Accu Chek Instant S Blood Glucose Meter & Lancing Device (free Accu Chek Instant 10 Test Strips)1 N

Here are frequently asked questions about the ACCU CHEK INSTANT S BLOOD GLUCOSE METER & LANCING DEVICE:

What is the Accu-Chek Instant S Blood Glucose Meter & Lancing Device used for?

The Accu-Chek Instant S Blood Glucose Meter, along with Accu-Chek Instant test strips, is designed to quantitatively measure glucose in fresh capillary whole blood obtained from the finger, palm, forearm, or upper arm. This system aids in monitoring the effectiveness of glucose control for individuals with diabetes. It is suitable for self-testing by people with diabetes and can also be used by healthcare professionals in clinical settings for venous, arterial, and neonatal blood testing.

How do I use the Accu-Chek Instant S system to test my blood glucose?

To perform a blood glucose test:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water and dry them completely.
2. Prepare the lancing device by loading a new lancet and adjusting the penetration depth (a common starting depth is 2 or 3).
3. Remove a test strip from its container and immediately close the cap tightly to protect the remaining strips.
4. Insert the metallic end of the test strip into the meter. The meter will turn on automatically, and a flashing blood drop symbol will appear on the display.
5. Perform a fingerstick with the lancing device. Gently squeeze your finger to help a blood drop form.
6. Touch the yellow edge of the test strip to the blood drop. Do not put blood on top of the test strip. The blood will be drawn into the strip.
7. Once enough blood has filled the strip, a flashing hourglass symbol will appear, and your result will be ready in less than 4 seconds. Your test result will appear with an arrow indicating if it falls above, within, or below your target range.

What are the main features of the Accu-Chek Instant S meter?

Key features include:

• No setup required: The meter is ready to use right out of the box.
• Fast results: Provides blood glucose readings in less than 4 seconds.
• Large display: Easy-to-read results on a big, clear LCD screen.
• Intuitive Target Range Indicator (TRI): A color-coded indicator that visually shows if your result is above, within, or below your target range.
• Easy-edge test strip: Features a wide, yellow application area, allowing blood to be applied anywhere along the edge.
• Proven accuracy: Meets ISO 15197:2013/EN ISO 15197:2015 standards for precision and reliability.
• Memory storage: Automatically stores at least 720 blood glucose results, with 7, 30, and 90-day averages visible on the meter. To view all stored results, data can be transferred to a compatible software application via USB or Bluetooth (for the Accu-Chek Instant wireless model).
• Accu-Chek Softclix lancing device: Provides virtually pain-free lancing.

Which test strips are compatible with the Accu-Chek Instant S meter?

The Accu-Chek Instant S meter is exclusively compatible with Accu-Chek Instant test strips. Other Accu-Chek test strips (e.g., Active, Aviva, Performa) are not compatible.

What precautions should I take when using the Accu-Chek Instant S system?

• Single-patient use: The meter and lancing device are intended for self-monitoring by an individual person only and should not be used for multiple people to prevent cross-infection.
• Hygiene: Always wash your hands with warm, soapy water and dry them thoroughly before testing.
• Test strip handling: Close the test strip container tightly immediately after removing a strip. Do not use expired test strips or strips that have been exposed to high heat or moisture, as this can damage them and affect accuracy.
• Lancing device: Use a new lancet each time you test, as reused lancets are not sterile and become dull, causing more pain.

How should the Accu-Chek Instant S meter and test strips be stored?

Store the Accu-Chek Instant S meter and unused test strips in a cool, dry place, such as a bedroom, within the specified temperature ranges. For the meter, storage conditions are typically -25°C to +70°C (-13°F to 158°F). Refer to the test strip package insert for their specific storage conditions. Avoid storing test strips in areas with high heat and moisture, like bathrooms or kitchens, as these can damage the strips.

What should I do if I see an error code on my Accu-Chek Instant S meter?

If an error message appears, refer to your user manual or the Accu-Chek support website for specific troubleshooting. Common error codes and their typical resolutions include:

• E-1: Test strip may be damaged, not properly inserted, or previously used. Remove and reinsert or replace the test strip.
• E-3: A meter or test strip error. This could be due to damaged test strips from improper storage. Repeat the test with a new test strip, and consider performing a control test.
• E-4: Not enough blood or control solution was applied to the test strip, or it was applied after the test started. Discard the strip and repeat the test with a new one.
• E-6: Blood or control solution was applied to the test strip before the flashing drop symbol appeared. Discard the strip and repeat the test.
• E-7: An electronic error. Remove the battery, press and hold the meter button for at least 2 seconds, and then reinsert the battery before retesting.
• E-8: The temperature is outside the proper range for the system. Move to an area with appropriate conditions (4°C to 45°C or 39°F to 113°F) and allow the meter and strips to adjust naturally before retesting.
• E-9: Low battery or the meter is too cold. Replace the battery if low, or allow the meter to warm up naturally if in a cold environment.
• E-10: The meter's internal clock may need to be reset, often via connection to PC software.
• E-12: Your blood sample may contain a high level of ascorbate (e.g., from high vitamin C intake). Contact your healthcare professional.

If error messages persist, contact Accu-Chek customer support.

How should I dispose of used lancets and test strips?

Used lancets and test strips are considered biohazardous waste. After testing, remove and dispose of the used test strip. For lancets, safely remove the used lancet from the lancing device (often by ejecting it into a sharps container) and dispose of it in an approved sharps container to prevent accidental needle sticks. If a sharps container is not immediately available, some users place the protective cap back on the lancet before discarding it. Always refer to local guidelines for proper disposal of medical waste.

How often should I perform a control test with the Accu-Chek Instant S system?

You should perform a control test to ensure the meter and test strips are working correctly in several situations:

• When you open a new box of test strips.
• If you left the test strip container open.
• If you suspect the test strips are damaged or were stored in extreme temperatures or humidity.
• If you dropped the meter.
• If your test result does not match how you feel.
• To check if you are performing the test correctly. Use only Accu-Chek Instant control solutions for these tests.