Two meters, two different readings

[Grogg1]

I have the Contour TS which I've used since diagnosed in Nov 16. Today arrived my SD codefree so I can test more frequently as I'm not sure my GP will keep prescribing me enough test strips.

Tested with SD - 6.7. Same hand but different finger Contour 5.6. This seems a big difference.

 

[Vicsetter]

if you search the forum for meter accuracy you will find lots of people who think the same, but to repeat the answer:
Meters are only required to be accurate to within +/-15% of the lab test. Meter suppliers will advise you to stick to one meter only. As you are unlikely to have a hypo, it shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Kaylz]

I have the Contour TS which I've used since diagnosed in Nov 16. Today arrived my SD codefree so I can test more frequently as I'm not sure my GP will keep prescribing me enough test strips.

Tested with SD - 6.7. Same hand but different finger Contour 5.6. This seems a big difference.

Hey Grogg don't worry about it, taking into account discrepancy's etc there means there might not have been much difference at all in your readings 🙂, the first time I had a hypo I didn't believe it when I tested at either 3.0 or 3.2 so I pricked the other side of the same finger and it was .2 difference, hope you get on well with your new meter and don't stress about it hun 🙂 xx

 

[Grogg1]

I do think a whole mmol is a bit much but I guess if meter 1 too low and meter 2 too high I'll take the average!! Thank you all x

 

[Ditto]

That's very annoying. Being a control freak I want to know EXACTLY. 😡 Why can't they do a meter that is spot on?

 

[khskel]

That's very annoying. Being a control freak I want to know EXACTLY. 😡 Why can't they do a meter that is spot on?

You'd need laboratory quality kit at laboratory quality prices and sterile laboratory conditions to do the tests in. The accuracy of our small handheld devices is really quite amazing all things considered

 

[Wirrallass]

Hi Grogg1. Hi same here! from day one I have used a Contour TS meter until I mislaid the lancet device - so I ordered a Codefree meter kit and began to use this instead - I was shocked to see the Codefree reading was 2mmol higher than the Contour TS! - so I tested with both meters simultaneously and the Codefree meter reading was always between 2mmol-4mmol higher. So now I have reverted to using the Contour TS meter but use the Codefree lancets & its device.
PS. I have since found the Contour lancet device but I use the Codefree lancet device as it's easier to use.
WL

 

[Ditto]

That's put me off the Codefree now...I certainly don't want higher readings! 😱

 

[Stitch147]

I don't notice much difference between meters and the SD code free was closer to the libre readings when I used it.

 

[Wirrallass]

That's put me off the Codefree now...I certainly don't want higher readings! 😱

I think it's a bit of a muchness muchness Ditto - the Codefree may work for you & there again it may not - I think it's down to personal choice and what works for one may not work for another - therefore the only way you will know is to try the Codefree yourself and see if your bgls vary from your current meter or are the same x
WL

 

[sunny sanghera]

This happens to me to one meter says one reading the other one complete opposite once it said I was 9 then on other one 5.2

 

[Grogg1]

I'm not happy my code free is accurate at all. I woke apparently on 8.4 after going to bed 5.6! I hadn't eaten for 12 hours as I had been asleep. Tested with my Contour and 7! I had a nightmare so expected a spike as I always do after stressful dreams (I dream a lot). Then today after being out all day with just 3 cups of tea I tested at 6pm and it was 6.4. My contour 5!

 

[Wirrallass]

........and I guess we all prefer the lower number eh folks? x
WL

 

[Grogg1]

........and I guess we all prefer the lower number eh folks? x
WL

Yes we do. The thing is I used my Contour for 3 months after diagnosis and reduced my hba1c from 117 to 42. My meter told me my average reading was 6.5 so it matched my hba1c result.

 

[Wirrallass]

Yes we do. The thing is I used my Contour for 3 months after diagnosis and reduced my hba1c from 117 to 42. My meter told me my average reading was 6.5 so it matched my hba1c result.

117 to 42? Very well done Grogg - that's quite some drop - good for you - I know which meter you're hanging on to! Take care.
WL x

 

[Grogg1]

117 to 42? Very well done Grogg - that's quite some drop - good for you - I know which meter you're hanging on to! Take care.
WL x

TBH I was so shocked by how high it was I had to be strict!

 

[Wirrallass]

TBH I was so shocked by how high it was I had to be strict!

Yes i know where you're coming from - sometimes we need a jolt now and then to make us sit up & take notice - and act - there's no place for complacency with diabetes is there - your 42 HbA1c is excellent Grogg - you're now well and truly in the 'safe zone' - I believe 45 and less is classed as 'Normal' range but I stand to be corrected if this is wrong x
WL

 

[Greyhound Gal]

Below 42 is classed as in non-diabetic range, 42 - 47 pre-diabetic, and 48 and above diabetic.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

You might find this interesting... Same meter technology, same drop of blood, same time. Results vary between 5.7mmol/L and 7.1mmol/L

https://gfycat.com/ImmenseDamagedChupacabra

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Here's a chart which shows the legal requirement for meter accuracy. 95% of the time they must provide results within these limits against lab values. 5% of the time they can read anything.

Results to decimal points are an illusion. And as always, if a result doesn't match how you feel... double check it.