How to Get Accurate Results from Your Glucose Meter

Do you sometimes question if your glucose meter is accurate? If so you are not alone. I get this question all the time. Here are 6 steps to follow to check to make sure you are getting accurate results. 

1. Check expiration date of the test strips 

Test strips do expire. On the vial of test strips there is an expiration date. Some test strips--even after opening--are good until this date, but other brands of strips may expire 6 months after opening the vial. Expired strips can lead to inaccurate readings. If you're unsure, check with your pharmacist.

2. Properly store test strips

Test strips are sensitive to temperature changes and light. Store test strips according to the manufacturer’s directions on the vial (see temperature range). Don’t leave test strips (or meter) in a hot or cold car--carry them with you. Due to humidity, don’t store test strips in the bathroom. Always store test strips in the vial they came in. The vial is opaque so the test strips will not be exposed to light. 

3.  Check calibration of meter

Some meters require calibration with a code to match the test strips. There may be a code chip or code number that needs to be manually entered.  Some meters do not require codes and automatically calibrate. For accurate results, make sure you know how to code your meter. 

4.  Use control solution

Control solution can be used on a test strip in place of blood to check the reliability of the test strips. The result from the control solution should be in the range listed on the vial of test strips. Note that the control solution also has an expiration date. The date on the bottle is valid only if the control solution is unopened--but once it is opened the solution expires in 90 days. Write on the bottle when your control solution will expire so you can order a new bottle from your pharmacy early. Try to use control solution with the first strip of every new box of test strips. 

5.  Obtain an adequate blood sample

Different test strips require different amounts of blood. The blood sample size has decreased with newer meters and test strips.  Your meter may give you an error message for a sample that is not enough. This means that the meter cannot process the sample. There is still a chance that an inadequate blood sample can give an inaccurate reading. 

6.  Wash hands before testing

This is the step that is often overlooked but is so crucial. Before testing, always wash your hands with soap and water. If your hands aren’t clean, you may not get accurate results. For example, if you touch a piece of fruit that would raise your glucose reading. You can use alcohol wipes and hand sanitizers to clean your hands but they aren’t as ideal as plain old soap and water. Both tend to dry out your skin and may leave a residue.  Always make sure if using these types of products that your hands are completely dry or you won’t get accurate results. If you can’t clean your hands properly, wipe away the first drop of blood and use the second drop for your reading.