There is no doubt that it is extremely important that your glucose meters is giving you accurate results. But how to actually check the accuracy of Glucose Meter?
The reason this article is written is because a lot of best glucose meters are also not accurate in their readings and they can cause a huge misconception to the patient
You might have heard people saying that not all the glucose meters offer accurate results. So how you are going to check if your glucose meter is giving you the right results? Well, to help you out with this, I am going to talk about How to check accuracy of glucose meter.
However, the best way to check the accuracy of glucose meter would be to start using it in the first place. So the question is how to use a glucose meter? Well, let me answer this question at first:
How to use a Glucose Meter?
Prepare Test Items:
First of all, you will need to prepare the test items. Make sure you have things like glucose meter, test strip lancet device, needle (lancet), alcohol swabs, dry swab, and a puncture-proof plastic container with a screw-on cap with you. These things would come with your glucose meter kit only. Once you have these things with you, go ahead and follow the next steps.
Calibrate the glucose meter:
Next, you will have to calibrate the glucose meter. So for this, start by inserting a code key into the strip slot. After that, you will need to check that the number appearing on the screen is as same as the number on the test strips. Also, you should be aware of the fact that you should calibrate your glucose meter every time you open a new box of test strips.
Prepare the lancet device:
Now you have to prepare your lancet device. For this, you can simply remove the cover of the lancet and put the needle in it. Then remove the needle cap by twisting it and make sure not to touch the needle. After that, replace the lancet cover carefully and adjust the depth of your lancet device according to your skin thickness. In the end, prime the lanced device by pressing the release button, and you are all done.
Prepare The Glucose Meter:
Start by preparing the glucose meter. For this, all you have to do is remove the test strip from the foil or from the strip container. Then, simply insert into the test strip, and this will automatically turn the meter on. Now, you are all set to use your glucose meter.
Test your blood glucose level:
Start by wiping one finger with an alcohol swap and let it dry. You can use fingers like the index, middle, or ring. Then press the lancet device gently against the side of your finger and then press the button to release the needle. And squeeze your finger to get a blood sample.
Then touch the end of the test strip to the drop of blood. Next, you will have to apply a dry swab over the puncture site. Finally, wait for the result to show up on your screen and note the results down for future use.
Now that you have a blood sugar level, the next question is how to check accuracy of glucose meter? Well for this, you can go ahead and follow these steps:
How to check accuracy of Glucose Meter?
Figuring out if a glucose meter is accurate or not always a challenging task. However, to make it easy for you, there are some values already approved by the FDA, which allows you to determine it.
So in the United States, a meter only needs to be within 20 percent of a lab value for FDA approval. However, to make it easy for you, here are the details that you need to consider:
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- If your blood sugar level is 100 mg/dL, then your meter would offer you a result between 80 and 120.
- If your blood sugar level is 200 mg/dL, then your meter would offer you a result between 160 and 240.
- If your blood sugar level is 300 mg/dL, then your meter would offer you a result between 240 and 360.
- In case, If your blood sugar level is 400 mg/dL, then your meter would offer you a result between 320 and 480.
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As you can see, it is pretty easy to understand what your blood sugar level is. Also, you should know that if you are looking for accurate results going with popular brands is always a good idea. As they are more accurate when it comes to measuring blood sugar levels.
However, what I am trying to explain to you is that whenever you are going to test the blood sugar level using two different meters. You might not get the same result. And this does not mean that your meter is wrong or anything.
One of the easiest ways to check if your device is working or not is to use fake blood with a set amount of sugar in it. You can use this test solution to check if your meter is offering you accurate results or not. Do the same process that you do while checking your blood sugar. But instead of lancing your own finger, you should drop fake blood into the glucose meter only. And see how it is working for you.
And as long as the test results fall into the above mentioned numbers, you are good to go. Do remember the fact that your meter always needs to be a perfect one. If it falls within 20 percent of a lab value for FDA approval, you are good to go.
Final Words:
So that was all for your question How to check accuracy of glucose meter. Another thing that you can do is ask your doctor for meter suggestions. This way, you would get to know about the meter that your doctor actually considers.
Anyway, if there is anything you would want to ask, then do feel free to drop a comment below. And I will help you out.
