What types of glucose monitoring systems are available?

Electrochemical measurement

The state of the art glucose measurement is the electrochemical measurement. The glucose reaction is linked with a biochemical reaction which leads to an electric signal. This current can be measured and corresponds with an exact blood glucose value. Modern devices (such as the Wellion glucose meters) use the electrochemical measurement method, which requires only a small amount of blood, can take readings quickly and is less prone to error.

Meters from former generations had to be coded by inserting a chip or by entering a special combination of numbers when opening a new vial of glucose test strips. Most of the recent meters are now based on the new No Code technology for glucose measurement.

The glucose range that can be measured is usually between 20 and 600 mg/dl (1.1 – 33.3 mmol/l).

Calibration

Blood glucose meters are factory-calibrated on whole blood or plasma (please refer to the Instructions for Use of your meter). The absolute majority of meters today available are plasma referenced.

NOTE: Plasma referenced meters show 10 – 15% higher values! Do not use measuring devices from different manufacturers at the same time, as the readings may differ significantly.