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

How long does the system take to check blood sugar?

You can count on quick, 5-second results.


How large is the sample size for a blood sugar check?

It’s a small sample—just 1.5 microliters.


Why is the system easier to read?

The bright, easy-to-read display on the ACCU-CHEK Compact Plus system uses OLED technology, instead of a back-lit screen. The numbers and symbols are self-illuminated in bold color, making them easier to read, even in low light. This means you get the brightest display compared to back-lit meters.


Do I need to code the blood glucose meter?

There’s no need for the user to code the meter, so you have 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 the hourglass appears in the display, indicating an adequate sample has been applied.


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

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


Can I detach the lancing device for a blood sugar check?

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


How do all the parts of the system fit in the carrying case provided?

Open this easy-to-follow illustration to see how to load the case.


How do I use the lancing device?

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

  1. Press the plunger on the lancing device (like a pen) all the way down until it stops. The lancing device is now ready for use.
  2. Hold the lancing device against the side of your fingertip, then press and release the plunger.
  3. When you have completed the blood sugar check and released the diabetes test strip, remove the lancet by taking off the black 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 black cap after lining up the notches.


How does the test strip drum work?

The drum of 17 preloaded test strips eliminates 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 to handle individual test strips
  • integrating diabetes test strips into a load-and-go drum, so you don't need to carry a separate container


How do I open the drum door?

With the meter off, place your thumb or finger under the ridge just to the right of the test strip slot. Apply upward pressure to open the drum door. Be sure to lift up on the door to open it. Do not push in on the door as this can make it more difficult to open.


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

On the back of the ACCU-CHEK Compact Plus blood glucose meter, you'll see a small window with a number showing through. This number indicates how many unused strips are left in the test drum. When the test drum is empty, you will see a dot through the window. This is your signal to discard the test drum and insert a new one.

Other ways to see how many test strips are left in the drum:

  • After completing a blood sugar test, while the meter is still on and the strip is still sticking out of the meter, press and hold the test (on / off) button for several seconds. The number of strips remaining in the drum will be shown on the meter display. When the button is released, the meter will turn off.
  • Or, while in the memory mode, press and hold the test (on / off) button for several seconds. The meter display will show the number of strips remaining. When the button is released, the meter will turn off.


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 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.


Does the system detect control solution?

The ACCU-CHEK Compact Plus system automatically detects ACCU-CHEK Compact Blue control solution.


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

Yes. In addition to the fingertip, the ACCU-CHEK Compact Plus system has been cleared for use with blood samples from the palm, forearm, upper arm, thigh or calf.3


How do I run a blood sugar check on a non-fingertip site?

The ACCU-CHEK Softclix Plus lancing device has a special clear plastic cap designed for testing on other areas of the body.3 Note: Do not use the clear cap when testing at the fingertip.

  1. Remove the black 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 should snap 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 will turn on and briefly display all its symbols. A test strip should automatically advance, then the time and date will appear on the display with a flashing test strip and blood drop symbol.
  7. Press the plunger on the lancing device (like a pen) all the way down until it stops. The lancing device is now ready to use.
  8. Press the opening of the clear cap firmly against a fleshy area on the non-fingertip site. Press the lancing device up and down in a slow pumping motion to assist the flow of blood.
  9. Keep steady pressure on the area, then press and release the plunger. Do not be afraid to apply pressure to the area with the lancing 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.
  10. Hold the meter so the test strip points downward. Do not bend the test strip.
  11. 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, an hourglass is displayed.
  12. The hourglass on the display disappears and the test result is displayed in five seconds.
  13. 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, so you may save money.4 In addition, ACCU-CHEK products are covered by Medicare.


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. Time and date will also be 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 all ACCU-CHEK data management tools, including ACCU-CHEK Compass software, ACCU-CHEK Camit Pro software, and the Diabetes Assistant® program which is the online log on accu-chek.com.

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.

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.

1User is not required to code the meter.
2When compared to leading competitive systems. Data on file.
3Talk with your doctor before deciding if alternate site testing is right for you.
4Co-payments and preferred statuses vary from plan to plan.

Last modified: December 05, 2008