Publication Date: 11/27/2005
Remember that the information presented here is not intended to replace the care of your own doctor. Before making any changes in the management of your own illness, you should consult your physician or other qualified medical professionals.
Question
Within three minutes, two blood tests from the same finger or one next to the first vary by 20 mg/dL [1.1 mmol/L]. (The first number in 174 mg/dL [9.7 mmol/L], and the second is 154 mg/dL [8.6 mmol/L].) The meter has been tested, and is working well. What is the answer? What is going on?Answer
The standard for blood glucose meters allows for variation of about 10-15% between values so these numbers are within the tolerance. In addition other factors (such as squeezing the finger) may influence the result.You might want to look at some of my articles, including Meter Accuracy and Precision Comes Before Accuracy.
