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Glucometer Or Lab Test
Glucometer Or Lab Test

Accuracy Test-Glucometer Or Lab Test? Who wins?

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Managing diabetes is essential to remain healthy. For this, one needs to undergo frequent tests to monitor the blood sugar levels. Thus, it is necessary to opt for a method that provides accurate results. While monitoring blood sugar levels, the contest is often between glucometers vs lab tests.

Often, people find it confusing to figure out the accurate way of checking their blood sugar levels. However, this guide will give you all the details of results from glucometer vs lab tests and tell you who the winner is.

Glucometers Explained

Glucometers are portable and used by diabetics to check their blood sugar levels. You only have to prick the fingertip skin with a lancet to get the blood. Then, you can place the blood drop on the test strip and wait for the blood glucose levels to be displayed on the screen. These gadgets are widely used to test glucose levels at home. However, the question is whether these glucometers are accurate.

Different aspects can influence glucometer readings. It is through regular calibration that glucometers remain true throughout their use period. A poorly-calibrated device will not give correct results. Incorrect utilization like failure to clean the finger correctly or expired test strips may result in wrong readings too.

Temperature and humidity can hinder the reliable performance of glucometers. Despite such fluctuations, modern electrochemical glucometers typically provide an accuracy level within the 15-20% range compared to actual laboratory values, which generally suits day-to-day diabetic self-care purposes well enough.

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Laboratory Tests Explained

When a blood sample is tested in the laboratory to measure the blood glucose level, it is called a lab test. Blood is usually taken from the vein here. These are considered more accurate than glucometers. As the test is done under controlled conditions, there are no external factors affecting the reading.

However, you need a trained technician to conduct these tests. Moreover, the accuracy of the results also depends on the equipment’s quality.

Which is better for accuracy, the Glucometer vs the Lab Test?

To know the accurate choice between glucometers vs lab tests, consider the following factors. 

1. Precision

Lab tests have highly calibrated machinery, thus producing precise and consistent results. However, glucometers can give different results for various reasons mentioned previously.

2. Frequency of Use

Glucometers are meant for frequent use so that immediate feedback is available to facilitate daily life. On the other hand, lab tests are usually done at regular intervals to have a general picture of diabetes management.

3. Practicability

Glucometers offer a practical method of home monitoring, which is important in real-time diabetic care. However, lab tests cannot be used daily because they are expensive, time-consuming, and require professional handling, although they give accurate results.

Although glucometers can give you a daily report of your diabetes, it is not as precise as laboratory tests. Combining both methods provides the best approach.

Conclusion

Regular lab tests provide a detailed and accurate assessment of long-term blood glucose control. For example, the A1C test gives an average reading over the last two or three months, thereby offering a wider perspective on how effective one’s diabetic management has been.

While glucometers are good for everyday use, lab tests serve as the best choice for managing diabetes accurately. They provide detailed information about long-term health management and treatment adjustment as well as an extended view of blood glucose level readings. If the results of your glucometers are 15% closer to the lab reports, you can consider that your glucometer is accurate. This way, your dilemma of glucometer vs lab test can be resolved.

By incorporating laboratory examinations from time to time in your diabetes care routine, you will have a better understanding of your condition, thereby making more precise decisions.

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