How inaccurate could my meter be?

[cowgirl_k]

My mom is in the hospital and they tested her blood with a fancy 'hospital' meter. The result was 140 and I immediately tested the next drop of blood out of her finger with my meter (Accu chek compact) and got 115. A really big difference. Should I be alarmed? I tested with the control solution and the result was within range.

[dina1957]

Take 2 back to back reading using your meter from different spots, they should be within 5 points of each other.
The diference between lab test and the meter in normal, and my case is always about 15-20 points higher (the lab). All meter are calibrated to +/-20% accuracy.

[Lisa N]

I suspect that the difference resulted from one meeter testing whole blood glucose and one testing plasma glucose.
Glucose levels in plasma (which is what hospitals usually use) are generally 10-15% higher than those in whole blood (which is what most home meeters check). This can also help explain why you may have a low average on your meeter that you use at home and have the lab give you an A1C reading that seems higher than your average. :idea:
Some meeters will give a 'plasma equivalent' (which is likely what the hospital was using) and while I've never priced them I suspect that they are fairly expensive.

[cowgirl_k]

I will be going to the endocrinologist for the first time on Tuesday. I am hoping to test my meter again there. I am considering asking the endo if I can go on insulin because I just can't eat any significant carbs lately. My mom has been gravely ill and I think the stress has just made my problem worse. I am having the DP now - which I never had before. What should I ask the endocrinologist? How responsive would an endocrinologist likely be to someone who wants to tightly control her blood sugar?