I got all my testing supplies today, so I did my first blood glucose test with the One Touch Ultra. Two tests with the control solution--I got 101 and 117. The range listed on the vial was 100-135. On testing my blood, I got 84. Do I assume the true result is within a 15-20 point error? Would it do any good to check my monitor by testing at the same time I get my blood work done or is the monitor error so great that it would not be meaningful? A nurse once told me that the monitor was as accurate as a lab test, but It seems to me that it just gives you a rough idea of what your blood glucose is.

Hi
Monitors are different in that some measure whole blood and most of the others measure blood plasma. It is normal for you to make adjustments to the meters and the blood plasma meters are normally 9always for mine) 25 to 40 mg/dsl off of the true reading. The whole blood meters area a bit closer. When set with a lab test equivalent, the whole blood meters stay more accurate than the plasma meters. (In my experience) You can also do measurements with plasma and using an equation calculate the actual blood reading of the plasma meters. I have tested meters for the past 18 years and have found whole blood readings to always be more accurate than the plasma meters. I have used 8 of them. I find that when I make bolus adjustments in my insulin in such a tight manner as I do that 25 to 40mg/dsl is a dangerous misreading for me to make my judgments with. I personally do test with the blood work I get each quarter. My meter has remained accurate for the past 4 years. So for me I am satisfied with my present reading on my One touch Profile. I make bolus adjustments from 1 to 19 units depending on the results. So I need accuracy. As we all do. This is my personal experience. Others may have had luck with other meters. I am sure they will sign on nere soon to let you know of their experiences.
Don http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

I think the One Touch Ultra is one of the best meters on the market. Good choice. Your numbers look good. It is not a bad idea to compare your meter to your lab test. Immediatly after the lab test I do two tests with my meter. If they are close (within 10%) I just average them and compare them to the lab test when I get it back. If not close then I take a third and keep the two closest together and average them.

I disagree with the person that said a home meter is just as accurate as a lab test. A home meter is +/- 20%.

Ron

Thanks for confirming my suspicions. For my purposes, plus or minus 20 points error will do the job. At least I will know that I am not getting any really high readings. To check your monitor against the lab, do you do a separate finger stick or use the same blood? Is the One Touch Ultra a plasma meter?

When checking against the lab test I think I have done it both ways. It is probably better to use a different finger and switch hands.

The plasma versus whole blood question always causes confusion. The only way you can get a true plasma reading is to seperate the blood into plasma and solids. Obviously this is not practical for a home meter. However nearly all home meters convert the whole blood reading to the plasma equivalent. The One Touch Ultra does this and the readings are directly comparable to the lab results.

Ron

Thanks for that clear explanation. It had me confused and now I understand what the manual means by plasma-calibrated.