Active BLOOD GLUCOSE METER Owner’s Booklet
Dear ACCU-CHEK System Owner, Thank you for choosing the ACCU-CHEK Active system. Congratulations on your decision to take control of your diabetes. We’ve designed your new ACCU-CHEK Active system with comfort, convenience, and control in mind – to help make living with diabetes a little easier. This booklet will help you get the most from your ACCU-CHEK Active system. We also invite you to visit www.accu-chek.com to find out about services, tools, and information that can help you manage your diabetes.
The ACCU-CHEK Active System* Your new ACCU-CHEK Active meter and accessories work together to measure the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood to help you and your doctor control your diabetes. The system includes: • ACCU-CHEK Active Meter with Battery • ACCU-CHEK Active Test Strips with Code Key* • ACCU-CHEK Softclix Lancet Device with Lancets • ACCU-CHEK Softclix Lancets* • ACCU-CHEK Active Control Solution* *Items may be sold separately.
Why Regular Blood Sugar Testing Is Important Checking your blood sugar can make a big difference in how well you manage your diabetes on a daily basis. We’ve made it as simple and comfortable as possible. ACCU-CHEK meters are easy to use, and you can adjust the ACCU-CHEK Softclix lancet device to make testing more comfortable. Need Help? Just call the ACCU-CHEK Customer Care Service Center, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at 1-800-858-8072. You can also visit www.accu-chek.
Before You Start Testing Important Information About Your New Meter and Test Strips • Carefully read and follow the instructions in the Owner’s Booklet and Package Inserts for the test strips and control solutions. Not following the instructions may lead to a wrong result or improper treatment, causing you health problems. • Inspect the container of test strips before using them for the first time.
Important Information About Your New Meter and Test Strips (continued) • Refer to your test strip and control solution Package Inserts for additional health-related information. • It is always a good idea to have a back-up testing method available. Examples of back-up testing methods include a back-up meter or testing by a lab. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about other possible back-up methods.
Health-Related Information • Certain substances can interfere with the ACCU-CHEK Active blood glucose system and cause falsely high results. For example, peritoneal dialysis solutions containing icodextrin (such as Extraneal) or certain immunoglobulin therapies that contain maltose (such as Octagam 5%), cause inaccurate results. For more information, refer to the Test Strip Package Insert, or ask your doctor. • Some people with diabetes do not experience symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Health-Related Information (continued) • DO NOT CHANGE YOUR TREATMENT BASED ON A SINGLE RESULT THAT DOES NOT MATCH HOW YOU FEEL OR IF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOUR TEST RESULT COULD BE INCORRECT. If your blood sugar result doesn’t match how you feel and you have followed the instructions in this manual, follow your doctor’s instructions, or call your doctor. • Children should be taught how to use the meter and any other medical products appropriately.
Contents Chapter 1: Understanding Your New System ........................................................................10 Connecting (or Changing) the Battery..................................................................................12 Setting the Beeper, Year, Time, and Date ............................................................................14 Coding the Meter ................................................................................................................
Chapter 4: Using Your Meter’s Memory .................................................................................35 Storing Test Results ...........................................................................................................35 Viewing Test Results ..........................................................................................................35 Viewing Trend Information .................................................................................................
Chapter 1: Understanding Your New System* *Items may be sold separately. Battery Tray – Slide tray out to change battery. S Button – Press this button to enter the Set mode, move between fields (such as time, date, etc.), and recall stored test results in the Memory mode. Display – Shows blood sugar results, messages, and results stored in memory. M Button – Press this button to enter or exit the Memory mode or change values in the Set mode. Test Strip Guide – Remove this for cleaning.
Cap with Comfort Dial Depth Selection Ejector Arrowheads Lancet Device Plunger Release Button Protective Cover Orange Pad Code Key Test Strip Container (included with test strips) Clear Cap (for alternative site testing) 11 Test Strip Lancet
Connecting (or Changing) the Battery 1. Use your thumb to slide the battery tray up and out of the meter. Chapter 1: Understanding Your New System 2. Remove the plastic strip and throw it away.
