Checking controls

[mimianvy]

Just a question...

How often do everyone check the control for their Monitor? I probably don't do it like suggested...I confess, I only do it when I open the new container of strips. I really haven't notice any fluctuation with my BG and if I do, than I will re-calibrate.

But I'm wondering if I should do this more often?:confused:

mimi

[Keezheekoni]

I do it every time someone brings up a thread like this...so not often. :T

You're supposed to check the control with every new tube of strips. You're also supposed to do it if you're getting results that don't mesh with your normals... That's about the only other time I do a control, if something seems wrong.

[princesslinda]

I'm embarrassed to say i've NEVER check the control. :o

[lilituc]

Just a question...

How often do everyone check the control for their Monitor? I probably don't do it like suggested...I confess, I only do it when I open the new container of strips. I really haven't notice any fluctuation with my BG and if I do, than I will re-calibrate.

But I'm wondering if I should do this more often?:confused:

mimi

Using the control solution does not calibrate the meter; it just tells you whether it's operating within normal limits.

[palefacegirl03]

I throw away more almost full bottles of control solution, than I do control tests. They expire before I ever finish the bottles.

[schmooot]

Using the control solution does not calibrate the meter; it just tells you whether it's operating within normal limits.

so how do you calibrate the meter?

I just took 4 separate readings with the control solution and the variation was quite large. I think I might go and buy a whack of strips to day and just get a new meter.

[Tattoo azz]

I would advise getting in contact with the manufacturer if you think your meter needs calibrating.

[schmooot]

or I could use the coupon I just clicpped for a free meter if I buy 100 strips......less work

[Scrabblechick]

I use the control solution for every new box of strips, or if I think my meter is giving oinky results.

I'm using my Aviva right now, since I've got 300 strips for it, but I may change to my Ultra2 after I use the strips. I'm not very happy with the results the Aviva is giving me. They were significantly higher than my old True Track, and I don't think it's giving me an accurate reading even when I'm feeling the T2 version of "low." Maybe the Ultra 2 will hit a happy medium. LOL.

[fgummett]

I feel that modern glucometers are pretty good and dependable but prone to errors resulting from the user e.g. too small a blood sample, over-milking the finger, fingers contaminated with food etc... However, there certainly seem to be many folks with D successfully managing their BS based on what their chosen meter is telling them. At the same time I read that most are only accurate to within 15-20%. I also read that there is no FDA standard for accuracy. Looking at the strips I use for the Contour in front of me, they state the control solution should give a reading between 106-146 mg/dl (5.9-8.2 mmol/l)... and that is from a known control solution :eek: For someone injecting insulin based on these readings that should be scary, but as I said above folks seem to be working OK with this level of accuracy. I trust my meter so long as I am careful with the way I use it... that often means having to stick another finger if I did not get a decent blood sample from the first... it also tends to match how I feel if high (clouded brains), or low (headache etc...) plus I take it along whenever I go for BS at the lab, to compare results... that is the only "control" I do :)