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glucometer (OneTouch, FastTake, Lifestyle, InDuo, Lifescan, Accu-Check Accu-Check Advantage, FreeStyle, AtLast, InCharge, Prestige, Elite, DEX, Sof-Tact, SideKick)

Procedure: 1) sticking the side of the thumb produces the least pain 2) sticking the earlobe also produces little pain Caution: - OneTouch, FastTake, Lifestyle* & InDuo Meters display glucose values in mg/dL as default, but also display in mmol/L - the user should check the units of measure * Some Lifescan meters (older ones) change units of measure when the date & time is changed or the meter loses power. [5] Notes: Consumer reports ratings (2001) [2] 1) top rated -> Accu-Check Advantage, One Touch Ultra, FreeStyle 2) lowest rated -> AtLast, InCharge, older Prestige Accu-Check Active, FreeStyle, Glucometer Elite and DEX, One Touch Ultra, Induo, Sof-Tact, & Prestige allow blood samples from arm or thigh. Alternate site testing may be less painful & more convenient. Fingertip sampling is preferred, due to considerations of blood flow & uptake of glucose by muscle & fat, especially with 2 hours of meals, insulin or exercise. SideKick is disposable [6]. - Built into lid of test strip vial. Test on finger, forearm. after using all 50 test strips, dispose, cost $35 (2005) See lancet Selection of glucometer: 1) personal preference on specific features 2) time to test a) meters range from 5-50 seconds b) fastests meters include: -> Accu-Check Active, BD Logic, FreeStyle Flash OneTouch InDuo, Ultra, UltraSmart 3) amount of blood -> BD Logic & FreeStyle meters require only 0.3 mL of blood 4) dexterity -> Accu-Chek Compact, AScensia Breeze & Ascensia Dex use a test strip cartridge with multiple strips 5) alternate site testing 6) voice prompts a) Accu-Chek Voicemate b) voice boxes plug into OneTouch Profile or SureStep 7) plasma vs whole blood values a) most meters calibrated to give plasma readings b) a few meters give whole blood readings only -> Assure, OneTouch Basic, Profile c) whole blood readings are 10-15% below plasma readings 8) Most meters keep a log of test results, allowing download of log to computer [6]

Related

capillary blood glucose (sugar) lancet for glucometer

General

glucose monitor

References

  1. Journal Watch 20(16):131-132, 2000
  2. Prescriber's Letter 8(11):63 2001
  3. Prescriber's Letter 9(7):41 2002
  4. Blood Glucose Meters Prescriber's Letter 11(6):34 2004 Detail-Document#: 200611 (subscription needed) http://www.prescribersletter.com
  5. Prescriber's Letter 12(7): 2005 Safety Alert: LifeScan, Inc. Announces Worldwide Correction Concerning Certain Blood Glucose Meters Detail-Document#: 210708 (subscription needed) http://www.prescribersletter.com
  6. Prescriber's Letter 18(9): 2011 Blood Glucose Meters Detail-Document#: 270911 (subscription needed) http://www.prescribersletter.com