3. Slide the battery tray back into the meter until it locks into place. • The battery symbol on the screen means the battery is low and should be changed soon. • If the meter shuts off after 3 seconds, no more tests can be run. To change the battery, remove the old battery and place the new one in the tray with the + side facing down. Notes: • The meter uses one lithium battery. Always keep an extra battery on hand.
Setting the Beeper, Year, Time, and Date Setting the time and date is important if you use the meter’s memory or connect to a computer. 1. With the meter off, press (SET button). 2. Press (MEMORY button) to change the time format (12or 24-hour).
3. Press . The hour will flash. 4. Press to change the hour. a You may hold the button down to scroll forward quickly. 5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 to change the minutes, year, month, day, and beeper setting (on or off). Leaving the beeper on is recommended. 6. Press twice to finish set-up and turn off the meter. Setting the Beeper The beeper is designed to make the ACCU-CHEK Active meter easier to use, but you can turn it off and not affect your test results in any way.
Coding the Meter Code Key (included with test strips) 1. With the meter off, slide the orange code key into the code key slot. It should easily snap into place. 2. When you insert a test strip (see Chapter 3, “Running a Blood Sugar Test”), make sure the code on the meter matches the code on the test strip container. 3. Throw away the old code key.
Chapter 2: Control Testing Why Run Control Tests Control tests ensure that both the meter and the test strips are working properly and giving reliable results.
Running a Control Test Arrowheads Orange Pad For control testing, you’ll need your meter, a test strip, a bottle of ACCU-CHEK Active control solution, and a napkin or paper towel. 1. Take a new test strip from the container. Make sure the yellow color in the round window on the back of the strip matches the yellow color above “0 mg/dL” on the container. If it looks green, don’t use it. 2. Insert the test strip, with the orange pad facing up, until it will go no further into the meter.
3. When the flashing blood drop appears on the screen, press to mark the test as a control. You can also do this right after you get your test result, but not after the meter turns off. A control bottle symbol is displayed on the screen and stored in the memory to show that this result is from a control test. 4. Briefly roll the bottle of control solution, open it, squeeze one drop onto a paper towel, and wipe the tip of the bottle clean. 5.
Understanding Control Test Results LOW HIGH Range (mg/dL) 42–72 290–328 Example The label on your test strip container shows the acceptable ranges for low and high test solutions. Your control test results should be within the listed range. Make sure you compare the result to the range for the level of control solution you used (low or high). The low level control solution bottle has a blue cap; the high level solution bottle has a red cap.
When a control test isn’t within the acceptable range, there could be several reasons. Follow these steps to find out why: Troubleshooting Checks Action 1. Check the expiration dates of the test strips and control solutions. Replace solution or test strips that have expired or solution you opened more than three months ago. 2. Make sure the caps were tight on the test strip container and control solution bottles. If either has been open for a while, replace the test strips or control solution. 3.
Chapter 3: Testing Your Blood Sugar Preparing the ACCU-CHEK Softclix Lancet Device With the ACCU-CHEK Active meter, you have a choice in test sites. To test using an alternative site instead of your fingertip, see Chapter 3, “Testing with Blood from Alternative Sites.” 1. Pull off the cap. 2. Insert a lancet until it clicks. 3. Twist off the lancet’s protective cover. Note: You can refer to the First Time Guide or the Quick Reference Guide for a simple testing summary.
4. Snap the cap back on after lining up the notches. The cap easily snaps into place. 5. Twist the cap to set the lancet depth. Start at 2 or 3. For tougher skin, dial to a higher number. 6. Press the plunger (like a pen) until it clicks. The release button turns yellow when the device is ready. Set aside until later in the test. Release Button Notes: • The best depth setting is the lowest number that lets you get enough blood for a test. Try different settings to find the one that’s right for you.
Running a Blood Sugar Test Before running your first test, make sure you set up your meter properly and run a control test. See Chapters 1 and 2 for details. Do not operate the meter without the test strip guide attached. For more information, see Chapter 5, “Maintenance and Troubleshooting.” Applying Blood with Test Strip Inside the Meter 1. Using warm water, wash and then dry your hands. Dirty hands could affect results. 2. Take one test strip from the container. Close the container cap tightly.
