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Blood Sugar Meter Test FAQs
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ACCU-CHEK® Compact Plus Blood Glucose Meter Frequently Asked Questions

What is the testing time for the ACCU-CHEK Compact Plus blood glucose meter?

You will receive fast and accurate results in five seconds.


What is the blood sample size needed for the ACCU-CHEK Compact Plus blood glucose meter?

A small sample of 1.5 microliters.


How do I code the blood glucose meter?

There's no need to code the meter, for fewer steps in testing.1


Can you double dose the ACCU-CHEK Compact Plus blood glucose meter?

Yes. You have 25 seconds to reapply a blood sample. To ensure an adequate sample is applied the first time, hold the finger to the black notch on the test strip until "OOO" appears in the display, indicating an adequate sample has been applied.


Does the system detect control solution?

The ACCU-CHEK Compact Plus system automatically detects ACCU-CHEK Compact Blue control solution. ACCU-CHEK Compact control solution, which is clear in color, can also be used to run a control test, but the meter will not automatically detect it as control solution.


What makes the ACCU-CHEK Softclix Plus lancet device "least painful?"2

The ACCU-CHEK Softclix Plus lancet device offers 11 customizable depth settings for different skin types. What's more, cam-driven technology minimizes painful side-to-side motion as the lancet enters your skin. Finally, the way our beveled lancets are designed allows for smoother entry.


Can I detach the lancet device for a blood sugar test?

It's up to you. You can test blood sugar with the detachable ACCU-CHEK Softclix Plus lancet device either attached to or detached from the meter.


How do I use the lancet device?

The ACCU-CHEK Softclix Plus lancet device features one button to both prime and fire the lancet.

  1. Press the plunger on the lancet device (like a pen) all the way down until it stops. The lancet device is now ready for use.

  2. Hold the lancet device against the side of your fingertip, then press and release the plunger.

  3. When you have completed the test and released the diabetes test strip, remove the lancet by taking off the blue cap using your thumb and finger to pull on the recessed area.

  4. Hold the blood glucose meter so the lancet points downward. Press the plunger to release the lancet into a puncture-proof container. Snap on the blue cap after lining up the notches.


How does the drum work?

The automated drum eliminates the pain of struggling with containers and test strips each time. The system sets a new standard in convenience by:

•  Advancing and ejecting diabetes test strips automatically—eliminating the need for handling test strips.

•  Integrating diabetes test strips in a preloaded drum of 17 strips—eliminating the need to carry a separate container of test strips.


How do I tell how many diabetes test strips I have left in the drum?

Similar to most cameras, the ACCU-CHEK Compact Plus blood glucose meter has a small window on the back with a number indicating how many strips are left in the test drum. When the test drum is empty, you will see a dot through the window. You must discard the test drum and insert a new one.


Can I use the same drums I used with the ACCU-CHEK Compact system?

Yes. The ACCU-CHEK Compact Plus system uses the same drums as used by the ACCU-CHEK Compact system.


Can I reinsert an unused strip?

No, you cannot reinsert an unused strip. You must discard any strip that has been removed from the test drum.


Can I use a blood sample from other areas on my body with the ACCU-CHEK Compact Plus blood glucose meter?

Yes, the ACCU-CHEK Compact Plus system can be used with blood samples from the palm, forearm, upper arm, thigh, or calf.3


How do I run a test on a non-fingertip site?

The ACCU-CHEK Softclix Plus lancet device has a special clear plastic cap designed for testing on other areas of the body. Note: Do not use the clear cap when testing at the fingertip.

  1. Remove the blue cap by using your thumb and finger to pull on the recessed area.
  2. Insert a lancet until it clicks.
  3. Twist off the lancet’s protective cover.
  4. Snap on the clear cap after lining up the notches. The cap snaps easily into place.
  5. Twist the cap to set the lancet depth. Dial the depth setting to 3 for palm testing. Dial the depth setting to 5-1/2 for forearm, upper arm, thigh, or calf testing. (These are suggested settings, yours may differ.)
  6. Slide and release the meter's "on" button. The meter turns on and briefly shows all of the display symbols.
  7. A test strip automatically advances.
  8. The time and date appear on the display with a flashing test strip and blood drop symbol.
  9. Press the plunger on the lancet device (like a pen) ALL the way down until it stops. The lancet device is now ready for use.
  10. Press the opening of the clear cap firmly against a fleshy area on the non-fingertip site. Press the lancet device up and down in a slow pumping motion to assist the flow of blood.
  11. Keep steady pressure on the area, then press and release the plunger. Do not be afraid to apply pressure to the area with the lancet device to assist the flow of blood. Continue to press the cap against the site for a few seconds to allow blood to come to the surface.
  12. Hold the meter so the test strip points downward. Do not bend the test strip.
  13. Touch and hold the blood drop to the black notch on the end of the test strip. When you have enough blood in the test strip, "ooo" is displayed.
  14. The "ooo" on the display gradually disappears and the test result is displayed in five seconds.
  15. Hold the meter so the test strip points downward. This helps the test strip release from the meter. Slide and release the "on" button to turn off the meter and release the test strip. Throw the used test strip away.
  16. To remove the lancet, take off the clear cap. Hold the meter so the lancet points downward. Press the plunger to release the lancet into a puncture-proof container. Snap on the clear cap after lining up the notches.


Is the ACCU-CHEK Compact Plus blood glucose meter covered by insurance?

The ACCU-CHEK Compact Plus meter and diabetes test strips are "preferred" on most healthcare plan formularies, which may mean your out-of-pocket costs are the lowest available. In addition, ACCU-CHEK products are covered by Medicare.4


What types of batteries are used?

The meter uses two AAA batteries.


Is the memory lost when the batteries are removed?

When the batteries are changed, no memory is lost, and time and date are retained if the batteries are replaced within two minutes.


What software may be used with the ACCU-CHEK Compact Plus blood glucose meter?

The meter is compatible with ACCU-CHEK software: ACCU-CHEK Compass, ACCU-CHEK Camit Pro and Diabetes Assistant® Program. It is also compatible with the ACCU-CHEK Smart Printer.

Refer to your owner's booklet for additional information about the ACCU-CHEK Compact Plus system.


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 a.m.-10 p.m. EST.

1 User is not required to code the meter.
2 When device technology was compared to other leading lancet devices.
3 Get the facts on alternate site testing and talk with your doctor before deciding if it's right for you.
4 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.

Last modified: July 01, 2008