Hi everyone,

I have read several threads about people taking their meters to the pharmacy to have them tested for accuracy. So, I dropped by my pharmacy and she didn't know what I was talking about..... So..... I will ask you guys...what IS it? Is it something different than the standard testing solution they send with the strips? I have never thought my meter seemed off, but it seemed like a good thing to have checked occasionally.

thanks
jamie

I was wondering about this too!

You can take yours with you to your doctors and test side by side with their machine to see if they are close, or when you get your HBA1C you will have an idea. When I was having problems with mine the pharmacy suggested I take it to the hospital, but they suggested the fake blood or waiting for my hba1c and checking it against that.

They do make a fake blood product (I can't remember the name) which you can buy at the pharmacy (my machine came with some). It will tell you on the bottle the range you should get from your meter. If you have some be sure and check the expiration date on it and also on your strips, that makes a big difference.

Another thing to help is to make sure you calibrate it with each new set of test strips you purchase. If you are having real different readings you may also want to change the batteries in your machine.

If you need to replace your meter you may talk to your doctor, drug reps leave them meters all the time, they come with only 5 strips, but it would be a new one if your doctor has them -- and it should be free as the drug reps leave them like they do samples. You only have to purchase the strips for them.

Hope this helps some.

At one time I wondered if my readings were correct and tried to get the testing fluid at the drug store. They didn't have any so I called the 800 number for my meter (Accu-check) and they sent, at no charge, testing fluid AND a free box of test strips. Even with the testing fluid, you won't know anything exact as the readings are based on a range rather than a specific number.