Metering

[Jeffrey Meyer]

I've changed to a Contour Plus, as procuring strips for my previous tester (OneTouch Select) became a problem. I'm finding the readings generally higher with the CP and more erratic. For example, last night I got 9.4 on one finger and 8.4 on an adjacent one immediately afterwards. It was a carb-free dinner, apart from my quotidian two glasses of red wine. Comments please. On this theme I was also wondering what the best preparation for finger-pricking is - soap and water, alcohol swab ...

 

[Kaylz]

I believe those readings are within the range for discrepancies etc and on the prep for finger pricking just a good wash of the hands with soap and water or if soap is not available for any reason although it was to me I had a DSN give me a piece of tissue with just plain water on to wipe my finger, I was advised against using alcohol wipes x

 

[Greyhound Gal]

I was told not to use soap as it can contaminate. Just a good wash in warm water.

 

[trophywench]

All depends how much muck is on your hands really as to whether you need soap - but if you do you have to really wash every vestige off under the tap. Likewise if you use anything like handcream or eczema emollient or anything like that really - beed to get it off 'that' bit before bogging the hole. However since I don't do anything dirty (always worked in an office) I very rarely even stick my hands under the tap before testing. I do wash after preparing a meal and dishing it up, cos you handle and might splash all sorts of things, then test as it's sitting there on the plate.

Alcohol is exceptionally drying on the skin and will make it harder over time - so that's never a good idea if you happen to have to test multiple times daily every single day of your life!