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Active Meter Frequently Asked Questions

ACCU-CHEK Active Meter Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a blood sample from alternative sites with the ACCU-CHEK Active Meter?

Yes. Check with your doctor to see if testing from alternate sites is right for you. The ACCU-CHEK Active meter can be used with blood samples from the palm, forearm, upper arm, thigh, or calf.

How do I perform an alternate site test from my palm, forearm, upper arm, thigh or calf?

Remove strip from the vial. Insert strip into meter - meter turns on automatically. You have 2 minutes after inserting the strip to perform a test. After 2 minutes the meter turns off automatically.

Obtain a drop of blood. Don't be afraid to apply enough pressure to get an adequate drop of blood.

Remove strip from the meter. You will have 20 seconds to apply the blood to the strip and reinsert it into the meter.

Rotate the strip down on top of the blood drop. Aim for the center of the orange pad.

Reinsert the strip into the meter with the blood side facing up.

Result will appear in as little as 10 seconds. If Err, E4, LO, or a result less than 20 mg/dL appears on the screen, it is likely that an insufficient blood sample was applied. Please repeat the test with a new strip using a larger blood sample that covers the center of the orange pad.

How do I get an adequate drop of blood from an alternate testing site?

Remove the clear, plastic cap from the end of the ACCU-CHEK Softclix Lancet Device. The ACCU-CHEK Softclix Lancet Device has a special clear plastic cap designed for Alternate Site Testing. Note: Do not use the clear cap when testing at the fingertip.

Insert an ACCU-CHEK Softclix Lancet into the lancet holder until it snaps into place. Twist the protective cap on the lancet several times and pull gently to remove.

Put the clear plastic cap back on the ACCU-CHEK Softclix Lancet Device. Set the lancet device to the highest setting past 5. This type of test requires a high lancet setting to get an adequate sample of blood.

To prepare the ACCU-CHEK Softclix Lancet Device, press the plunger (on the end of the device) all the way down. You will hear a click. When the device is ready, a yellow dot will appear in the center of the clear release button.

Choose a fleshy area of the alternative site and wash the area with warm, soapy water or use an alcohol wipe to clean the site.

Place and hold the clear cap very firmly against the selected site. Don't be afraid to apply a lot of pressure to push the clear cap. This will help you get a good blood drop. Press the yellow release button and continue to apply pressure to the site.

Remove the lancet from the device and dispose of it in a puncture-proof container with a lid such as a sharps container or a coffee can.

How do I know if I've inserted the test strip correctly?

A blood drop symbol will begin flashing on meter's display when test strip is inserted correctly.

What is the testing time for the ACCU-CHEK Active Meter?

You will receive fast and accurate results in 5 seconds if the blood sample is applied with the strip in the meter, and in 10 seconds if the strip is removed to apply the blood sample.

What is the blood sample size needed for the ACCU-CHEK Active Meter?

A very small sample of just one microliter.

What is the cost of the ACCU-CHEK Active Meter?

The ACCU-CHEK Active Meter is value priced. The suggested retail price is $19.99 for the meter and $29.99 for a vial of 50 test strips.

Is the ACCU-CHEK Active Meter covered by insurance?

The ACCU-CHEK Active meter, test strips and lancet device are "preferred" on most healthcare plan forumularies, which may mean your out-of-pocket costs are the lowest available. In addition, ACCU-CHEK products are covered by Medicare.²

What type of battery is used in the ACCU-CHEK Active Meter?

The meter uses one coin cell (Lithium type CR 2032) battery, commonly found at most pharmacies.

How do I turn the meter on and off?

The ACCU-CHEK Active Meter is turned on automatically by inserting a test strip and is turned off automatically by removing the test strip.

What is coding? How do I code the ACCU-CHEK Active Meter?

It is important to match each new vial of test strips to your meter. This is called coding or calibrating. With the meter turned off, insert the orange code key included with each new vial of test strips into the meter until it snaps into place. When you insert a test strip, a three-digit code will appear on the display. Make sure this number matches the number on your vial of test strips.

How do I run a blood sugar test?

To run a blood sugar test, insert a test strip into the meter until it clicks into place. The orange pad should face up and the arrows should point toward the meter. You may then apply a drop of blood to the center of the square orange pad of the test strip. You have two minutes to run the test.

Can I apply a blood sample to the test strip while it is out of the meter?

