Blood

Glucose Meters: Quick Reference Guide

Accu-Chek Aviva Connect Contour Next One FreeStyle Lite OneTouch Verio Flex True Metrix Air
Drop Size (mcL) 0.6 0.6 0.3 0.4 0.5
Test Time (sec) 5 5 5 5 4
Alternate site? Palm, upper arm, forearm Palm Palm, upper arm None Forearm
Strip Accu-Chek Aviva Plus Contour Next FreeStyle Lite OneTouch Verio True Metrix
Strip MSRP* $1.75/strip $0.83/strip $1.49/strip $1.66 /strip $0.80/strip
Strips per Vial 50 and 100 25, 35, 50, and 100 50 and 100 50 and 100 25, 50, and 100
Lancing Device Accu-Chek Fastclix Microlet Next FreeStyle OneTouch Delica Universal lancing device
(packaged with meter)
Control Solution Accu-Chek Aviva Contour Next FreeStyle OneTouch Verio True Metrix
(sold separately)
Memory (tests) 750 800 400 500 1000
Test Averages 7, 14, 30, and 90 days None (app only) 7, 14, and 30 days None (app only) 7, 14, 30, 60, and 90 days
Features - Automatic transfer of - Able to reapply - 5 reminder alarms - Automatic transfer of - 4 reminder alarms
results to free Accu-Chek blood to test strip for - Able to reapply results to free OneTouch - Audible fill detection
Connect app up to 60 seconds blood to test strip for Reveal app - Bluetooth connectivity
- Auto-generate texts with - Automatic transfer up to 60 seconds - Bluetooth connectivity - Event tags (exercise,
results to caregivers from of results to free - Backlit display - Computer download sickness, medication)
Accu-Chek Connect app Contour Diabetes app - Computer download capability - Ketone test reminder
- Backlit LCD display - Backlit display capability - Three color indicator - Test strip ejector
- Bluetooth connectivity - Bluetooth - Test strip port light range to tell user if result
- Computer download connectivity - Works at cooler is low, within range, or
capability - Test strip port light temperatures (as low high
- Three color indicator as 40˚ F)
lights to tell user if
result is low, within
range, or high
Website/Phone accu-chek.com contournextone.com myfreestyle.com onetouch.com trividiahealth.com
1-800-858-8072 1-800-348-8100 1-888-522-5226 1-800-227-8862 1-800-803-6025
*MSRP = Manufacturer’s suggested retail price
REFERENCES:
1. PL-Detail Document, Comparison of Blood Glucose Meters. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter. February 2016.
2. American Diabetes Association. Blood Glucose Meters Consumer Guide 2016. Diabetes Forecast. March/April 2016.
3. Manufacturer’s websites (see table). H-E-B Pharmacy/University of Texas at Austin Community Pharmacy Practice Residency
 Helping Patients Choose and Use a Blood Glucose Meter

Choosing a Blood Glucose Meter

Selecting a meter that meets your patient’s needs and is easy to use may help increase adherence for regular
blood glucose checks. To help your patient select a blood glucose meter, start by learning more about his or
her needs. Important questions to ask your patient may include:

o Are you interested in a certain meter?
o Do you have any problems with vision or manual dexterity?
o Is cost a concern for you? Does your insurance cover your meter, strips, and lancets?
o Do you record your test results, or would you prefer to store them in the meter’s memory?
o Would you like to know your monthly or quarterly test averages?
o Would you like the option of testing sites other than your fingertips?
o Will you be mostly testing at home, or is portability of the meter important?
o Are you interested in uploading your results to your computer or smartphone?

Using a Blood Glucose Meter

1. Always read instructions before using the meter to ensure the correct
testing procedure will be used.

2. Test the meter with control solution before using it for the first time to
make sure it is reading correctly. You should also test when opening a new
vial of strips or if you suspect the meter or strips may be damaged.

3. Wash hands with soap and water, and dry thoroughly. Clean the finger
you’re going to test with alcohol. Let the alcohol air dry.

4. Insert a test strip into the meter, and insert a lancet into the lancing device.
Wait for the meter to prompt you for a sample.

5. Test your blood sample. Prick your finger with the lancing device. You may
need to squeeze or massage the finger to obtain a bead of blood. Hold the
bead of blood to touch the strip at the right place, which should be
indicated on the strip. Always prick the side of the fingertip since that area
is less sensitive than the pad of the finger and less likely to bruise. Try to
alternate fingers each time you test.
6. Read the results. Newer meters only take about 5 seconds for results to be
ready. Results will vary depending on what time of day it is and how
recently you ate.

7. Discard used lancets and test strips in appropriate containers. Clean the
lancing device for the next testing time. Always use a new lancet and a
new test strip for every test.

8. Keep a record of your results, and bring your record to doctor visits.

REFERENCES:
1. Terrie YC. Blood glucose meters: effective self-monitoring. Pharmacy Times. 2015 Oct 13. Available from:
http://www.pharmacytimes.com/publications/issue/2015/october2015/blood-glucose-meters-effective-self-monitoring
2. Mensing C. Helping your patient choose the right blood glucose meter. Nursing. 2003 Oct;33:22-25.
3. Images courtesy of wikiHow: How to Use a Glucometer. Available from: http://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Glucometer.
Attribution-Noncommercial Share Alike 3.0 Creative Commons License.
H-E-B Pharmacy/University of Texas at Austin Community Pharmacy Practice Residency