Test Strips

Why does the test sometimes start even if yellow is still showing in the strip window of my Accu-Chek meter?

The system in your meter automatically detects when enough blood has been applied to the strip and begins the test, even if some yellow is still visible.

The only time you need to apply more blood is when the blood drop symbol continues to flash in the display.

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Power

Why does the meter turn off unexpectedly?

Possible causes and solutions for sudden power loss include:

Issue:Solution:
The meter automatically turns off after 90 seconds of inactivity.Turn the device back on when you’re ready to use it again.
After completion of a test, the meter automatically turns off 15 seconds after strip removal.Turn the device back on when you’re ready to use it again.
The battery compartment or battery door is faulty or damaged.Please contact Accu-Chek Customer Care.
The meter has been stored in extremely cold conditions (below 30°F / - 1°C).Move to an area where the temperature is within the system's operating temperature range. Wait at least 15 minutes for the meter to equilibrate.
The meter is connected to a computer via the USB cable and a compatible software application is not installed on the computer.Disconnect the cable and attempt to turn the meter on by pressing and releasing the power button.
The meter is connected to a computer via the USB cable and a compatible software application has turned off the meter.Disconnect the cable and attempt to turn the meter on by pressing and releasing the power button.

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Power

Why does the meter not turn on when using the power button?

Accu-Chek Guide and Accu-Chek Guide Link meters:

The meter can be turned on by pressing and releasing the Power/OK button or inserting a test strip. The meter can be turned off by pressing and holding the Power/OK button.

Accu-Chek Guide Me meter:

The meter can be turned on by pressing and releasing the power button or inserting a test strip.

The meter can be turned off by pressing and releasing the power button.

Possible causes and solutions for lack of power include:

Issue:Solution:
The meter has been exposed to extreme temperatures outside the meter's operating temperature range.Move to an area where the temperature is within the system's operating temperature range (between 43 - 113°F / 4 - 45°C). Wait at least 15 minutes for the meter to equilibrate.
The meter is connected to a computer using a USB cable. If the meter times out while connected via USB, it may not respond to button presses or strip insertion until the USB cable is disconnected.Disconnect the cable and attempt to turn the meter on by pressing and releasing the power button.
One or both batteries are installed incorrectly.Confirm both batteries are inserted into the meter under the black tabs with the “+” sign facing up (visible).
The batteries are dead or battery power is too low for the meter to turn on.Install two new 3 volt lithium, CR 2032 coin cell batteries. Replace both batteries at the same time and with the same brand.
Battery tabs are damaged or defective.Please contact Accu-Chek Customer Care.
The meter is damaged or defective.Please contact Accu-Chek Customer Care.

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Power

What type of batteries are used in my Accu-Chek product?

Battery life on Accu-Chek products varies by device and by testing conditions. Find your device in the list below to determine what type of batteries your product uses:

Table of contents:

  • Accu-Chek Guide Me
  • Accu-Chek Guide
  • Accu-Chek Aviva Connect
  • Accu-Chek Nano
  • Accu-Chek Aviva
  • Accu-Chek Aviva Expert
  • Accu-Chek Compact Plus

Accu-Chek Guide Me, Accu-Chek Guide, Accu-Chek Aviva Connect, and Accu-Chek Nano meters

These meters use two 3-volt lithium coin cell batteries (type CR2032) found in many stores.

Accu-Chek Aviva meter

This meter uses one 3-volt lithium coin cell battery (type CR2032) found in many stores.

Accu-Chek Aviva Expert and Accu-Chek Compact Plus meters

These meters use two standard AAA batteries, preferably alkaline. Rechargeable batteries can also be used; however they normally provide slightly lower power.

Battery ingestion

 

If you suspect your child has swallowed a battery, seek medical attention immediately – prompt action is critical. Don’t wait for symptoms to develop.

Battery ingestion or insertion into the body may cause chemical burns, perforation of soft tissues, and death. Batteries, as small parts, are a choking hazard. Keep them away from children under the age of 3 years.

