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Blood Monitors Compared

D

DiabetesTom

Member
I've seen a few posts about comparing meters and recommendations so heres my previous meters and current meter on small review. Hope it helps.

Accu-check Advantage
Good:
  • Test trip is slightly curved
    If your under 18 you can trade chips for goodies from Testing123
    Big screen
Bad:
  • Bit extra blood
    Uses a control chip for strips
    30 Second Test
    480 Memory
    No computer hookup

Accu-check Active
Good:
  • Test stips can be used with or without meter
    5 Second Test
    Computer transferable via Infrared
    Very Small and easy to carry around
Bad:
  • Getting blood onto the strip could be a bit fumbly at times
    Uses control chip(also tradable)
    Apparently no long obtainable in the uk but maybe lucky from chemists/specialist/nurse

Accu-Check Aviva
Good:
  • Small and Easily carried
    5 Second Test
    Doesnt need much blood
    Infrared data transfer
    500 Memory entries
    Detects not enough blood on the stip(prevents miss readings)
    Comes with MultiClix pricker which is barrel based of 6 lancets so changing them is really quick and easy with a twist of the loader.
    MultiClix barrels also protect the inner lancets when fully used so need of sharps bin is needed but recommended.
    This kit also allows for alternate site testing
Bad:
  • Uses control chip but is tradable
Ascensia DEX 2
Good:
  • 10 Test stips in a disk so not opening pots to get strip out, already there for you
    Small blood needed
    No coding/control chips
    Fairly easy to use
Bad:
  • Loading a tad bit jammy after some time from wear
    Stips are sharp at one side(goes into a point)
    Lancetting device too deep for comfort(personal statement)
    30 Second Tests

LifeScan OneTouch UltraSmart
Good:
  • 5 Second test
    Easily calibrated
    Lifescan supplies 2 x control solution instead of 1
    Small and easily carried
    Not alot of blood needed
    Diary of everything(exercise, food, insulin/tablet dosage, blood results as standard, illnesses, healthchecks)
    Analysis of:excerise, food intake, insulin/tablet dosages, blood averages(if testing enough can get a good idea of a1c but not accuratly).
    Computer transferable
Bad:
  • Computer software could do with a few more options in how to view the data

I Recomend getting a OneTouch UltraSmart as that will do pretty much everything you will ever need it to do. Also great for adjusting how much insulin you have taken vs carbohydates. You can show your nurse/doctor results/graphs/progress(tighter control ect).

And use a AccuCheck MultiClix Lancetting device as it has a chamber based system for lancets(6 at a time) so when you need to change lancets you just twist the top; It can also be used with alternate site testing.

All these meters/companies supply free batteries and solution and part replacements although im not sure about the Ascensia since I didn't get on well with this meter.
 
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hi, i've been using an ultrasmart for about 5 years or so now - still the original meter and probably only ever had to replace the batteries 3 times and i test about 6 times a day!! in my opinion - it is the best meter for diabetics on the market - but the software for downloading the results to a computer needs to be updated!! would recommend one to anyone who asks, also has been really good for the DAFNE course that i have just completed as well
 
I use the One touch Ultra. Which software do you use? I use Onetouch diabetes management software v 2.3.However the USB cable has never worked so I have to manually download all info.
 
I also use the Onetouch Diabetes Management software v 2.3 (i think - the latest version available anyway), and the usb cable worked first time for me - have a newish pc so maybe i'm just lucky!! it must be a pain having to manually enter all your results though - i'm testing about 8-10 times a day at the moment - just finished the DAFNE course in my local area and am still trying to get to grips with it!!
 
sorry also meant to add - that the DAFNE course team gave us all the Optium Xceed meter - to use for bloods and for keytone testing (i'll use mine for keytone testing only) - does anyone use the xceed??
 
I have been testing two Blood Monitors and I'm afraid I am at a bit of a loss when it comes to which monitor is accurate. Tests taken at the same time with new blood from a different site, same finger with new test strips.
Last 8 tests have given me the following readings:

Accensia Contour: --------------9.2----9.6----9.9----7.8----9.3----9.1----7.8----7.1
Accu-Chek Aviva Nano: ------- 8.0----9.0----9.1----6.8----7.9----7.8----6.6----6.3

as you can see the difference in the readings is quite significant, i.e 7.8 against 6.8. 9.3 against 7.9 and 9.1 against 7.8, and as mentioned same time, same finger etc. The Accensia has been tested with solution and Accu-Chek sent me another Aviva Nano to try which gave around the same results as the original Nano. Any thoughts on which monitor is giving me the correct readings?

Regards

Bill
 
Re: Diabetes.co.uk Toolbar Launched!!!

never use IE for anything, much prefer firefox as it lets me use adblock to remove all the annoying adverts :)
 
I've been using Abbotts Freestyle Mini meter or 3 years now, and moved onto the Mini Lite 6 mths ago.

http://www.abbottdiabetescare.co.uk/inspired-products/freestyle-lite

In my opinion it's fantastic.
PROS:
  • Doesn't need calibrating :D
  • It's very small
  • can be used in the dark with a little light that beams down onto the test site
  • Hooks up to a computer with Abbotts Co-pilot software that is also really easy to use
  • Is pretty quick too
CONS:
  • Tested against another meter of same model you'll also get a variance in readings (although no manufacturer seems to have nailed this variance issue yet.)

On my wish list is a freestyle navigator Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. It tests every sngle minute:

http://www.freestylenavigator.com/ab_nav/
...but they cost £1000 and the sensors that are implanted into you (ouch) cost £40 a pop and last 4 days only. :shock:
 
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