Purpose of test codes on test strips?

[gnstriker]

Are the codes just so people don't counterfeit them? I know they say that accuracy will be off if you don't change em ... but I've put in one test strip with code (example) 15 and then another with code 24, while the meter was set to 11 ... and they both gave similiar readings .. within about 5 mg/dl. So ... what's the purpose?

[rzrbks]

imHo, it's a legal issue for the strip makers.

I almost never calibrate my strips, I just change the # in the meter to match the strip and all goes well.

To me, the proof is in the pudding, using the meter the way I have, my average A1c has been 5.5. Since it works, I aresn't("Yankee" pronunciation of "Ain't") going to change things and mess up what works.

[JungleJim]

That's another thing I forgot I liked about the Dex/Breeze, they code themselves. If only they didn't require a drop of blood the size of a pizza.

[JediSkipdogg]

Coding is a touchy issue. The reason is because of inacuracies in strip making. If all strips were made 100% the same there would be no need for coding.

When the manufacturer produces a batch of strips, they remove some to do quality control and coding tests on. The tests are using a precise solution that will measure the same with that batch each time. That measurement will be off a set amount from what the strip should truely read. That is then marked on the strip as that code for that batch.

Basically, it's like giving the numbers 1-20 to a pH scale and then testing different kinds of milk to find out which is which level.

The problem is, I think the differences in each coding are so little that the 20% error rate for a meter can make more of a difference. I don't really know on that though. I just always make sure I check my code on a new bottle and generally when I get them from the insurance I get the same code for a year or so, meaning I don't have to change that often.