Certified Diabetes Educator Practice Exam

The fasting plasma glucose test is the most appropriate lab test for comparison when checking meter accuracy because it is a standardized method that measures blood glucose levels under controlled conditions. This test requires the individual to fast for at least 8 hours prior to the blood draw, ensuring that the reading reflects the baseline glucose level without the influence of food intake.

In contrast, random blood glucose tests can be influenced by food consumption and other factors, making them less reliable for accuracy comparisons with home glucose meters. The A1C test, while useful for assessing long-term glucose control, reflects average blood glucose levels over a period of weeks to months and does not provide an immediate snapshot of current glucose levels, which is what is needed for meter calibration. The oral glucose tolerance test is more complex and involves multiple blood draws after glucose ingestion, which further complicates the comparison. Thus, the fasting plasma glucose test serves as the best reference for ensuring that the readings from a glucose meter are accurate.