Difference in gluco checks

My first thought was to think something was funky about the glucometer!!! Those little things take such a brutal beating with high usage, drops on the floor, and all those in-between cleanings. I have to use them on the floor but whenever I get such disparate results, I get another meter. I just don't trust those little buggers!

Also, think about operator error - was the blood drop juicy enough? A skimpy sample can give a lower reading. Did the test strips match the bottle? Frequent BIG BIG error. Are your machine calibrated/checked as required? Most places do QA checks each shift. Do a test with the hi-lo reagents. You may need to change the strips and bottle chip and try again.

Two so different readings would not be enough for me to proceed with an intervention until I was ABSOTIVELY, POSOLUTELY :redlight: comfortable with the results.

Also, if you don't let the alcohol dry before doing the fingerstick, that can give a false high.

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

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

Interesting - I had not heard that before. I actually have a resident that only has a thumb and a pinky (the others have been amputated).

Interesting - I had not heard that before. I actually have a resident that only has a thumb and a pinky (the others have been amputated).

I've been a nurse TOO long , I found that funny.

I've been a nurse TOO long , I found that funny.

Omg me too! I've done forearms for this reason.

I use the thumb all the time. Toes sometimes, too. I'm still always in the pts normal range.

"Milking" the finger after the stick can result in interstitial fluid being mixed with blood and causing abnormal glucometer readings as well. Make sure you're getting good circulation prior to a finger stick.

I didn't "milk" the finger after. Alcohol was dry. Glucometer is checked q day. They were fingers I normally use.

I still think there must have been something on her finger. *shrug*

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.