5. When you see the flashing blood drop, hold the lancet device against the side of your fingertip and press the release button. 6. Gently squeeze your fingertip to get a drop of blood. Notes: • Once the blood drop appears on the screen, you have 2 minutes to apply the drop of blood. • If the test has begun and you still need to add more blood throw the test strip away and start over.
7. Touch the blood drop to the center of the square orange pad. Do not bend the test strip. 8. An hourglass symbol appears on the screen, then the test result appears. 9. To remove the lancet, take off the lancet device cap and point the lancet end away from yourself. 10. Slide out the ejector to discharge the lancet into an appropriate container for sharp objects. For more information about your test results, see Chapter 3,” Understanding Your Test Results.
Applying Blood with Test Strip Outside of the Meter Do not operate the meter without the test strip guide attached. For more information, see Chapter 5, “Maintenance and Troubleshooting.” Follow Steps 1 through 6 of “Running a Blood Sugar Test,” Chapter 3, then: 1. Take the test strip out of the meter. 2. Touch the center of the square orange pad to the drop of blood. Do not bend the test strip. 3.
Testing with Blood from Alternative Sites With the ACCU-CHEK Active system, you have the option to use blood from an alternative site (palm, forearm, upper arm, thigh, or calf) in addition to blood taken from your fingertip. Although blood from your fingertip may be tested at any time, there are times when testing from alternative sites is not ideal. Before you begin testing areas other than your fingertip, please read this section to understand which option is right for you.
Alternative site testing may be done: • Immediately before a meal • When you are in a fasting state Chapter 3: Testing Your Blood Sugar Alternative site testing is NOT recommended: • After a meal (two hours or less) • After exercise • During sickness • When you think your blood sugar is very low (hypoglycemic) • If you often don’t notice when you are hypoglycemic • During peak action time of short-acting or rapid-acting insulin analogues.
1. Wash the alternative site with warm water and dry, then follow Steps 2-4 from Chapter 3, “Running a Blood Sugar Test.” 2. Make sure you are using the clear cap specially designed for alternative site testing with the ACCU-CHEK Softclix lancet device. 3. Adjust the clear cap to the highest setting. 4. Press and hold the lancet device against a fleshy area on the alternative site. Press the release button and continue to apply steady pressure to the site.
5. Take the test strip out of the meter. You have 20 seconds to apply the blood to the test strip and put it back in the meter. 6. Turn the test strip down on top of the blood drop, aiming for the center of the orange pad. 7. Put the test strip back into the meter with the orange pad facing up. 8. An hourglass symbol appears on the screen, then the test result appears. 9. To remove the lancet, take off the lancet device cap and point the lancet end away from yourself. 10.
Recording Your Results Always record your blood sugar results after testing. This helps you and your healthcare professional find patterns in your blood sugar results. This information helps you better manage your diabetes, reducing your chances for complications. Record your results in the self-test diary included in your kit, the meter’s memory, or on your computer. Storing Your Supplies Make sure you close the test strip container and control solution bottles tightly after each use.
Using Your Test Strips • For accurate results, use only approved test strips. • Close the container cap tightly immediately after removing a test strip. • Do not bend the test strip • Note the expiration (“Use By”) date on the test strip container. Throw test strips away after that date. • Replace the code key and run a control test every time you get a new box of test strips. • Store test strips in their original container. • Store your test strips and meter in a cool, dry place.
Symptoms of High or Low Blood Sugar Being aware of the symptoms of high or low blood sugar can help you understand your test results and decide what to do if they seem unusual. Here are the most common symptoms. High blood sugar (hyperglycemia): fatigue, increased appetite or thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, headache, or general aching. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): sweating, trembling, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, tingling or numbness around mouth or fingertips.
Chapter 4: Using Your Meter’s Memory Storing Test Results Your meter automatically stores up to 200 test results, and you can review them at any time. If you’ve set the time and date on the meter (see Chapter 1, “Setting the Beeper, Year, Time, and Date”), this information is stored and displayed with your test results. If you haven’t set the time and date, test results are simply stored in order, from the newest to the oldest. Viewing Test Results 1. With the meter off, press and release .
