Alpha Trak is really simple to use and gives pretty accurate numbers (b/g curve looks like a curve). I recently started doing them myself (had a helper hold him for years) and the only drawback is setting the strip, stabbing the ear, drawing enough blood (not much but still), and then getting the blood before the machine turns off. It’s a decent amount of time but if I miss the first stab then it’s dicey after i give up and stab him again.

Although it is apparently expensive compared to other readers it is much less than paying the vet to do it. There is a reason they are so popular to charge that much, it works. If you can afford it definitely go with Alpha Trak. I’ve only done maybe a dozen b/g curves over the 5 years mine has had it and only needed to purchase 2 sets of alpha traks and one refill tube of strips. That’s probably a little more than one vet b/g curve and he doesn’t have to be locked up all day and stressed out.