I recently started working for a company that sells all kinds of over-the-counter medications and medical supplies, and I've already learned so much, like the difference between tablets and caplets (It's only the shape, because some people prefer swallowing ovals and some prefer swallowing circles. Who knew?), and the fact that Rogaine doesn't work for receding hairlines.
Today I was looking for information about different diabetic test strips, and I learned some really interesting things about what makes them accurate and which ones do the best job.

Better Test Strips Come Without Coding

* Most test strips are "coded" because they vary from batch to batch. When someone tries to use the test strip, they have to enter the code (or sometimes a chip) into their glucose meter so that the reading will be correct.
* It's not hard for this information to be entered incorrectly, and if the coding is incorrect, the meter can be up to 4mmol/L inaccurate. Improperly coded meters give the user up to a 43% chance of dosing improperly, which can be a major concern for someone actively trying to manage his or her diabetes.
* American Diabetes Services recently released information about a study of monitors and their accuracy. Ascencia Glucose Test Strips came out as the most accurate products available because they require no coding.
* Without coding, the user can expect less chance of error. The test strip should read the same way each time, regardless of the batch number.
* The press release quotes Lorne Yaffe, Vice President of American Diabetes Services. "Many diabetics get confused when replacing their diabetic test strips and are not able to change the codes on their meters.This causes inaccuracies in their diabetic monitoring." Lorne goes on to recommend the Ascensia Contour products because they take this risk out of the process.
* The press release included an invitation to read about the entire study, which also included One Touch Ultra and Freestyle brand test strips.