FAQ Listing
Is it possible to use the old test strip with the new meter?
Yes, it is possible.
How do I get the USB cable?
The required USB cable is a standard Micro-USB cable available from most electrical retailers; the meter kit does not include a standard Micro-USB cable.
Is the Accu-Chek Smart Pix device reader compatible with all Accu-Chek meters and insulin pumps?
The Accu-Chek Smart Pix device reader is compatible with all Accu-Chek meters and pumps that offer infrared (IR) data transfer functionality.
Does the meter provide information if the test strip has expired?
Yes, the meter will show “exp” inside the strip icon if the test strips is the use by date has elapsed. The use by date is printed on the label of the test strip container.
How should my meter tests compare with lab results?
Because your monitor and lab tests don't measure the same thing, these numbers are likely to vary. Lab tests generally test plasma, but a meter uses whole blood. As a result, even if you take both tests at the exact same time, your meter is likely to show a lower number than the lab results. This is perfectly acceptable, and your healthcare professional will already be factoring this in.
Where can I find out what an error code or screen message is telling me?
Visit your meter's Screen Messages page for a list of messages and definitions or download the User Manual for your meter.
Has anything changed with the test strips?
The new Accu‑Chek Instant test strip utilizes the FAD-GDH chemistry. This
system is the most accurate in the history of our organization. It meets the 10/10
standards for accuracy.
What types of averages are available?
There are three types of averages: general, pre-meal and post-meal. To view results and averages, press and release left and right arrows to view stored results. The most recent test result appears on the display.
Press the left arrow to view previous test results from newest to oldest.
Press the right arrow to view 7-, 14-, 30- and 90-day general averages
Continue to press the right arrow to view 7-, 14-, 30- and 90-day pre-meal and post-meal averages
What software may be used with my Accu-Chek blood glucose monitor?
The meter is compatible with all Accu-Chek data management tools, including the Accu-Chek 360o diabetes management system.
Does the meter support a reminder function?
Yes. If the post-meal reminder marker is selected, the meter will beep 2 hours after the pre-meal test to remind you to perform a post-meal test. You can change the pre-meal test reminder to 1 hour after the pre-meal test.
Can I delete stored results?
With the new Accu-Chek Performa blood glucose meters, it is not necessary to delete stored results. Once 500 blood sugar (glucose) results are in the memory, adding a new result causes the oldest one to be deleted.
Does the meter provide information if the test strip has expired?
No, the meter will no longer provide an automatic warning message telling you that your vial of test strips will soon expire or lock you out once they have expired.
Is the Accu-Chek Performa system approved for use in clinical settings such as hospitals?
The Accu-Chek Performa meter is not approved for use in clinical settings in the United States and Canada, although the Accu-Chek Performa meter is cleared to test capillary, venous, arterial, and neonatal blood samples.
What is the right way to clean the Accu-Chek Softclix lancing device and how often should I clean it?
To keep your lancing device in tip-top condition, clean it regularly and wipe off any blood from it immediately. Clean your lancing device from the outside only. Never dip the
Accu-Chek Softclix lancing device in water, isopropanol or any other liquid. This may damage internal parts, and impair operation of the lancing device. Follow a weekly cleaning regimen using a cloth moistened with 70% isopropanol or 70% ethanol (available from your pharmacy or chemist). In addition, thoroughly wipe the inside of the cap using a cotton bud moistened with 70% isopropanol. Other substances used for cleaning may attack the plastic and stop the lancing device from operating properly. Do not clean the Accu-Chek Softclix lancets. Allow your Accu-Chek Softclix lancing device enough time to dry thoroughly. Check your package insert for detailed instructions on how to clean the lancing device.
What do the error signals mean?
The Accu-Chek Smart Pix device reader reports potential errors during data transfer and use by causing the center display section 8 to flash. Here's what you can do:
In the browser navigation, click the Read Device button. The center display section should flash slowly now, indicating that it is actively searching for devices and that it is ready for data transfer.
