Bayer Contour Glucose Meter
Henry8 posted:
I relies this post is quite long. I put in extra information so responders who feel they need to 'help' would just pass by. Please let me know if you have a constructive comment.
A couple of weeks ago, I had a severe blood sugar crash. In fact, my level was so low it would not register on my meter. According to the meters FAQs that would be below 20. I finally checked my level on both brands of meters I own. The Bayer Contour continued to report LO. The meter I've used for years, a One Touch reported 103. Due to my foggy mentation I decided to treat with a result half way between the two.
Once I recovered, I decided it was time to find out which one was more accurate. I tested my two One Touch meters and the Bayer Contour with the approved solutions. All three were within the posted range. Once again I checked my level from the same site, at the same time. The Contour was 63 points lower than the One Touch. I could either be heading for a major crash again or have a perfectly normal level.
I contacted my doctor's office and we decided to have a random level drawn at the local hospital and do a meter check at the same time. When i arrived at the lab, i did a finger stick and tested all three meters. After the lab drew the sample they would use, i once again did a finger stick and tested on the three meters. Little time passed between each of these.
The results of the test showed that both of my One Touch meters were within 10 points of the lab's results. On the other hand the contour was 92 points lower.
A call to the Bayer support began with the standard lecture regarding the difference between meters and I should expect a different result from them. After getting across to the support person the huge gap, the next spiel was about testing technique and accuracy of lab draws, and then I had to jump through hoops to "check the electronics" and then using the testing solution.
Twenty some minutes later it was decided that the meter needed to be replaced. At this time I was put ON HOLD, so the support person could "make arrangements". About eight minutes of that cured me of phone usage and I disconnected figuring I'd never hear from them. It was nice to be wrong.
A week later a new meter arrived from Bayer. I unpacked it, used the testing solution and then set up to do a finger stick. Once again I used the One Touch as a back up. Testing both meters from the same sample gave widely different results, again. This time the contour was 104 points lower. So, was my blood sugar low (Contour) or was it high (One Touch)? Do I eat or do I dose? How do I chose? Are others having the same issues? Are others just blindly accepting the results?
A couple of weeks ago, I had a severe blood sugar crash. In fact, my level was so low it would not register on my meter. According to the meters FAQs that would be below 20. I finally checked my level on both brands of meters I own. The Bayer Contour continued to report LO. The meter I've used for years, a One Touch reported 103. Due to my foggy mentation I decided to treat with a result half way between the two.
Once I recovered, I decided it was time to find out which one was more accurate. I tested my two One Touch meters and the Bayer Contour with the approved solutions. All three were within the posted range. Once again I checked my level from the same site, at the same time. The Contour was 63 points lower than the One Touch. I could either be heading for a major crash again or have a perfectly normal level.
I contacted my doctor's office and we decided to have a random level drawn at the local hospital and do a meter check at the same time. When i arrived at the lab, i did a finger stick and tested all three meters. After the lab drew the sample they would use, i once again did a finger stick and tested on the three meters. Little time passed between each of these.
The results of the test showed that both of my One Touch meters were within 10 points of the lab's results. On the other hand the contour was 92 points lower.
A call to the Bayer support began with the standard lecture regarding the difference between meters and I should expect a different result from them. After getting across to the support person the huge gap, the next spiel was about testing technique and accuracy of lab draws, and then I had to jump through hoops to "check the electronics" and then using the testing solution.
Twenty some minutes later it was decided that the meter needed to be replaced. At this time I was put ON HOLD, so the support person could "make arrangements". About eight minutes of that cured me of phone usage and I disconnected figuring I'd never hear from them. It was nice to be wrong.
A week later a new meter arrived from Bayer. I unpacked it, used the testing solution and then set up to do a finger stick. Once again I used the One Touch as a back up. Testing both meters from the same sample gave widely different results, again. This time the contour was 104 points lower. So, was my blood sugar low (Contour) or was it high (One Touch)? Do I eat or do I dose? How do I chose? Are others having the same issues? Are others just blindly accepting the results?
2 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Bayer Contour Glucose MeterI relies this post is quite long. I put in extra information so responders who feel they need to 'help' would just pass by. Please let me know if you have a constructive comment. <br><br>A couple of weeks ago, I had a severe blood sugar crash. In fact, my level was so low it would not register on my meter. According to the meters FAQs that would be below 20. I finally checked my level on both brands of meters I own. The Bayer Contour continued to report LO. The meter I've used for years, a One Touch reported 103. Due to my foggy mentation I decided to treat with a result half way between the two. <br><br>Once I recovered, I decided it was time to find out which one was more accurate. I tested my two One Touch meters and the Bayer Contour with the approved solutions. All three were within the posted range. Once again I checked my level from the same site, at the same time. The Contour was 63 points lower than the One Touch. I could either be heading for a major crash again or have a perfectly normal level. <br><br>I contacted my doctor's office and we decided to have a random level drawn at the local hospital and do a meter check at the same time. When i arrived at the lab, i did a finger stick and tested all three meters. After the lab drew the sample they would use, i once again did a finger stick and tested on the three meters. Little time passed between each of these. <br><br>The results of the test showed that both of my One Touch meters were within 10 points of the lab's results. On the other hand the contour was 92 points lower. <br><br>A call to the Bayer support began with the standard lecture regarding the difference between meters and I should expect a different result from them. After getting across to the support person the huge gap, the next spiel was about testing technique and accuracy of lab draws, and then I had to jump through hoops to "check the electronics" and then using the testing solution. <br><br>Twenty some minutes later it was decided that the meter needed to be replaced. At this time I was put ON HOLD, so the support person could "make arrangements". About eight minutes of that cured me of phone usage and I disconnected figuring I'd never hear from them. It was nice to be wrong. <br><br>A week later a new meter arrived from Bayer. I unpacked it, used the testing solution and then set up to do a finger stick. Once again I used the One Touch as a back up. Testing both meters from the same sample gave widely different results, again. This time the contour was 104 points lower. So, was my blood sugar low (Contour) or was it high (One Touch)? Do I eat or do I dose? How do I chose? Are others having the same issues? Are others just blindly accepting the results?
