My child’s doctor only wants us using only the LifeScan OneTouch Ultra meters because he says they are more accurate than the Freestyle Flash. However, I prefer the Flash because it gives me more time if I can’t get enough blood and I love the nightlight for night tests. I was told by the pharmacist that all meters must pass the same tests, and while my doctor acknowledges that, he believes the OneTouch to be more accurate. Everything on this web site also substantiates the claim that all meters are reasonably accurate. Any opinions to share?

Both FreeStyle and Ultra blood glucose meter families are very highly regarded in the professional community for their accuracy and are both used extensively in clinical research studies. (So are other meters, but you’re your question is about these two types of meters.)

These meters are also very popular among CWD families — 29% report using a FreeStyle meter (Flash, Lite, FreeStyle, Freedom, or CozMonitor) and 38% report using a OneTouch Ultra class of meter (UltraSmart, Ultra, Ultra2, or Mini). You can see our poll from April 2008 for the most recent data as of this answer.

The port light on the FreeStyle Flash and FreeStyle Lite definitely makes testing at night or in the dark (e.g., a movie theater) much easier and one big reason that these meters are quite popular among parents who check at night.

JSH