If the battery compartment does not close securely, stop using the product and keep it away from children. Contact Accu-Chek Customer Care.

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Test Strips

What happens if I use expired Accu-Chek test strips in my meter?

Using test strips that have expired can cause your results to be inaccurate. If your test strips have expired, throw them away and begin using a new vial of strips. The expiration date is printed on every vial of test strips.

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General Questions

Should I clean my Accu-Chek lancing device?

It’s important to keep the lancing device clean and disinfected, as it may come into contact with blood during normal testing.

Cleaning and disinfecting tips to ensure proper care without damaging your device:

  1. Remove the lancet drum before cleaning and disinfecting.
  2. Clean and disinfect the lancing device once a week, or when it has visible signs of dirt or other material.
  3. Clean and disinfect the lancing device before allowing anyone else to handle it, for instance if you have someone assisting you. Do not allow anyone else to use your lancing device to obtain their blood sample.
  4. Use Super Sani-Cloth® (available at Amazon.com, Office Depot, Walmart and other retailers) to clean the lancing device. Do not use any other cleaning or disinfecting solutions, as it could result in damage to the lancing device.
  5. You might notice a slight discoloration of the lancing device after multiple cleanings. This does not affect its functionality.

How to clean and disinfect the entire lancing device surface and cap:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  2. Wipe the entire lancing device surface with a Super Sani-Cloth®. Make sure that no liquid enters any opening, as it could damage the device.
  3. Remove and wipe the inside of the cap.
  4. Dry the lancing device and cap with a soft cloth or gauze. Make sure that no solution is seen in any opening.
  5. Repeat these steps with a new Super Sani-Cloth® to fully disinfect the lancing device.
  6. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water

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Power

How do I check the battery tabs on my Accu-Chek meter?

This article contains instructions on how to check the battery tabs on your Accu-Chek meter. Look for the name of your product to find the relevant instructions below.

Table of contents:

  1. Accu-Chek Guide & Guide Link Meters
  2. Accu-Chek Guide Me Meter

Checking the battery tabs on the Accu-Chek Guide and Guide Link meters

  1. Turn the meter off.
  2. Remove the battery door.
  3. Remove the batteries.

a. Open the child-resistant battery door by inserting a narrow object, such as a pen, into the slot. Push the tab in the direction of the arrow and lift the battery door up.

  1. Examine the battery compartment. Each battery should be held in place by the black tab on the side of the battery compartment.
  2. Confirm that the black tabs on the side are not bent down.
  3. If a bent black tab is preventing the battery from making contact, use tweezers or a small screwdriver to gently bend the tab(s) back into position.
  4. Each battery should be held in place by the battery ejector button with an image of a hand in the center of the battery compartment, and an additional black tab on the side of the battery compartment.
  5. Reinstall the batteries. The batteries must be placed in the battery compartment, under the black tabs and battery ejector button, with the “+” side facing up (visible).
  6. Press each battery down flat inside the battery compartment, and snap the door closed.
  7. Attempt to turn on the meter by pressing and releasing the power/OK button.

Checking the battery tabs on the Accu-Chek Guide Me meter

  1. Turn the meter off.
  2. Remove the battery door.
  3. Remove the batteries.

a. Open the child-resistant battery door by inserting a narrow object, such as a pen, into the slot. Push the tab in the direction of the arrow and lift the battery door up.

  1. Examine the battery compartment. Each battery should be held in place by the black tab on the side of the battery compartment.
  2. Confirm that the black tabs on the side are not bent down.
  3. If a bent black tab is preventing the battery from making contact, use tweezers or a small screwdriver to gently bend the tab(s) back into position.
  4. Reinstall the batteries. The batteries must be placed in the battery compartment, under the black tabs with the “+” side facing up (visible).
  5. Snap the door closed.
  6. Attempt to turn on the meter by pressing and releasing the power button.

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