Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

What is the MOST likely cause of inaccurate results from self-monitoring of blood glucose in a patient whose results vary widely from their A1C?

1. Improper calibration

2. Improper storage of strips

3. Expired strips

4. Inaccurate meter

The correct answer is: Improper storage of strips

The most likely cause of inaccurate results from self-monitoring of blood glucose, especially when results vary widely from the A1C, is related to improper storage of the test strips. Blood glucose test strips are sensitive to environmental conditions, such as humidity and temperature. If they are not stored according to the manufacturer's instructions, such as in a cool, dry place, their chemical components can degrade over time, leading to inaccurate readings when testing blood glucose levels. Inaccuracies in self-monitoring can significantly impact diabetes management because these readings are used to make critical decisions about medication, diet, and physical activity. When strips are stored improperly, they may give false high or low readings that do not reflect actual blood glucose levels, leading to confusion and potentially harmful adjustments in treatment. Inaccurate meters and expired strips can also contribute to erroneous results, but improper storage of strips is a common and often overlooked issue that can lead to a broad range of inaccuracies in self-monitored blood glucose levels. Proper handling and storage of blood glucose monitors and their supplies are crucial for obtaining reliable results that correlate more accurately with A1C levels.