The blood glucose meters are small devices that allow us to measure glucose levels in the blood, excuse the redundancy. Although, these meters usually offer precise values, as realistic as possible to a medical blood test.
Therefore, the most reliable way to measure blood glucose levels is by performing a relevant blood test carried out by a medical specialist.
However, many people need to monitor their blood glucose levels on a regular basis, such as people with diabetes. Thus, this type of patient needs to have a blood glucose meter at home.
Normally, traditional glucose meters are used by obtaining a small blood sample with a small finger prick.
Thus, at present, thanks to new technologies, different types of non-invasive blood glucose meters have been developed, which also show accurate results.
Accuracy of blood glucose meters
In this case, we are going to focus on detailing what kind of factors can affect the accuracy of traditional blood glucose meters.
Glucose meterIn other words, in most cases, these glucose meters usually offer results that are practically identical to those that a blood test could give. However, some factors may influence its accuracy:
- Test Strip Problems: It is important to dispose of worn or damaged test strips. Also, it is important to keep this part of the glucose meter away from heat and moisture. Likewise, it is important to make sure that the strips correspond to our meter.
- Alcohol, dirt and substances on the skin: The professionals of 'Mayo Clinic' explain that before performing the corresponding glucose measurement it is It is essential to carry out adequate hand hygiene and dry them equally well.
- Extreme temperatures: It is recommended to store the glucose meter and test strips at room temperature.
- Coding: Occasionally, a bad device coding can affect the accuracy of the glucose meter in blood.
Other determining factors
On the other hand, another factor that can influence the accuracy of the glucose meter is not inserting the test strip completely. It is essential to have adequate knowledge about the operation of this type of device.
Likewise, it is essential to take an adequate blood sample. If the blood drop is insufficient, the meter may give a less accurate value of blood glucose levels. After the first drop, no more blood should be added to the test strip.
The location of the test site may also influence. In this sense, it is advisable to take the blood sample from the fingertip, since it is the most precise area of the body to offer more exact data on the blood glucose level.
Finally, some experts explain that the number of red blood cells in the blood can also influence the accuracy of blood glucose meters.
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