How to confirm accuracy test strips

Even though the manufacturers strive to be as accurate as possible, there is always a margin of error. According to the Food and Drug Administration Department regulations for all blood glucose test glucometer:

For result at or above 75 mg/dl (4.2 mmol/l), 95% of the meter test outcomes must be within ±20% of the actual blood glucose level. For example, if your meter reads 100, your actual glucose level can actually be anywhere between 80 to 120.

glucose test strip container 

For results below 75 mg/dl: 95% of the test results must be within plus or minus 15 points of the actual blood glucose level. So a reading of 70 only gives an indication that your actual glucose level is anywhere between 55 to 85.

This is the unfortunate trade-off for having equipment that is both small and easy to use. Given that there is a margin of error, almost all glucometers are close to being equally accurate. In addition, there are other factors that may play a role in the accuracy of test strips:

Sellers’ method of storing the test strips may contribute to the accuracy of the strips. As explained earlier, humidity and temperature will affect how well the enzymes in the test strip work. If they keep the test strips in a hot warehouse, no wonder you will hear reviewers complaining that the readings are very inaccurate.

How consumers use and store their test strips will affect the accuracy of the test strips. Improper storage and use, rough handling of the test strips, and expired test strips are some of the most common sources of error in-home blood glucose monitoring. Another common mistake is to use one brand of test strips on a different brand glucometer.