ACCU-CHEK^® Compact Blood Glucose Meter Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

You will receive fast and accurate results in 8 seconds.

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

A small sample of 1.5 microliters.

How does the drum work?

The automated drum eliminates the pain of struggling with test strips each time. The system is convenient in:

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

• Integrating test strips in a pre-loaded 17-test drum -- If you are down to your last strip, you may need to carry the separate vial of strips.

• Automatically calibrating the meter -- eliminating the need for coding.

Can you double dose the ACCU-CHEK Compact 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 the meter beeps, indicating an adequate sample has been applied.

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

Check with your doctor to see if testing from alternate sites is right for you. The ACCU-CHEK Softclix lancet device has a special clear plastic cap designed for testing on other areas of the body. Remove the clear, plastic cap from the end of the ACCU-CHEK Softclix lancet device. 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 -- 5.5. The higher setting is required to allow the lancet to reach beyond the plastic cap.

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 tell how many strips I have left in the drum?

Similar to most cameras, the ACCU-CHEK Compact 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. Then you must discard the test drum and insert a new one.

What is the cost of the ACCU-CHEK Compact blood glucose meter?

The ACCU-CHEK Compact meter is priced similarly to other systems. Suggested retail price is $69.99 for the meter and $39.99 for three test drums (51 tests).

Is the ACCU-CHEK Compact meter covered by insurance?

The ACCU-CHEK Compact meter and 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.

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.

What types of batteries are used?

The meter uses two AAA batteries.

What is the normal battery life?

Battery life is approximately 500 tests, depending on usage of the meter.

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.

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

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

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.