Puzzled by glucose meter readings

[rbunnymom]

Just wondering if any diabetics out there can help me figure this out. I took a bs reading this morning that seemed unusually high. I used a different meter (totally different brand) and it was a good 40pts lower, so I used another Bayer meter contour vs the Breeze and got a number that was higher than the second but 15 pts lower than the first. This was all within 5 minutes. I am puzzled. Which reading is correct? I am having to moniter my bs closely right now to determine if I need to take insulin. Based on the first I should take a shot, the second maybe and the third definately not. What would you do?

Before someone suggests this is from the strips being stored improperly or outdated, I am sure that is not the case.

Thanks!!

[Cynthiabutterfly]

The problem is that the higher the number, the less acurate the reading will be. I had a little pamphlet that was inside the Contour that explained it- it's only a few percentage points difference in the accuracy, but that would explain the 15-40 point difference in your readings, either from different meters, or even just a few minutes apart.

If you're not sure, I would call the dr.

[rbunnymom]

Thanks...guess I should read the booklet. I had glanced through it but never caught that information.

[Mothernature]

The FDA allows a 20% variance. It is possible to have a 102 and 120 reading and the meter is correct. This variance becomes an issue at the higher numbers v lower numbers.

Another thing to factor is if the non-Bayer meter was whole blood or plasma. This will also produce a difference. Fingers used and how well your fingers are cleaned make a difference.

These topics are explained here.

Most Endocrinologists recommend one meter usage.

I've found the Breeze results are higher than the Contour and non-Bayer meter (which the results match or within 5 pts of each other consistently). I won't use the Breeze.

I hope you've contacted your dr as to what to do in this situation.

[rbunnymom]

Thanks for your input.

I will read up on meters for future knowledge.

My doctor did explain what to do in this situation.

You helped clarify my questions on meters.