Different Fingers = Different Readings ?

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Permalink Reply by Judith on November 3, 2009 at 8:06pm

Oh my yes. Our member, Chris Bishop clued me into this a couple years ago and I queried my meter folks. It isn't uncommon. I happen to have a generous supply of strips at the moment and I take advantage of that fact. The last time this came up there were a number of responses in both directions. Seemed to vary with both person and type of meter. Every once in awhile I do a "round robin" and test 4 fingers. It can go 90, 75, 85, 82, for instance. I'm a T2 controlling with diet and exercise at the moment, so I can handle it. But I have often wondered how those who use insulin would calculate dosage with such readings! Take care.....Judith in Portland.....

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Permalink Reply by Carly on November 12, 2009 at 4:20pm

I've done this too. I tested more than once and ended up with two very different readings. The first one was 8.3 and I did the same finger again right after and it was 6.3. Since, it was first thing the morning I used the lower BG to put in my book.

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Permalink Reply by Gerri on November 3, 2009 at 8:12pm

Yes, different readings from different fingers on the same hand & from different hands. Aggravating & unacceptable how inaccurate our meters are to begin with. Have you ever tried doing the same finger five minutes later? I've gotten big variation there also.

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Permalink Reply by teR. on November 8, 2009 at 5:20pm

I have learned to not really take the readings to seriously.
When I compared the readings to what my lab work shown it was a 12 point difference. My meter read 82 and my lab work results were 70.
When I poke my finger as long as it isn't way above average, I am okay with it.

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Permalink Reply by Holger Schmeken on November 10, 2009 at 12:36am

It is impossible to measure the blood glucose with meters without variability. Two tests within seconds from the same finger will differ in their result. This is caused by the measurement principle: a catalytic process is triggered by the blood glucose in the blood drop. The result of this process can be measured electrically. Reasons for little differences in this reaction:

a) random variations in the production process of the stripe
b) different fluid concentrations depending on the deepness of the prick
c) relation of haemoglobin to fluid in your blood: most manufacturers make an assumption about what concentration is normal. It is obvious that this relation changes for women in their period.
d) other random influences like air pressure or temperature

Because of these reasons ALL of todays meters will have their variations (even the lab machines). The good news is that all meters in the market must have a specified reliability. You will find this information in the description of your test stripes.

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Permalink Reply by Judith on November 10, 2009 at 4:11am

Bless you, Holger---that's what my husband, the old theater techie/gadget geek says. I still growl about it, having very little patience for gadgets of any kind, myself. When I am more rational, though, it provides a modicum of comfort....be well.....Judith in Portland

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Permalink Reply by Doris Ann Dickerson on November 10, 2009 at 5:33am

I know as for myself what happened to me with this a few times.........I didn't clean off my fingers with the swab right and had too much sugar, starch, whatever on one and got these different readings it also works with different bs machines too!!!

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