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Posted 3/7/2008 2:22 PM (GMT 0)
I saw my doctor for a yearly check and she ran a series of blood counts.  My fasting sugar was 107.  She told me to buy a meter, lose weight, and exercise.  It seems that when I draw the blood from my finger, if I get just enough for the meter, the results are quite a bit higher than if I squeeze and make the blood bubble larger and then place on the strip.  What is going on, what am I doing wrong?  I am new to all of this and it is daunting.  Thanks.
Posted 3/7/2008 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome to the forum. I'm not sure if this is why there's a difference but you might not be getting enough blood on the smaller amount of blood to have an accurate reading. Maybe others will respond with other ideas. Stay tuned! :)
Posted 3/9/2008 3:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there........the same thing happens to me............if I do not get a good bubble of blood I get a higher reading then when the bubble is plentiful.........do not have any idea why this happens but it does so do not worry and just keep trying.......

Posted 3/9/2008 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
I, too, have noticed that same phenomenon on occasion. And I have no explanation as to why. Guess that's why they do the A1c test, also.
Posted 3/10/2008 6:27 PM (GMT 0)
I believe that most of the meters work by sending a beam of light against the blooded surface of the strip. If there isn't enough blood there is more reflection, hence the incorrect numbers. If you're having trouble getting a good drop of blood try this. Save the rubber bands from your broccoli and put one in your test kit. Just before your next poke, double or triple the rubber band up about 1/2 inch from the poke area on your finger, making a mini-tourniquet. This usually will give you a great drop of blood. Works for me!
Posted 3/11/2008 3:30 AM (GMT 0)
Reflected light? Wasn't that the technology from the first generation of meters, in the 1970's? All of the meters I've ever used are electro-chemical.

At least one meter manufacturer recommends wiping off the first drop of blood and testing on a second drop from the same hole. I don't know why. It might help.

Posted 3/11/2008 2:31 PM (GMT 0)
My doctor taught me to use the second drop of blood, and when they check my blood in the office, that's what they do also. I think it's because they always swab my finger with alcohol- I don't do that at home, but I do always test the second or third drop. I always make sure it's a nice fat drop also-

sandy

Posted 3/11/2008 5:33 PM (GMT 0)
Good point. I always try to use a generous blood drop too. With some brands a small drop can get sucked into the strip, not quite fill it all the way, but still not generate the 'underfilled strip' error. The meter processes the strip and gives bogus test results.

A good example of why test engineers say, "Bad data is worse than no data at all."
Posted 3/11/2008 5:47 PM (GMT 0)
Metres,
You are probably correct... I just know that one of my meters did use light technology and I've only been testing since '03 or so. What the heck do I know? tongue
Posted 3/14/2008 4:11 PM (GMT 0)
I'm really happy to see this thread because I discovered that my initial readings were higher than expected with the first "bead" of blood, especially on my older meter.  It's only 2 years old but I have 2 newer ones that read in only 5 seconds whereas the older in does it in 15.  Anyway, now when I use the second bead of blood the bg readings on all three of my meters are within 10 points of one another, much better than when I only used the first drop of blood.  Thanks for the heads up.  :)

Posted 3/16/2008 2:21 PM (GMT 0)
Lanie, what meter do you have a favorite meter. I currently use a one touch ultra.
Posted 3/16/2008 3:08 PM (GMT 0)
All three of mine are Bayer Contour.  Bayer was giving them free from their website, so I got one of the newer ones that way.  Of course, then you have to buy their tests strips thereafter when you use up the ones that come with the meter.  Naturally! 

Posted 3/16/2008 3:50 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for insurance. I may try one of those
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