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Blood glucose meter accuracy is key for managing diabetes safely. Even a small error in accuracy can alter treatment decisions and overall health. This guide reviews factors that affect glucose meter readings, how to test your device, signs it may be time to replace your meter, and tips for getting the most reliable results so you can make the best choices for your diabetes care.
Table of Contents
- How to Test Your Glucose Meter
- When to Upgrade Your Glucose Meter
- Advanced Diabetes Supply: Your Glucose Meter Source
- FAQs: Checking Glucose Meter Accuracy
Do Glucose Meters Expire?
Glucose meters don’t really “expire” like test strips do, but glucose meter accuracy does decline over time. Most meters last around 10 years, but frequent use, worn parts, and advances in technology can affect how well they work. So even if an older device powers on and provides readings, the results may not be reliable.
Signs You Need a New Glucose Meter
A drop in glucose meter accuracy is a signal that it may be time to replace your device. To catch this early, test your meter each time you open a new bottle of test strips. Inconsistent readings, error messages, or trouble syncing with your test strips can also be signs that your glucose meter needs to be replaced.
When to Test Glucose Meter Accuracy
- Inconsistent readings: Results don’t align with how you feel or previous test results
- Frequent error messages: The meter often shows errors or fails to read strips
- Difficulty syncing: There are problems connecting with your test strips or apps
- Test strip issues: Problems recur even with new bottles of strips
Factors That Affect Glucose Meter Accuracy
A blood glucose meter is an important tool for managing diabetes, but several factors can affect how accurate readings are. Test strips are one of the most common causes of inaccurate results when they are expired, faulty, or not designed for your specific meter. To prevent environmental damage, store your strips in their sealed container at room temperature and keep them away from moisture or humidity to protect their quality.
Clean hands and testing sites are just as important for glucose meter accuracy. Dirt, lotions, and even leftover alcohol from wipes can interfere with results. Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly and avoid using hand sanitizer right before testing.
Other factors like applying too little blood to the test strip or your body’s health condition can influence readings. Dehydration or low red blood cell counts can cause unusual results, so it’s always a good idea to double-check when numbers seem off.
Tips For Accurate Glucose Meter Readings
- Use undamaged, unexpired test strips stored in a sealed container
- Keep your meter and test strips protected at room temperature
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before testing
- Make sure test strips are fully inserted and replace batteries as needed
- Use a fingertip sample for the most accurate results
- Avoid adding extra drops of blood after the first sample
- Retest if you get unusual readings or if your blood sugar is changing quickly
How to Test Your Glucose Meter
Glucose meter accuracy is important for safe and effective diabetes testing. It’s a good idea to test your glucose meter after dropping it, or if you notice unusual readings. To test your glucose meter, use a glucose control solution or compare your readings to lab results.*
Glucose Control Solution
One easy way to check your blood glucose meter accuracy is by using a glucose control solution. This liquid has a set amount of glucose in it and allows you to make sure your meter and strips are providing the correct readings.
To use it, follow your usual glucose testing steps but apply the control solution instead of a blood sample. Then, simply compare your reading with the range printed on the solution bottle.
Use control solution every time you open a new bottle of test strips, and never use expired test strips, as they can provide inaccurate results. Each glucose meter company creates its own control solution formulated to work with its own meters. Be sure to buy the control solution that is compatible with your meter and test strips. Control solutions will have an expiration date on their box, so be sure to use it before this date.
Lab Comparison
Another way to check glucose meter accuracy is to compare your meter readings with lab results. Bring your meter to a healthcare appointment and test your blood sugar by using a fingerstick at the same time blood is drawn for lab testing. Readings need to be within 15-20% of the lab results to be considered accurate.**
When to Upgrade Your Glucose Meter
If your glucose meter is inconsistent or you get error messages often, it may be time to upgrade to a newer model. Modern glucose meters make testing easier, more accurate, and more cost-effective. An example of a great meter option is the Contour® Next EZ system with Sip-In® technology. It helps you get the right amount of blood for the glucose test strip on your first try. If you don’t apply enough blood initially, you can even add more to the same test strip, saving you time and money on wasted strips.
Newer devices like continuous glucose monitors can also make it easier to track and share your results. If your physician asked you to keep a detailed log of your blood sugar levels, systems like the Dexcom G7® are great. They record important details such as the time of day your sample was taken and whether you were tested before or after meals. This makes it easier to review patterns and adjust your treatment plan.
For those with vision impairment—a common side effect of diabetes—there are glucose meters designed to read results aloud and provide audio alerts for low batteries or error messages. These features make testing more accessible and help reduce the stress of managing blood sugar levels.
Advanced Diabetes Supply: Your Glucose Meter Source
At Advanced Diabetes Supply, we know that accurate glucose readings are essential for safe diabetes management. That’s why we’re here to provide support, guidance, and access to the latest testing technology. Whether you’re checking your blood sugar with a traditional glucose meter or exploring newer options like the Dexcom G7, our team is here to help you get accurate results every time.
Our caring team of experts can help you:
- Understand how to check your glucose meter’s accuracy with a control solution
- Compare options between glucose meters and continuous glucose monitors
- Find the most accurate glucose meters
- Review tips for getting consistent and reliable blood sugar readings
- Navigate insurance coverage and documentation for testing supplies
- Get set up with the right meter or CGM quickly and confidently
Ready to ensure accurate glucose meter results? Get started today and discover how precise glucose testing can simplify and improve your life with Advanced Diabetes Supply.
FAQs for Checking Glucose Meter Accuracy
What is the most accurate blood glucose meter?
The Contour® Next EZ glucose meter by Bayer is one of the most accurate options available. Its multi-pulse technology tests each sample seven times for precise results, while Sip-In® sampling helps you get the right amount of blood on the first try.
Do glucometers expire?
No, glucose meters don’t technically expire like test strips, but accuracy can decline over time.
How long do glucose meters last?
Most glucose meters last 10+ years, but replace yours if readings become inconsistent, errors are frequent, or the device has worn parts.
How do you check glucose meter accuracy?
You can check your glucose meter’s accuracy by using glucose control solution to compare results against the expected range printed on the test strip bottle. It’s also a good idea to bring your meter to your next doctor’s appointment and test your blood sugar there, comparing your meter’s reading with the lab result. If the numbers are consistently off, it may be time to replace your meter or test strips.
What is glucose control solution?
Glucose control solution is a liquid with a set amount of glucose, which allows you to test your blood glucose meter and test strips without using blood. It helps make sure your meter is providing accurate readings.
How do you use glucose control solution?
To use glucose control solution, follow your usual glucose testing steps but apply the control solution instead of a blood sample. Then, compare the result to the range printed on the solution bottle.
Can you use expired glucose test strips?
No, expired glucose test strips should never be used. Expired test strips can give inaccurate results. Always check the expiration date on the box or individual strips before testing.
How long are glucose test strips good for?
Follow your glucose meter manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for expiration dates. Keep them sealed in their container and store them at room temperature, away from moisture.
Footnotes
*American Diabetes Association. Using a Blood Glucose Meter.
**American Diabetes Association. Blood Glucose Meters Can Play an Important Role in Diabetes Care.