If the error signal continues, you can unplug the Accu-Chek Smart Pix device reader and plug it back in again. Disregard any Windows error messages about removing the data medium.
Try repeating the transfer again. If this error signal occurs again, check the following:
Has the meter been properly prepared for data transfer?
Is there anything obstructing the signal between the device IR port and the Accu-Chek Smart Pix device reader? Is the device too far away?
Is there any interference from bright lights or sunlight?
Often, in the case of error messages associated with data transfer, the issue is interference with data transfer, or a problem with the meter or insulin pump.
Is it possible to use the new test strip with the old and actual meter?
Yes, it is possible to use the new test strip with all Accu-Chek Active meter generations.
What are the main differences between the old and the new Accu-Chek Active meters?
This meter comes with a totally new design, a 30 % size reduction and an improved feature set-up. New features include the postprandial reminder and 90-day average reading. Also, the new meter display is now 10 % bigger and offers easier readability.
Do I lose the memory or the time and date setting when changing the battery?
The stored values will be kept in the meter at all times: they cannot get lost when changing the battery. If the battery change is done according to the user instructions (empty battery stays in the meter until new battery is available to be inserted) the time and date settings remain stored in the meter as well.
Can I use an expired test strip?
No, check the use by date on the test strip container. Do not use test strips past the use by date.
How do I set or change the time and date on my meter?
Watch this short video to see how easy it is to set the date and time.
Your meter comes with the batteries already installed and a preset time and date. You may need to change the time to match your time zone or, if you live in a state that observes daylight saving time, to reflect the time change.
To change these settings:
Press and release the On/Off button to turn the meter on. The flashing test strip symbol appears. NOTE: If this is the first time your meter has been turned on, it will automatically enter the set-up mode, and "Set-up" and the hour will flash on the display. Skip to Step 3 to change the time or, if the date and time are correct, press and hold the On/Off button to exit the set-up mode.
To enter the set-up mode, press and hold the On/Off button for about four seconds. “Set-up” and the hour flash on the display.
Press and release the arrows to decrease or increase the hour. Press and hold the arrows to scroll faster.
Press and release the On/Off button to set the hour. The minutes flash.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 to set the minutes, AM/PM, month, day and year. The flashing field is the one you are changing.
Once you set the correct time and date, press and hold the On/Off button until the flashing test strip symbol appears.
What type of battery is used?
The meter uses 1 3-volt lithium coin cell battery (type CR 2032) found in many stores.
Can the Accu-Chek Safe-T-Pro Uno lancing device be used for alternative site testing (AST)?
No. The lancing device is not designed and intended to be used for AST.
Does the Accu-Chek Safe-T-Pro Uno lancing device meet legal requirements?
Roche Diabetes Care, as a manufacturer of medical devices, certified to European standards, complies with all applicable European directives. The lancing device is CE (Conformité Européene) labeled, which means that the product meets the safety and normative requirements of those European directives. The European regulations are valid and recognized under mutual recognition agreements with many countries, including Canada, LATAM, APAC and Japan. The lancing device also complies with laws such as the US Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act, the TRBA 250 (Germany) or the NR 32 (Brazil) and others.
How do I connect the Accu-Chek Smart Pix device reader to my computer?
The device simply plugs into any available USB port. Just plug it in and it's ready to go.
What test strips are used with the Accu-Chek® Guide meter?
The Accu-Chek Guide system uses Accu-Chek Guide test strips, which offer an easy-edge dosing area and accurate results with just a small drop of blood. In addition, they come in a spill-resistant SmartPack vial that makes it easy to remove just one strip at a time. The Accu-Chek Guide meter is not compatible with other Accu-Chek test strips.
1According to the ISO 15197:2013 standard, 95% of all bG results must be ±15 mg/dL of the laboratory reference when bG levels are below 100 mg/dL. At bG levels above 100 mg/dL, 95% of all bG results must be within ±15% of the laboratory reference.
How do I change the batteries?
To replace the batteries:
Open the battery door on the back of the meter by pushing the tab toward the door, and pull the door up and open.