Yes, this is called out-of-meter dosing. Insert the test strip with the orange pad facing up until it clicks into place. Then prick a cleansed fingertip. Remove the test strip from the meter. Within 20 seconds, apply one drop of blood to the center of the square orange pad. Reinsert the test strip into the meter and wait for your result.

How do I use 7- and 14-day averaging?

With the meter turned on, press the M button and release. Then press the M and S buttons at the same time to view the 7-day average. While the 7-day average is displayed, press the M and S buttons at the same time again to view the 14-day average. You may switch back and forth between 7-day and 14-day averages by pressing the M and S buttons at the same time. Press the S button to exit the average display.

Which software may be used with the ACCU-CHEK Active Meter?

The meter is compatible with all ACCU-CHEK software: ACCU-CHEK Compass, ACCU-CHEK Camit Pro, Diabetes Assistant^� and ACCU-CHEK Smart Printer.

How should I store my test strips?

Make sure test strips are not exposed to humidity or extremes in temperature. Proper testing environment should be between 36 and 86F, and less than 85% humidity. Keep vial tightly capped when not in use.

How do I clean my meter and how often?

Clean your ACCU-CHEK Active Meter using a soft cloth slightly dampened with one of the following:

A solution of mild dishwashing detergent and water
A 1:10 bleach solution (one part bleach and nine parts water) made fresh daily

The following parts of the meter should be cleaned every time you open a new box of test strips:

The outside of the meter
The test strip guide
The measuring window located underneath the test strip guide

Cleaning the test strip guide:

To remove the strip guide, put your thumb on top of the strip guide and apply pressure while sliding it down and off the front of the meter.
Clean with a soft cloth slightly dampened with cleaning solution. If needed, the test strip guide may be soaked for one hour in this solution.
Clean the measuring window by wiping gently with a dry, lint-free cloth to avoid scratching the window.
Allow the test strip guide to air-dry completely. You may also wipe with a dry, lint-free cloth to speed drying time.
To replace the test strip guide, gently slide it back onto the front of the meter until it locks into place.

After cleaning, perform a quality control check using the ACCU-CHEK Active glucose control solution to make sure the meter is functioning properly.

When should I run a glucose control check?

Whenever your result does not agree with the way you feel.
If you have repeated a test, and the blood sugar result is still lower or higher than expected.
If you leave the cap off the vial of test strips.
Before using your meter for the first time.
When you open a new vial of test strips.
If you drop the meter.
Whenever you want to check the way you are performing your blood sugar test.
When you want to check the performance of the meter and test strip.

� After you have cleaned the meter.

How do I run a glucose control check?

To perform a glucose control test, insert a test strip until it clicks into place. Make sure the orange pad is facing up and the arrows are pointing toward the meter. Press the S button and release it. This will mark the sample as a control in the system's memory. Apply a drop of glucose control solution to the center of the square orange pad. In five seconds, the result is displayed. Compare your result to the acceptable ranges listed on the test strip vial.

Are test strips and controls included in the ACCU-CHEK Active Care Kit?

In order to maintain an everyday low price on the ACCU-CHEK Active System, glucose control solution, strips and controls are sold separately. However, a $2 instant redeemable coupon for control solution is included in each box of test strips.

Is the memory lost when batteries are removed?

When the batteries are changed, no memory is lost; however the date and time will require resetting.

Can you double dose the ACCU-CHEK Active Meter?

No, double dosing should not be necessary given the very small sample size (one microliter) and is practically impossible due to the five-second test time.

How should my meter checks compare with lab results?

Because your monitor and lab tests don't measure the same thing, these numbers are likely to vary. Lab tests generally test plasma, but a meter uses whole blood. As a result, even if you take both tests at the exact same time, your meter is likely to show a lower number than the lab results. This is perfectly acceptable, and your doctor will already be factoring this in.

Keep in mind, too, that even a small amount of food or liquid, or performing a fingertip check more than five minutes before or after getting your blood drawn, can change your blood sugar level enough to throw off any comparison.

For help with your ACCU-CHEK Product, please call the ACCU-CHEK Customer Care Service Center at 1-800-858-8072. For meter support, we're here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Software support is available Monday-Friday, 8 am-10 pm EST.

² Coverage and reimbursement depend on a number of factors, including the patient's condition, and are subject to deductibles and coinsurance. Certain plan restrictions may apply.