Blood sugar testing?

Question

does the amount of blood on the test strip affect the results?

because my results were ridiculous... I mean... Its possible... But he number I got was pretty bad. Just wondering!

Answer 1

no, the amount of blood on the strip has no effect on the results (unless it's not enough, then it'll give an error message)  It may be that the glucometer isn't calibrated.  Do you have test solution that you could check the calibration? You could also try a different machine and see if you get the same results, like a friend's glucometer.  

Answer 2

Yes.  You MUST make sure that the sample area on the strip is FILLED.  no air bubbles . . . .

But I'm wondering if your meter is properly "coded".  Depending on its age, the coding process might be manual or automatic.  Check the instructions with the strips you use to see what you have to do to "code" the meter.  or take it in to your pharmacist or doctor.

Also, replace your battery.  A low battery will effect readings, too.

The meters DO wear out.  If your meter is more than 5 years old, you may need to replace it.  Ask your doctor -- many times they have "freebies".

And of course, make sure that the pharmacy sold you the correct strips for the meter you use.  I have to fight my pharmacist about once a year ove what strips I NEED.

Answer 3

If there was not enough blood on the strip then the machine would have read "error".  Otherwise, assume that it is correct.  A larger than needed amount of blood would not skew the results.

Answer 4

My meter will give a high reading if there's not quite enough blood - you can re-do the test and instantly drop 60 points.  But that's one particular meter, and it wouldn't give me a false low.

It probably was accurate. I've seen a meter at 27 and 19 and both times I was still conscious, although I was sweating badly and was very dizzy/out of it.  

At the time I had been having lots of lows and if you make a habit of too many lows you don't feel it as quickly as when your sugars have been around 100 and it dips that low (if that makes sense).