when you open the last batch of 100, you order 200 more

 

[Marinachi]

One that's gaining popularity is the Bravo meter due to it's strip price of only .40 cents each.

The bad part is that they're only available online so you have to take into consideration shipping time when ordering to make sure you have them when you need them.

What I've been suggesting in the Facebook group is that you order at least 200 strips at a time and when you open the last batch of 100, you order 200 more

Thanks, do you know if it requires a small or big blood drop size?
Also how do human and Alphatrak2 differ in terms of numbers? Accuracy?

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Thanks, do you know if it requires a small or big blood drop size?

Bravo require 0.5uL while AT 0.3uL
http://www.endomedical.ca/bravo-blood-glucose-test-strips

Also how do human and Alphatrak2 differ in terms of numbers? Accuracy?

Human meters tend to read a little lower than pet meter because of the differences of how the glucose is distributed in the different blood constituents between human and cats. Otherwise the accuract is about the same at +/-15-20%