Viewing Trend Information The ACCU-CHEK Active meter displays 7- and 14-day blood sugar averages. The time and date must be set to use this feature. 1. With the meter off, press and release . ▲ 2. Press and at the same time to display the 7-day average. Example ▲ 3. Press and again at the same time to display the 14-day average. By repeating this step, you can switch back and forth between the 7-day and 14-day averages. Example Chapter 4: Using Your Meter’s Memory 36 4. Press to return to memory.
Notes: Do not change your therapy based on one individual result recorded in memory. Talk to your doctor before changing therapy based on results in memory. • Results stored in memory will not be lost when you replace the battery, but you will need to reset the time and date. • Once 200 results are in memory, adding a new test result causes the oldest one to be deleted.
Transferring Data Infrared (IR) Window 1. Install the software according to the instructions. 2. Run the software program and follow the instructions about how to download information. Make sure the software is ready to accept data from the meter. 3. Locate the infrared (IR) window on the top of the meter. 4. Locate the IR window on the infrared cable or PDA. 5. Point the two IR windows toward each other. They should be no more than 4 inches (10 cm) apart. 6.
When “PC” flashes on the display, you have 2 minutes to start transferring data before the meter shuts off. 7. After the information has been transferred to your computer, “End” will appear and you can turn off the meter by pressing . The software program may turn off your meter automatically when the transfer is complete. Notes: • If the data did not transfer successfully, call the ACCU-CHEK Customer Care Service Center.
Chapter 5: Maintenance and Troubleshooting Cleaning Your Meter Caring for your ACCU-CHEK Active meter is easy. If the display or the outside of the meter is dirty, wipe it off with a slightly damp cloth. Only use water to dampen the cloth. If there is any blood in the test strip opening or if your meter displays the E-4 or E-5 message, follow these steps to clean it: 1. Take the strip guide off by pressing down with your thumb as you slide it off. 2.
Maintenance and Testing Your meter needs little or no maintenance with normal use. It automatically tests its own systems every time you turn it on and lets you know if something is wrong. (See Chapter 5, “Screen Messages and Troubleshooting”). If you drop the meter or think it’s not giving accurate readings, make sure that your test strips and control solution haven’t expired, then run a control test. Periodically test your display to make sure it is working properly.
Screen Messages and Troubleshooting ! ▲ Never make treatment decisions based on an error message. If you have any concerns, please call the ACCU-CHEK Customer Care Service Center at 1-800-858-8072, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The meter won’t turn on or the display is blank. Possible cause Solution Battery is dead. Insert a new battery. Temperature is too cold. Move somewhere warmer and repeat test. Display is damaged. Call the ACCU-CHEK Customer Care Service Center. Meter is defective.
Blood sugar is higher than the measuring range of the system. See Chapter 3, “Understanding Your Test Results.” Your surroundings are too bright. Repeat the test in a darker environment (shaded from direct sunlight), using a new strip. The temperature is above or below the proper range for the meter (50°F to 104°F). Move to an area between 50°F and 104°F, allow the meter to warm up or cool down slowly to room temperature. Do not artificially heat or cool the meter.
A test error has occurred, or there is electromagnetic interference. Repeat the test. If you get the same message, move away from sources of interference and repeat the test. The meter is having trouble reading the code key. Take the orange code key out and put it back in again. For help, see Chapter 1, “Coding the Meter.” There is a problem reading the test strip. Clean the test strip guide (see Chapter 5, “Cleaning Your Meter”) and make sure the test strip is straight when you re-insert it.
There was not enough blood on the test strip to start the test. Repeat the test with a larger drop of blood. The test strip was not inserted correctly, it was removed during testing, or blood was applied too soon. Repeat the test with a new test strip. Make sure you insert the test strip until the arrowheads are no longer visible, with the orange square facing up (see Chapter 3, “Running a Blood Sugar Test”). The temperature is above or below the proper range for the meter.
Chapter 6: Technical Information Product Limitations Please read the literature packaged with your test strips to find the latest information on product specifications and limitations.
Meter storage conditions Test strip storage conditions Relative humidity operating range Altitude Memory capacity Dimensions Weight Construction Lancet device depths Chapter 6: Technical Information -40°F to 158°F (-40°C to 70°C) Refer to the test strip package insert Less than 85% <10,150 ft. 200 blood glucose results with time and date 4.6 x 1.7 x 0.9 inches (118 x 44 x 23 mm) 57 g (without battery) Hand-held 0.80, 0.95, 1.10, 1.25, 1.40, 1.55, 1.70, 1.85, 2.00, 2.15, 2.
