General FAQ

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.

No, Accu‑Chek Instant meters do not require manual coding.

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.

The easy-edge of the Accu‑Chek Instant test strip has the largest dosing window of any major blood glucose test strip. It can be dosed anywhere along the edge and automatically absorbs the blood from the patient’s finger. Regardless of where dosed along the edge, the system provides a fast, accurate result.

As with today’s products, the user will receive an E-4 error code.

Yes, a clear protective barrier runs along the entire length of the test strip to protect the strip and chemistry. Blood applied to the opening along the end of the strip can be quickly pulled into the test strip.

No. There is no ability to squeeze extra blood from the finger to dose a strip a second time. However, there is a slight pause in testing that allows for the patient to take full use of the available blood from their finger.d.

Performing a control test lets the user know the meter and test strips are working properly. Perform a control test when:

• You open a new test strip box
• You left the test strip container open
• You think the test strips are damaged
• You want to check the meter and test strips
• The test strips were stored in extreme temperatures, humidity, or both
• You dropped the meter
• Your test result does not match how you feel
• You want to check if you are performing the test correctly

No

Yes, through Bluetooth connectivity.

Accu-Chek Instant S was launched in February 2017.

Accu-Chek Instant (Classic) was launched in February 2017. ​ 

Accu-Chek Instant (Forward) was launched in December 2020.​

Accu-Chek Instant (Classic) was launched in February 2017. ​ 

Accu-Chek Instant (Forward) was launched in December 2020.​

Dimensions: 77.3 × 48.6 × 16.0 mm (LWH)

Weight: Approx. 43 g (with batteries)

The meter shall operate reliably for a period of five years or 10,000 strip insertions for consumer use.

The Accu‑Chek Instant S meter has a fast test time of less than four seconds.

This system has been tested at altitudes up to 3,094 meters. Do not use this system at altitudes above 3,094 meters.

No, the USB port for any of the Accu‑Chek meters is not water- or dust-resistant.

No. The meter will retain the date and time settings for up to 40 seconds when the batteries are removed.

No

No

Before starting a test and during testing, the system performs extensive quality checks to ensure accurate results.

Yes they are stored in memory but are not accessible by the user. The memory stores up to 40 error codes. If the user would like to view this in the memory, they would need to call Customer Care at 080076243 (Mon to Fri 09 am to 05 pm) to be walked through steps on how to obtain them

Yes. In addition to accuracy with capillary blood, the Accu‑Chek Instant S may be used with venous, arterial and neonate blood.​

The Accu-Chek Instant test strips with the Accu-Chek Instant S meters are intended for in vitro diagnostic use by healthcare professionals in clinical settings. Venous, arterial, and neonatal blood testing are limited to healthcare professional use. The systems are not for diagnosing diabetes mellitus and not for testing neonate cord blood samples.​

Yes, but not explicitly for premature neonates.​

Yes, we have tested at altitudes up to 3,094 meters, anything above that has not been tested.​

Yes. Clean the meter to remove visible dirt or other material. Disinfect the meter between each patient use.​

Flagging of test results is not possible on the meter itself. However, if a patient chooses to do so, they can add this information via the mySugr app.

Flagging of test results is not possible on the meter itself. However, if a patient chooses to do so, they can add this information via the mySugr app.

Test results may be seen in 7, 30 and 90‑day averages.

Comments cannot be added on the meter, but can be done via the diabetes management software.

Pattern detection cannot be done on the meter, but can be done via the mySugr app. This is a feature that enables the user to look for specific out-of-target BG results that form a pattern.

If desired, data can be transferred by USB cable from the meter to diabetes management software on a PC or on the web.

Yes, at least 720 results will remain in the meter’s memory at all times, despite the transfer of data to the diabetes management software.

Yes. BG results and diabetes data transferred from the meter to the the diabetes management software are stored in the software. You can view this data when the meter is off and not actively connected via USB.

Yes, at least 720 results will remain in the meter’s memory at all times, despite the transfer of data to an app or online portal.​

Yes. BG results and diabetes data transferred from the meter to the app are stored in the app. You can view this data when the meter is off and not actively connected via Bluetooth.​

No, the Accu‑Chek Instant test strip utilises the FAD‑GDH chemistry. This system is the most accurate in the history of our organisation. It meets the 10/10 standards for accuracy. The strip is the same one that has been used for the current Accu‑Chek Instant meter.

No, there is no compatibility between the Accu‑Chek Instant test strips and these other Accu‑Chek systems.

There are eight electrodes on the test strip.

A combination of palladium and gold is used for the electrodes. Both of these metals are widely utilised in the electronics and medical industries for surgical instruments and metal contacts.

Yes. The Accu-Chek Instant test strips utilize the FAD-GDH enzyme.

Yes, it is possible to test with all types of blood including capillary, venous, arterial, and neonatal for countries outside the US and Canada.

The Accu‑Chek Instant test strip requires only a small speck of blood (0.6 μL).

The easy‑edge of the Accu‑Chek Instant test strip has the largest dosing window of any major blood glucose test strip. It can be dosed anywhere along the edge and automatically absorbs the blood from the patient’s finger. Regardless of where dosed along the edge, the system provides a fast, accurate result.