MrsCora01 responded:
You should stick with the meters you know are accurate from the lab result. I don't use control solution, I only ever take my machine to the lab and check it there. I know that my Freestyle Lite is always within 4% of the lab value (it runs ever so slightly high).
Do you have to stick with the Bayer? I would use the One Touch since it seems to be more accurate. Make sure you always take your meter to the lab as they can deteriorate as they get older.
I've never had a problem getting a replacement meter when mine craps out. I make sure, though, that I don't give them too much info. I only tell them I compared it to the lab (not to other meters). It doesn't leave them any way to argue.
Cora
Do you have to stick with the Bayer? I would use the One Touch since it seems to be more accurate. Make sure you always take your meter to the lab as they can deteriorate as they get older.
I've never had a problem getting a replacement meter when mine craps out. I make sure, though, that I don't give them too much info. I only tell them I compared it to the lab (not to other meters). It doesn't leave them any way to argue.
Cora
T1 1966, Dialysis 2001, kidney transplant and pump 2002, pancreas transplant 2008
Report This| Share this:Bayer Contour Glucose MeterYou should stick with the meters you know are accurate from the lab result. I don't use control solution, I only ever take my machine to the lab and check it there. I know that my Freestyle Lite is always within 4% of the lab value (it runs ever so slightly high). <br /><br />Do you have to stick with the Bayer? I would use the One Touch since it seems to be more accurate. Make sure you always take your meter to the lab as they can deteriorate as they get older. <br /><br />I've never had a problem getting a replacement meter when mine craps out. I make sure, though, that I don't give them too much info. I only tell them I compared it to the lab (not to other meters). It doesn't leave them any way to argue.<br /><br />Cora
Debsbears responded:
Hi I used the Bayer Contour (of course updated versions) for more than 15 yrs. I began to notice a huge point range. Would call, they'd say you need a new meter. Right - just got one - because of all the problems. It was suggested I get the Freestyle Lite by my Dr.
I went to the lab with it and it is only 4 points off like MrsCora said. Best investment I made, been using it a year now. I have to test 3 times a day because some of my other meds cause me to go low.
When I was starting to have my lows - I also took out my Contour meter and Freestyle and tested 1 min apart and the Contour was reading 130 vs 53 on the Freestyle. So my Contour was always running high. Have thrown out my Contour and only use my Freestyle. I know my new meter is accurate because my A1c of 5.1% which reflects my lows.
It is a good thing to have it tested by the lab and go with the one that is within a few points of the vein draw. If you can get away from the Contour I would suggest it due to personal experiences.
I went to the lab with it and it is only 4 points off like MrsCora said. Best investment I made, been using it a year now. I have to test 3 times a day because some of my other meds cause me to go low.
When I was starting to have my lows - I also took out my Contour meter and Freestyle and tested 1 min apart and the Contour was reading 130 vs 53 on the Freestyle. So my Contour was always running high. Have thrown out my Contour and only use my Freestyle. I know my new meter is accurate because my A1c of 5.1% which reflects my lows.
It is a good thing to have it tested by the lab and go with the one that is within a few points of the vein draw. If you can get away from the Contour I would suggest it due to personal experiences.
I shall wait upon the Lord and renew my strength.
Come follow my life's journey at:
www.mybearyspecial.blogspot.com
Come follow my life's journey at:
www.mybearyspecial.blogspot.com
Report This| Share this:Bayer Contour Glucose MeterHi I used the Bayer Contour (of course updated versions) for more than 15 yrs. I began to notice a huge point range. Would call, they'd say you need a new meter. Right - just got one - because of all the problems. It was suggested I get the Freestyle Lite by my Dr.<br /> <br />I went to the lab with it and it is only 4 points off like MrsCora said. Best investment I made, been using it a year now. I have to test 3 times a day because some of my other meds cause me to go low.<br /> <br />When I was starting to have my lows - I also took out my Contour meter and Freestyle and tested 1 min apart and the Contour was reading 130 vs 53 on the Freestyle. So my Contour was always running high. Have thrown out my Contour and only use my Freestyle. I know my new meter is accurate because my A1c of 5.1% which reflects my lows. <br /> <br />It is a good thing to have it tested by the lab and go with the one that is within a few points of the vein draw. If you can get away from the Contour I would suggest it due to personal experiences.
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