Product Safety Information Explanation of Symbols CAUTION Please refer to safety-related notes in the manual accompanying this instrument. One 2032 or equivalent lithium battery. The ACCU-CHEK Active meter has been listed by Underwriter’s Laboratories, Inc., in accordance with UL 3101-1 and CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 1010-1. This product fulfills the requirements of Directive 98/79/ EC on in vitro diagnostic medical devices.
ACCU-CHEK Active Limited 3-Year Warranty Roche Diagnostics warrants to the original purchaser of the meter that your ACCU-CHEK Active meter will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for 3 years from the date of purchase. If, during this 3-year period, the meter does not work properly because of a defect in materials or workmanship, Roche Diagnostics will replace it with a new ACCU-CHEK Active meter or equivalent product free of charge.
Warranty and Service Instructions All requests for return of ACCU-CHEK Active meters under the above warranty or service policy must be made to the ACCU-CHEK Customer Care Service Center by calling 1-800-858-8072. You will be mailed a return authorization label, which must be affixed to your carton for shipping the system to Roche Diagnostics. Cartons received without this label will be returned to you at your expense.
with the matched code key supplied by another manufacturer may prevent or impair the proper function of the ACCU-CHEK Active system. Using the ACCU-CHEK Active system indicates your acceptance of the restricted license to use the ACCU-CHEK Active system only with ACCU-CHEK Active test strips and ACCU-CHEK Active code keys.
Additional Supplies The following supplies and accessories are available from authorized diabetes healthcare centers, pharmacies, or medical/surgical supply dealers: Test Strips ACCU-CHEK Active Test Strips Cat. No. 3146332, 3272656, 3184862 Control Solution ACCU-CHEK Active Control Solutions Cat. No. 3146324 Lancets ACCU-CHEK Softclix Lancet Device ACCU-CHEK Softclix Lancets ACCU-CHEK Softclix Lancets Cat. No. 957 Cat. No. 971 (100/box) Cat. No. 988 (200/box) References 1.
Information for Professional Caregivers ▲ ! Healthcare Professionals: Follow the infection control procedures appropriate for your facility. Decisions about whether to recommend alternative site testing (AST) should take into account the motivation and knowledge level of the patient and his or her ability to understand the considerations relative to diabetes and AST.
Index ACCU-CHEK Softclix Lancet Device, 22 – 23, 52 appetite, increased, 34 battery, changing, 12 battery, installing, 12 battery, type, 13, 46 blood drop, 23, 25, 28 blood sugar, high, 34 blood sugar, low, 34 blood sugar, testing, 24 – 31 blurred vision, 34 code key, 16 computer, connecting your meter to, 37 Index control solution, 17 – 21, 52 control test results, understanding, 20 – 21 control test, acceptable range, 19 – 21 control test, results, 20 control test, running 18 – 19 control test, unaccept
maintenance, meter, 40 – 45 memory, meter, 35 – 37 messages, error, 42 – 45 meter memory, 35 – 37 meter, coding, 16 meter, settings, 14 – 16 money-back guarantee, 49 numbness, 34 product limitations, 46 product specifications, 46 professional caregivers, 53 rapid heartbeat, 34 results, control test, understanding, 20 – 21 results, logging, 32 results, test, understanding, 33 Index screens, meter, 42 – 45 service, 50 settings, meter, 14 – 16 Softclix Lancet Device, 22 – 23, 52 specifications, product, 46 s
Notes Index 56 ACCU-CHEK Customer Care Service Center 1-800-858-8072
ACCU-CHEK Active ® ACCU-CHEK Customer Care Service Center 1-800-858-8072 www.accu-chek.com ©2007 Roche Diagnostics. All rights reserved. Roche Diagnostics 9115 Hague Road Indianapolis, IN 46256 ACCU-CHEK, ACCU-CHEK ACTIVE, SOFTCLIX, and ACCU-CHEK COMPASS are trademarks of Roche.