Push the “hand” button to release the old batteries, then simply slide them out.
With both of the plus signs facing up, slide the new batteries under the black tabs and the hand button.
Replace the battery door and snap it closed.
1According to the ISO 15197:2013 standard, 95% of all bG results must be ±15 mg/dL of the laboratory reference when bG levels are below 100 mg/dL. At bG levels above 100 mg/dL, 95% of all bG results must be within ±15% of the laboratory reference.
Will my data be lost when the batteries are removed?
Don’t worry—your information will be saved when you change the batteries.
1According to the ISO 15197:2013 standard, 95% of all bG results must be ±15 mg/dL of the laboratory reference when bG levels are below 100 mg/dL. At bG levels above 100 mg/dL, 95% of all bG results must be within ±15% of the laboratory reference.
What test strips are used with the Accu-Chek Guide meter?
The Accu-Chek Guide system uses Accu-Chek Guide test strips, which offer an easy-edge dosing area and accurate results with just a small drop of blood. In addition, they come in a spill-resistant SmartPack vial that makes it easy to remove just one strip at a time. The Accu-Chek Guide meter is not compatible with other Accu-Chek test strips.
1According to the ISO 15197:2013 standard, 95% of all bG results must be ±15 mg/dL of the laboratory reference when bG levels are below 100 mg/dL. At bG levels above 100 mg/dL, 95% of all bG results must be within ±15% of the laboratory reference.
Will my Accu-Chek Active, Accu‑Chek Aviva or Accu‑Chek Performa test strips work with Accu‑Chek Instant meters?
No, there is no compatibility between the Accu‑Chek Instant test strips with these and other Accu‑Chek systems.
Accu‑Chek Instant test strips are compatible with Accu‑Chek Instant S Meter.
Is it possible to test with different blood sample types?
Yes, it is possible to test with all types of blood (capillary, venous, arterial, and neonatal).
Can I delete stored results?
It is not possible to delete stored results.
What happens if I do not apply enough blood on the test strip?
An E4 displays on the meter, indicating not enough blood was drawn into the test strip for measurement or blood was applied after the test had started. You should discard the test strip and repeat the blood sugar test.
How do I change the battery in my Accu-Chek Performa blood glucose meter?
Make sure you have a new 3-volt, lithium battery, number CR2032, to insert. Open the battery door on the back of the meter, remove the old battery for at least 20 seconds, and press any button on the meter. Insert the new battery with the “+” sign facing out. Snap the battery door back into place. Press the on/off button, and the meter will beep. Setup and hour are flashing on the display. If the date and time are correct, press and hold the on/off button for about 4 seconds. Release the button, and you’re done.
What can I use to clean and disinfect the meter?
70% isopropyl alcohol
Mild dishwashing liquid mixed with water
10% household bleach solution (1 part bleach plus 9 parts water) made the same day
How do I use the clear alternative site testing cap?
Remove the black cap from the lancing device. Attach the clear plastic cap, and twist the rotatable cap until you reach your chosen depth setting. Prime the lancing device, and place the clear cap firmly against the selected site. Press the release button to lance.
Can I use the Accu-Chek Safe-T-Pro Uno lancing device with children and neonates?
Yes. It is suitable for use with children under 1 year of age and neonates.
Can I download information to the Accu-Chek Smart Pix device reader from more than 1 meter?
You can combine results from up to 3 blood glucose monitors at the same time, and have all the information appear on 1 easy to read graph.
Can the Accu-Chek Smart Pix device reader store readings in my computer?
While you can view your results at your computer and e-mail a report, you can't store the readings or manipulate the data, as with other Accu-Chek applications.
How accurate is the new system?
The Accu-Chek Guide system uses a new testing platform and benefits from the strict Roche manufacturing requirements to provide reliable, accurate test results. In fact, the Accu-Chek Guide system delivers accuracy beyond the minimum requirement of industry standards. 1
1According to the ISO 15197:2013 standard, 95% of all bG results must be ±15 mg/dL of the laboratory reference when bG levels are below 100 mg/dL. At bG levels above 100 mg/dL, 95% of all bG results must be within ±15% of the laboratory reference.
