My 8th grade science fair project was due yesterday, and I wanted to share.
Seriously, my son asked if I wanted to test my meters for the experiment (because last year I had wanted to do a calibration factor experiment but was shot down), and of course my answer was yes. So we tested the Relion Prime, the Contour Next One, and the Freestyle OneTouch. The Relion, reigning champ, did it again (taking victory lap), but I know we’re above a couple of points here or there so who’s keeping count? (Taking another victory lap).
AND FUD was the source for the testing. So hopefully that will make you all feel proud (or be a proper heads up in case the authorities show).
If you are interested in an expert review, I have a PhD and have been a science fair judge at every level from grade school to judging the state finals for scholarships.
My mom still owes me a book report…she did more projects for my sister than for me. I hold that over her head all the time.
I have been known to forge the homemade ornaments my kids made for relatives. I find if I hold the crayon backwards in the opposite hand, it looks pretty close to their coloring and handwriting.
Awesome project! Great information, as well! Thanks for sharing!
The conclusion is that the ReliOn prime is a reliable little bugger… as is the Contour Next One. It was actually interesting because the Contour did not do well at the low BG range— at all, and I was a little surprised. However, I was testing 5 meters (trying out 2 very small CVS ones), and I was starting to have to work my fingers for blood. Eric mentioned that the Contour does not do well when you have to blot at your blood a couple of times, and I definitely had to do that during that test. It ended up with an average standard deviation of 7 something at a low blood sugar, and I didn’t think it felt characteristic of what I’ve seen in reality. The two CVS meters, by the way, did not impress. Over 15 tests, one of them ranged from 81 to like 119 or something with almost an equal amount of values falling on either end.
Anyway. I love my ReliOn, and I love my Contour, and confirmation is always a bonus.
All jokes aside, I would be happy to put the real stats in here. It felt like a pretty thorough test— with 15 readings for 3 different meters in 3 different BG ranges. I also did another lab draw with the ReliOn, OneTouch, Contour, and the Freestyle ones that go with the OmniPod (this was not project related— was only curious), and my ReliOn did not come in first. The Freestyle did. All so stinkin interesting… and then I forget to bolus for dinner.
I think I told you about my CVS test. Bought the meter and pack of strips, went over to a corner of the store and sat down and tested through the pack and walked back to the counter and returned the meter and told the guy it was no good.
It had a huge range in its readings, all from about 5 minutes of testing.
No not funny at all. I love science. I have a PhD in chemistry. By happenstance and serendipity I actually focused on the creation and improvement of glucose sensors, 17 years before my son was diagnosed. Go figure. My review would be focused on helping your son extend his understanding or excitement around his project.
My work is part of the body of work that made the Libre sensor system.
I am an engineer (which is like a scientist who ignores the details and makes lots of assumptions). One thing that I missed out on in my younger days was some “real world” links to science education. I would have loved some good feedback and encouragement.
All so stinkin interesting… and then I forget to bolus for dinner. 
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