Purpose: The precision and accuracy of two blood glucose meters were evaluated using finger and forearm blood samples.
Methods: Duplicate blood glucose measurements on the same forearm and finger as venipuncture were performed with the FreeStyle Flash and the One Touch Ultra. Accuracy was assessed by error-grid analysis and the number of values within 10% of the laboratory reference value. Precision was determined by calculating the absolute mean percent differences in glucose values between the first and second fingers and forearm test results. Forearm testing success was defined as an accurate glucose reading obtained with one lance.
Results: A total of 100 patients completed the study; 93% had diabetes and 53% were female. Patients' mean +/- S.D. age was 63 +/- 12 years, and glucose measurements ranged from 69 to 354 mg/dL. All finger-stick samples fell within error-grid zones A and B; 72% and 57% of FreeStyle Flash and One Touch Ultra values fell within 10% of the laboratory reference values, respectively (p = 0.027). Forearm samples were successfully obtained in 99 and 74 patients using the FreeStyle Flash and One Touch Ultra (p < 0.001), with 64 and 36 samples, respectively, falling within 10% of the laboratory reference values (p = 0.035). There was no difference in meter precision.
Conclusion: The FreeStyle Flash and the One Touch Ultra are precise glucose meters; however, the FreeStyle Flash was associated with greater accuracy. Success rates of forearm glucose sampling were significantly greater when the FreeStyle Flash meter was used.