Freestyle Libre Test Sticks.

transglobal

Newbie
Messages
3
Was put onto the Freestyle Libre at the end of May. Was put on prescription for the sensors and sticks but didn't use the sticks as being a good boy that I am, I used up the sticks I had for my One Touch Verio first. Saved the NHS a fortune I did! Went to start using the sticks I was given on prescription but they don't fit. They are Freestyle Lite sticks, so have been wrongly prescribed. I then referred back to my original letter which says "We do not reccomend using Freestyle Optium sticks due to their high cost". So I called Abbot to see what other sticks can be used with the libre but they said only the Optium. Can anyone confirm what sticks they are using with the Libre reader? Thanks.
 

MeiChanski

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,990
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hello, welcome!
I use the Freestyle Optium testing strips for the reader to test my blood, yes they're pricey but it was recommended by my dsn to use them and you can use the ketone strips to test your blood ketones. Fantastic meter to test both BG and ketones but it does cost the NHS a fortune at £30 per box for test strips. I think £20 for ketone strips as well. I think I will consider another meter that does both ketones and BG readings.
There is the freestyle lite meter for the test strips you were prescribed, I think your diabetes centre can give you the meter for it.
 

MeiChanski

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,990
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
But I find it a bit odd, both freestyle optium and lite testings strips cost about the same privately. So I guess it depends on your CCG, I think they are trying to save money by giving us alternatives.
 

transglobal

Newbie
Messages
3
Thank you. When the referral letter said they didn't advise using Optium sticks because of the cost and that there were "other available formulary options" I just assumed there were other test sticks to fit the meter! But it now doesn't look like there is. I think they are saying to continue to use the exiting strip blood meter alongside the libre sensor. A bit of a guddle.
 

Rokaab

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,250
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
I just assumed there were other test sticks to fit the meter! But it now doesn't look like there is. I think they are saying to continue to use the exiting strip blood meter alongside the libre sensor. A bit of a guddle.
I don't know of any meter than takes more than one kind of test strip, they are all very specific as to which strips they need.
But yes, I have the libre, and an entirely different blood glucose meter (an Accu-check one) and strips.