Difference in gluco checks

[laderalis]

First gluco check was done on left hand index finger, 314. VERY high for resident. After joking with her that I would do a recheck on her right pinkie finger because maybe it would be lower (because the finger is smaller), 145. normal for resident.

Why such a difference?

I used the same type of test strips, same glucometer, same type alcohol swabs.

Only thing I can think of is maybe I didn't clean her finger off good enough and there was some food or something left over that was picked up in the high reading.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

As a diabetic I would not use my toes or any one else's for glucose monitoring. Too much risk for circulation problems that may result in foot infection. Home meters allow for palm and forearm use. I have used hospital meter when testing earlobe (both hands and feet were covered in bandages due to body burn). Always retest when not sure of the result and do check the meter for any needed maintenance or uploading.

PS don't forget to clean meter between patients.

[CDEWannaBe]

I dont trust the machines either. I was taught to never use the thumb or pinky because they give abnormally high and low values.

Sorry, but that's just not true. I'm a type 1 who's used glucose meters since they first became available for home use in the early 1980. One finger is as good as another.

The FDA requires meters to give results +/- 20%. Some meters are statistically better than others at meeting even that low requirement. In my experience One Touch meters are the most accurate.