People with diabetes need to constantly monitor their blood glucose levels. Its shortage or, conversely, a large number can provoke the development of all kinds of complications that pose a danger not only to health, but also to life. Currently, you can control the level of glucose in the blood at any time and in comfortable conditions using a device such as a glucometer. The most popular is the Accu Chek Active device. This is a small device that fits even in the smallest handbag. Thanks to the device, it became possible for patients to constantly monitor the course of the pathology, and for doctors to make timely adjustments to the therapeutic regimen.
Features of the meter
In order to determine the concentration of glucose in the fluid connective tissue, just one drop is enough, which is equivalent to 2 μl. If there is not enough biological material to carry out the test, the Accu Chek Active glucometer will notify the person of this with a sound signal.
Other features of the device:
- The device allows you to measure glucose concentration as accurately as possible. The level of the substance can be a minimum of 0.6 and a maximum of 33.3 mmol / L.
- It is important to know that each package with Accu Chek Active strips contains a special plate called a code plate. A three-digit number is applied to it, which corresponds to the numbers shown on the label of the secondary packaging of the meter. If both codes do not match, then research is not possible. However, this information is relevant only for older Accu Chek Active models. Advanced appliances no longer require encoding. In this regard, the plate in the package with test strips can be safely thrown out.
- The device is turned on automatically. It starts working immediately after installing a new test strip.
- The device is equipped with a modern LCD display, which has 96 segments.
- After each examination, a person may add a note to the measurement. This is done using a special function. For example, a patient may indicate circumstances that had an effect on glucose levels. To do this, select the appropriate parameter in the menu (“before meals”, “after a meal”, “snack”, “physical activity”, etc.).
- The Accu Chek Active glucometer must be stored at a temperature of -25 ... + 70 ° . This is the case if the device is without a battery. A device with a battery must be stored at a temperature of -20 ... + 70 ° .
- The maximum permissible humidity level in the room where the device is used is 85%.
- It is not recommended to conduct research in highlands. It is undesirable to use the meter in places that are located at an altitude of more than 4 km from sea level.
Given all the above features, the Accu Chek Active meter will last for many years.
Benefits
According to numerous reviews, it is easy to use the device. The device has an intuitive interface, so that its operation becomes as comfortable as possible.
Other benefits of the meter:
- The device has a built-in memory. She “remembers” up to 500 research results. In addition, they can be sorted. At any time, a person can find out the average glucose level for 7 and 14 days, for 1 and 3 months.
- The device is equipped with a USB output. This means that it can be connected to a personal computer and transfer the data of all measurements. Outdated models can only be synced with another device via infrared.
- The study does not take much time, and therefore it can be carried out in any conditions. The analysis results are displayed on the screen after 5 seconds.
- The meter is simple and understandable to everyone. To conduct the study, you do not need to press any buttons on it.
- The screen of the device is equipped with a backlight. Thanks to this, the meter is convenient for older people and people with visual impairments.
- There is a battery indicator on the device screen. Thanks to this, the person does not miss the time of replacing the element.
- The meter turns off independently after 30 seconds, provided that it is in standby mode.
Separately, it is worth noting the weight of the device. It is only 50 g. In addition, it is so easy to use that both adults and children can operate it.
Equipment
You can purchase an Accu Chek Active meter at a pharmacy. All consumables are sold with the device.
Equipment:
- Directly glucometer. One battery has already been inserted into it.
- A device designed to pierce the skin on a finger.
- Lancets - 10 pieces.
- Test strips - 10 pieces.
- Case that reliably protects the meter from damage.
- USB cable
- Instructions for use of the device and device designed to obtain biomaterial. The manual is written in Russian.
- Warranty card. It is filled by the seller when making a purchase. The warranty period is 50 years, which once again proves the reliability of the meter.
All this is folded into the secondary packaging of cardboard.
Study preparation
The process of measuring glucose in liquid connective tissue consists of several stages: preparation, biomaterial collection, analysis.
Before carrying out the study, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Doctors recommend pre-stretching your fingers. To do this, just make a few massaging movements.
Next steps:
- Take the Accu Chek Active test strip. Install it in the meter. If the device is an outdated model and requires coding, it is necessary to check the numbers on the plate and packaging.
- Install the lancet in a device designed to receive blood. First you need to remove the protective cap from it.
- Set the puncture depth on the device. If the study is planned to be carried out in a child, it is enough to scroll the knob by 1 position. For an adult, the depth should be greater. It is recommended to scroll the knob to 3 positions.
These are the basic rules of preparation. Next, you can proceed directly to the study.
Biomaterial sampling, analysis
You can get blood from both the finger and the earlobe. In both cases, the skin in the area of the alleged puncture must be treated with an alcohol wipe.
Research algorithm:
- Attach a device designed to receive biomaterial to the earlobe or fingertip.
- Press the "Descent" button. In the next second, the device punctures the skin.
- After that, you need to slightly press on the finger or lobe.
- Further, according to the instructions for Accu Chek Active, you need to attach the damaged area to the test strip, more precisely, to the green field. If the amount of blood is not enough for the study, a person will hear an appropriate sound signal.
- According to the instructions for the Accu Chek Active glucometer, the test results appear on the screen after 5 seconds. The resulting value must be remembered. There is no need to record it, it will be saved in the device’s memory. If necessary, you can mark the result.
Before using Accu Chek Active, make sure that the test strips have not expired. Expired consumables are not suitable for the study. This is due to the fact that they significantly affect the result of the study.
PC sync
The meter can be connected to a personal computer at any time and transfer all data to it. The device is equipped with a USB connector. A cable must be connected to it, and the other end must be connected to the computer.
In order to synchronize data, you must install the software. You can get it by contacting the Information Center, the address of which is indicated in the instructions.
Error codes and their interpretation
In order to control the course of the disease, you must be sure of the correct operation of the meter. Verification of its functioning should be carried out using pure glucose. You can buy it at a pharmacy or store that sells medical equipment.
It is advisable to check the device after cleaning, before using test strips from a new package, as well as when receiving a distorted result. How to do it? On the test strip, you need to apply not blood, but a glucose solution (high or low concentration). If the device displays the correct value, its operation is correct.
During operation, error codes may appear on the screen. There are several of them:
- E5. Next to the code, the sun is schematically depicted. This means that the device must be removed in the shade. If there is no image of the sun, this indicates that the device is exposed to electromagnetic effects.
- E1. Indicates that the test strip is not installed correctly.
- E2. Indicates too low glucose (value less than 0.6 mmol / l).
- H1. It means that glucose concentration is extremely high (more than 33.3 mmol / l).
- ITS. Indicates that the device is not working properly.
If other error codes appear, contact a service center.
disadvantages
The only negative is that you need to constantly buy supplies. The cost of test strips averages 950 rubles. for 50 pcs. and 1700 rubles. for 100 pcs. The price of lancets varies between 150-400 rubles. (they are available in 25 and 200 pcs.).
Reviews
Users are positive about the Accu Chek Active blood glucose meter. This is due to the fact that it is reliable and easy to operate. Thanks to the built-in backlight, the result is clearly visible even to people with visual impairment. In addition, according to reviews, Accu Chek Active has an affordable price. Its price is not more than 1000 rubles.
Finally
The Accu Chek Active glucometer is a modern device that allows you to measure glucose levels in liquid connective tissue at any time. The device is easy to use, it can be synchronized with a personal computer. In addition, if necessary, you can generate a report on the average glucose concentration for 1 and 7 days, as well as for 1 and 3 months.