COMPARING METER AND LABORATORY RESULTS

The blood glucose test result you obtain from your meter may be different from your laboratory result due to normal variation; however, the two results should be within 20% of each other.5 To make an accurate comparison between meter and laboratory results, follow these guidelines.

Before you go to the lab:

■Make sure your meter is clean.

■Perform check strip and control solution tests to make sure the meter is working properly.

■Comparisons will be more accurate if you have not eaten for at least four hours (and preferably eight hours) prior to doing the comparative tests.

■Take your meter with you to the lab.

While at the lab:

■Make sure that both tests are done within 15 minutes of each other.

■Wash your hands before obtaining a blood sample.

■Never use your meter with blood that has been placed in a gray-top test tube.

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Lifescan Basic Blood Glucose Monitoring System Comparing Meter and Laboratory Results, Take your meter with you to the lab