Several things can affect the accuracy of blood glucose readings. First, let me give a little background. The way most glucometers (glucose meters) out there work is that the little strip on which you put your blood droplet has a chemical on it (reagent) which reacts with the glucose in your blood. The reaction causes an electrical current, and this current is what your meter reads to determine your blood glucose level. More glucose equals higher current equals higher reading on the meter. Your glucometer is essentially an ammeter.
There are two popular reagents used nowadays – Glucose Oxidase and Glucose Dehydrogenase. Each can be affected by various things.
The popular glucose oxidase (GO) meter systems are OneTouch Ultra, Prodigy Voice, Advocate Redi-code, Prodigy Autocode, Glucolab, and more. Meters using glucose oxidase may have inaccurate readings due to the use of certain medications; specifically, aspirin, acetominophen (Tylenol), and Dopamine. Glucose oxidase strips also are less senstive to breakdown due to storage at high temperatures – they are more stable. However, GO measurements ARE affected by the amount of dissolved oxygen in the samples, so they may be more sensitive to high altitudes or with critical-care patients who may have low blood oxygen levels.
The popular glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) – Abbott Freestyle meters, Roche Accu-Chek meters, Medisense Optium meters. The accuracy of some GDH meters has been shown to be adversely affected (higher readings than actual) by treatments used for peritoneal dialysis patients (for kidney failure). The treatments in question are those using icodextrin (Extraneal), or those using drugs containing maltose (Octagam), galactose, or xylose.
So, what to do? If you regularly use aspirin, Tylenol, or dopamine, use a glucose-dehydrogenase-based meter such as Accu-chek or Freestyle. If you are on kidney dialysis, use a glocose oxidase meter such as Advocate Redi-code.
Also, make sure you are not using an iodine based method for cleaning your test site, as it is known to affect GO readings.
Western Diabetic Supplies (http://www.westerndiabetic.com) carries a full line of both GO and GDH meters and can help ensure you are getting the most accurate readings possible. Call (877) 937-8342.
