How do I Adjust Glucose Meters to Read Strips According to the Numbers?

Calibrate a blood glucose meter to properly read test strips.

Having type 1 or type 2 diabetes means having to monitor blood glucose levels throughout the day using a blood glucose meter. A small, electronic device, a glucose meter measures the levels of glucose in a blood sample on a test strip, usually taken from the finger. For accurate results from the blood glucose meter when testing, you must adjust (or calibrate) it in order for the meter to read the test strips used with it. Do this by programming the test strip code number listed on the vial into the meter, also called coding.

Things You'll Need

• Blood glucose meter
• Test strip vial
• Test strips

Instructions

Calibrating a Blood Glucose Meter

1. 

   Some meters do not require coding.

   Determine if your blood glucose meter needs calibration. Some meters automatically calibrate without manual adjustment. Meters that use 10-strip disks automatically calibrate when you insert a new disk. Blood glucose meters that use one test strip at a time and have a number code on the vial need manual coding.

2. Find the number code on the test strip vial. Locate it printed in large numbers on the side of the vial, usually two to four digits. The meter needs to match this number when calibrated or coded to read the test strips accurately.

3. Check for a code chip included in the vial of test strips. If included, remove the old code chip and insert the new one into the corresponding port on the blood glucose meter prior to inserting the first test strip. Ensure the number printed on the code chip matches that on the vial. Leave the code chip inserted into the meter. Insert the test strip to turn on the meter, which should now display the correct code on the screen.

4. Insert a test strip into the meter to turn it on (if no coding chip included). Program the number that appears on the screen to match that on the vial if it does not already. For new meters, two dashes appear instead of a number. Simply program the vial number into the meter according to the specific directions for your device.

5. Use the meter to test your blood glucose with the test strips contained in the vial coded to match the meter. When starting a new vial of test strips, recalibrate the meter using the steps above. Do this for each new vial used with the meter to ensure accurate results.

Tips & Warnings

• Some meters use a calibrator strip instead of a code chip to automatically calibrate the meter, included in the test strip vial.

• Use only test strips compatible with your blood glucose meter.

• Check the expiration date on the strips before use and discard expired test strips.

• Recalibrate the meter after changing the battery for it.

• Most blood glucose meters for pets need calibration and similar steps apply.

• Improperly coded blood glucose meters can affect the reading by up to 43 percent according to the American Diabetes Association, so calibrate your meter for accurate results.

• Some meters that automatically code still recommend you make sure the code number on your meter display matches the one on the test-strip box, says the American Diabetes Association.

References

• American Diabetes Association: Blood Glucose Monitoring and Data Management Systems
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Glucose Testing Devices
• American Diabetes Association: Blood Glucose Meters

Resources

• American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Basics: Common Terms