Getting ready to hometest? Need to know which meter is the best fit for you and your
kitty? This is the document for
you! Ellen and Kismet have tried
the 3 most common glucometers recommended for sugarcats and share their
experiences here. If you’re not
sure about hometesting yet, read the FDMB
FAQ, Ellen and Kis’ From
Practice to Purrfection and Gorb’s hometesting
primer. Make sure to visit
Ellen and Kis’s site for this
doc and more!
click
here to download this document as a .pdf (adobe acrobat) file
There
are 3 models of glucometers that are generally recommended for hometesting.
Each has it's own unique characteristics, but in my opinion, all three are good
choices because they are reasonably accurate in the higher blood glucose ranges
commonly associated with feline diabetes and they use "sipping" test
strips. Kis and I have used all three at some point and have found that
each has it's own set of pros and cons. Below is a list of what I have
noticed regarding each model.
Bayer
Ascencia/Glucometer Elite
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PROs
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CONs
|
1)
Fairly accurate in the higher blood glucose ranges (see side-by-side tests
here)
|
1)
Gives a falsely low reading on an incompletely-filled test strip,
however the strip is in full view as you "sip" up the sample,
making it easy to see when it is filled completely (see pics here)
|
2)
Uses "sipping" test strips (capillary action built right into
the strip)
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2)
Takes 30 seconds to determine the test result (not a big issue for most,
but it is much slower than the One Touch Ultra and thus worth mentioning).
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3)
Test strips sip VERY quickly compared to some brands
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3)
The glucometer kit comes with a lancet device that is difficult to use
with cats (awkward to hold for some)
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4)
Test strip only requires a small sample of blood - about 2 microliters
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5)
Test strips available at a reasonable price (see www.hocks.com)
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6)
Bayer Customer Service is top notch
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PROs
|
CONs
|
1)
Meter is fairly accurate in the higher blood glucose ranges (see
side-by-side tests here)
|
1)
Requires slightly more blood than the Elite/XL or One Touch Ultra for a
reading - around 3 microliters (however, it is still a very small amount)
|
2)
Uses "Comfort Curve" Test strips which "sip" up a
sample (capillary action)
|
2)
Test strips are inserted in the bottom of the meter, requiring you to
invert the meter for "sipping" the sample and then turn it
upright to read the display, (not an issue for most but a noticeable
difference compared to the top loading meters like Elite/XL and One Touch
Ultra)
|
3)
Warns you of an "incomplete fill" and gives you a second chance
to add more blood before providing a reading.
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4)
Test strips can be found at a reasonable price (see www.hocks.com)
|
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5)
The Glucometer Kit comes with "pen-style" lancet device that is
good for hometesting cats
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One
Touch Ultra
|
|
PROs
|
CONs
|
1)
Fairly accurate in the higher blood glucose ranges (see side-by-side tests
here)
|
1)
Strips are generally more expensive compared to the two other meter
(haven’t found them for less than ~ $30.00 for 50 strips
|
2)
Uses "sipping" test strips (capillary action built right into
the strip)
|
|
3)
Will not give a falsely low reading on an incomplete fill
|
|
4)
Requires the smallest amount of blood of the three meters - around 1
microliter
|
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5)
Has all the test strip codes stored in memory - no need to keep up with
"coding strips" or "coding modules"
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6)
Fastest meter of the three on providing results - about 5 seconds
|
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7)
Glucometer kit comes with "pen-style" lancet device that is easy
to use for homesting cats
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