What type of batteries are used?
The Accu-Chek Guide system uses two readily available CR2032 lithium coin batteries.
1According to the ISO 15197:2013 standard, 95% of all bG results must be ±15 mg/dL of the laboratory reference when bG levels are below 100 mg/dL. At bG levels above 100 mg/dL, 95% of all bG results must be within ±15% of the laboratory reference.
Why do the Accu‑Chek Instant meters display an alternating “Err” with the error code?
During our human factors testing, we discovered that there could be some confusion in misinterpreting an error with an actual test result if the meter is held upside down while viewing the display. We implemented this approach to showing error codes so as to eliminate any risk of misinterpretation.
How do I set the date and time without using the meter button?
Accu‑Chek Connect Online: For Accu-Chek Instant meter, the date and time will be set and displayed during the process of setting up an Accu‑Chek Connect Online account via USB cable. The date and time will match that of the connected device. On subsequent data transfers, the date and time will automatically sync to the connected device date and time if there is a difference of more than 10 minutes.
Do the meters have a certificate and evaluation report for ISO 15197:2015?
Yes, the Accu‑Chek Instant meters comply with the requirements of ISO 15197:2013/EN ISO 15197:2015 (In vitro diagnostic test systems – Requirements for blood glucose monitoring systems for self-testing in managing diabetes mellitus).
How is the accuracy when compared with other Accu-Chek meters?
The Accu‑Chek Instant meters is our latest development in accuracy from a pioneer in blood glucose testing technologies. This is one of the most accurate meters in our portfolio.
How does the data transfer work with the new meter?
The Accu-Chek Active blood glucose meter has a built in USB (Universal Serial Bus) port for transferring test results to a computer that is equipped appropirately. Roche Diabetes Care offers a variety of special diabetes management hardware and software products which enhance the integrated diary functions of your meter. With these hardware and software products, you and your healthcare professional can manage your test results more effectively and use graphs and tables to understand them better.
What happens if I do not apply enough blood on the test strip?
The meter detects if not enough blood has been applied. If the amount of blood you applied is insufficient, after a few seconds an acoustic warning in the form of 3 beeps sounds. You can then apply an additional amount of blood.
Why must the visual color check be realized within 30 to 60 seconds after application?
The Accu-Chek Active meter detects the color change in the test pad area. If the test pad is checked too early, the glucose reaction may not yet be finished. If it is done too late, the color may have already changed due to drying.
How do I run a blood sugar test on a non-fingertip site?
Your Accu-Chek lancing device has a special plastic cap designed for testing on other areas of the body. Talk with your healthcare professional before deciding if alternate site testing is right for you.
Note: Do not use the special plastic cap when testing at the fingertip. Follow the steps for fingertip testing, with a few differences:
Use the clear or gray cap.
You may need a deeper setting. Try 3 for palm testing or 5-1/2 for forearm or upper arm testing. (These are suggested settings; yours may differ.)
Press the opening of the clear or gray cap firmly against a fleshy area of the non-fingertip site. Press the lancing device up and down in a slow pumping motion to assist the flow of blood.
Keep steady pressure on the area, then press and release the plunger. Do not be afraid to apply pressure to the area with the lancing device to assist the flow of blood. Continue to press the cap against the site for a few seconds to allow blood to come to the surface.
How do I run a control test?
The Accu-Chek Performa blood glucose meter automatically recognizes Accu-Chek Performa Control Solutions, so running a control test is easier than ever. First, wipe the tip of the control bottle. Then put the meter on a flat surface, insert the strip, and squeeze a drop of the control solution onto the front edge of the test strip. A result appears with a flashing “L”. Press one of the arrow keys once to indicate a Level 1 control test or twice to indicate Level 2. Press the ON/OFF button to set the level in the meter. The control result and “OK” alternate in the display if the result is in range.