Comparing blood testing meters, help please?

Question

i have used a TruTrack meter for the last 4 years and have been happy with it. I just received a OneTouch UltraMini meter in the mail and compared the two by testing my blood with both. I am shocked with the readings. There was a 15 point difference. That is not acceptable since I am an uncontrollable brittle diabetic and need to have an accurate reading. So any suggestions on how i can determine which one is right. Consumer reports says that the OneTouch is the most accurate in their report we just got this weekend. Can anyone help me determine on which one I should continue to use. I like the compact features of the OneTouch but should I give up my old one for that reason. I have medicare so my strips are paid for. Please help me on this one. Thank you.

Answer 1

I have two one touch and often they gave me a different reading,It is enough to drive a person mad, I got the new one, your  doctor will be able to test the accuracy, just call him and ask .  

Answer 2

Most meters are accurate to within 10%. The FDA requires them to be within 20%. It sounds like your meters are within standards and within the 10% mark also. I've taken four consecutive tests with the same meter all within an 3 minute period and had results vary as much at 20. I've done this with five different meters and they all had variances of no less than 10. I use an Accu-Check Compact Plus as my primary meter. I use the OneTouch Ultra Mini and my travel meter. I also have an extra Accu-Check Compact Plus, Breeze II and OneTouch Ultra in my collection. I've tested them all twice now right after my blood draw for A1C and they have all been within 12 of the lab tests. Blood results can vary within a very short period of time, method you use, are where you test, temperature, humidity, when you last ate...Your meters sound like they are fine, nobody makes a meter that is mroe accurate than that on the regular retail market. I've read about some home meters that seem to be a bit more accurate but the meter cost was over $500 US and the testing supplies ran about $4 per test.

Answer 3

Both meters are more likely correct than incorrect.

A 15 point difference is minimal, you would probably get the same approx. reading if you used your primary (Tru Track meter) right after your initial reading.

The FDA only requires home glucose meters to be within 20% of other meters and since home testing is not an exact science your numbers are acceptable, whatever they may be since you didn't cite them.

For you to expect accurate readings as in a lab test is wrong, home testing should only be used as a guide and not as a measure of accuracy.

Answer 4

You don't mention if the OneTouch is higher or lower than your TruTrack.  Also how do the test results compare to your lab work?  I have the OneTouch Ultra2 and it appears to be accurate.  

Give the Ultra Mini a try for a month.  You can always go back to TruTrack.