for those with blood sugar testing machines, experiment by doing 3 readings from the same hole in the same finger, one after the other

you will probably get 3 different readings with a quite large range

suggesting these machines arent really all that accurate. Most have a decimal fraction in the result which probably suggests they are more accurate than they really are

The quoted accuracy of most meters is +/- 20%. For a reading of 5 mmol/L that is 1 unit and would indicate you are correct in suggesting the last decimal can be dropped. However, I suspect they are really a little more repeatable than that especially when you just consider one batch of strips. The US folk are the ones that probably get mislead the most. Many believe the meter is accurate to the last digit. For sure they could round off to the nearest 10 points and not lose any accuracy. i.e. 104 becomes 100, while 106 becomes 110.

Ron

[This message has been edited by Ron AKA (edited 10-14-2003).]

I am a type 1 and have taken my blood sugar as often as 12 times a day. I can tell you from experience that you will not get the same reading twice. The meters test in a range.... Not an exact digit.

To tell if your meter is accurate, you do a control test with the control solution. If it falls within range, your readings are considered accurate

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Mindy :o)

Hi All! I just did exactly what you are talking about yesterday because my first reading scared the bejeezus outta me (453!!). My 2nd reading was 151, my 3rd was 123, and my 4th was 98; all within a 5 minute period in late afternoon in which I was sedentary and had eaten 30 minutes beforehand. I'm still trying to figure out what foods I can and can't have anymore by testing shortly after eating. I'm using a newer Accu-Chek but considering switching to a Bayer DEX3 that I just got for free (waiting on scrip for test strips). What do y'all think, is it worth the switch, or should I just wait until my first BG meter dies out on me??

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"If I just do a little bit each day, eventually it will all overwhelm me..." -Anonymous

i never felt it that important in 40 year. the fact is if it were that important than we wounld not be sent home with a device that only comes close with readings (and all the meters i've tryed are only close) and told to adjust your meds adccordingly. eveyone is using these things today not like 20yrs ago when you had to wait for your doctor. so i think that the fact that they only read close are acceptable for that reson. and today we live better lifes than we did then, or aleast i dont end up in the hospital all the time like i did years ago. i guess i should only speak of my experiance anyway.

dave

True,

Consumer Reports tested BG meters in October 2001 (or possibly 2002). They found the One Touch Ultra to give the most repeatable readings and rated it first overall. There is a newer model out called the One Touch Ultra Smart but I have felt no need to get it - even though my insurance would pay for it. I recommend the One Touch Ultra or the Ultra Smart if you want the extra features.

Ron

Thanks, Ron! it's good 2 know there are preferred meters out there;looks like I should add consumer reports to my list of Web visits. Be Well, All!

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"If I just do a little bit each day, eventually it will all overwhelm me..." -Anonymous

Here is a good website to compare meters especially on ease of use and cost of strips. However, I don't think they do an real objective accuracy/repeatability comparison. I found this site the day after my doctor recommended getting a meter and it was very hepful at the time.
http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/d_0i_000.htm

Ron