No, there is no ability to squeeze extra blood from the finger to dose a strip a second time. However, there is a slight pause in testing that allows for the patient to take full use of the available blood from their finger.

The error code E-4 and Err will alternate on the display. This indicates that not enough blood or control solution was drawn into the test strip for measurement or was applied after the test had started. The user should discard the test strip and repeat the blood glucose or control test.

Yes, as with any test strip, heat, humidity and other environmental conditions can affect strips.

There are many considerations taken into account when determining the opening force for a test strip vial:​ 

› Humidity entering the vial—this would affect shelf life​ 

› Vials opening during manufacturing​ 

› Vials opening during shipping 

There are trade-offs to making a vial take less force to open:​ 

› More humidity entering the vial​ 

› More scrap in manufacturing​ 

› More vials open during shipping (which could result in scrapped or returned product)​ 

› Errors when testing​

The Accu‑Chek Instant meters supports the AST claim for testing on the palm, forearm and upper arm.​

Yes, as with any test strip, heat, humidity and other environmental conditions can affect strips.

There are many considerations taken into account when determining the opening force for a test strip vial:​ 

› Humidity entering the vial—this would affect shelf life​ 

› Vials opening during manufacturing​ 

› Vials opening during shipping 

There are trade-offs to making a vial take less force to open:​ 

› More humidity entering the vial​ 

› More scrap in manufacturing​ 

› More vials open during shipping (which could result in scrapped or returned product)​ 

› Errors when testing​

Performing a control test lets the user know when the meter and test strips are working properly. A control test should be performed when: ​ 

› A new test strip box is opened ​ 

› The test strip container has been left open ​ 

› The test strips are thought to be damaged ​ 

› Checking the meter and test strips ​ 

› The test strips were stored in extreme temperatures, humidity, or both ​ 

› The meter was dropped ​ 

› The test result does not match how the PwD feels ​ 

› Checking to see if the PwD is performing the test correctly

By performing a control test.

The control solution contains a known amount of glucose that acts like blood when you apply it to the test strip. Compare the control result to the range on the label of the test strip container. If the control result is within the range, you know that the meter and test strips are working properly.

Performing a control test lets the user know when the meter and test strips are working properly. A control test should be performed when: ​ 

› A new test strip box is opened ​ 

› The test strip container has been left open ​ 

› The test strips are thought to be damaged ​ 

› Checking the meter and test strips ​ 

› The test strips were stored in extreme temperatures, humidity, or both ​ 

› The meter was dropped ​ 

› The test result does not match how the PwD feels ​ 

› Checking to see if the PwD is performing the test correctly

By performing a control test.

The numbers in the System Evaluation report are reported in a different way than in the past.​ 

​Substances were tested at concentrations described by the Clinical Lab Standard Institute in document EP7-A2—Interference Testing in Clinical Chemistry; Approved Guideline, when available. Testing was conducted according to the ISO 15197:2013 standard. This is a standard used in labs. The way these concentrations are displayed will be changing, as reflected in this report. Concentrations are shown in exponential notation, in order to display values in a uniform manner across the wide range of concentrations.​ 

To convert these values:​ 

>Positive Exponent: Move the decimal point to the right by the number of places specified by the exponent (number after E). Acarbose Highest Concentration Tested: 6.00E+01 6.00 x 10 = 60 mg/dL​ 

>Negative Exponent: Move the decimal point to the left by the number of places specified by the exponent (number after E). Acarbose Upper Therapeutic Concentration: 1.00E–02 1.00 / 100 = 0.01 mg/dL​ 

>00 Exponent: Use the stated value with no adjustment. Acetaminophen Upper Therapeutic Concentration: 5.20E+00 = 5.20 mg/dL​

The Accu‑Chek Instant S system fulfills the ISO 15197:2013/EN ISO 15197:2015 standards and delivers even tighter 10/10 accuracy for reliable results you can trust.

10/10 references an ISO‑compliant internal testing protocol. For three different lots of test strips, 95% of results fall within ± 15 mg/dL when <100 mg/dL or ± 15% when ≥ 100 mg/dL.

The Accu‑Chek Instant S meter is one of the most accurate systems our organisation has ever manufactured and meets ISO 15197:2013/EN ISO 15197:2015 standards for accuracy. It has 10/10 analytical accuracy. While this is a highly accurate system, there are other manufacturers that make a similar accuracy claim.

The Accu‑Chek Instant S meter is our latest development in providing accuracy in blood glucose testing technologies. The Accu‑Chek Guide, Accu‑Chek Guide Me, Accu-Chek Instant and Accu‑Chek Instant S meters are very accurate meters.

The Accu‑Chek Instant test strip requires only a small speck of blood (0.6 μL).

The Accu‑Chek Instant test strip requires only a small speck of blood (0.6 μL).

Using your Accu-Chek Softclix lancing device:

1. First, you will need an Accu-Chek Softclix lancet and device.
2. Remove the cap from the lancing device.
3. Insert the lancet into the lancet holder at the bottom of the device – push it all the way in until it clicks in place.
4. Twist and remove the protective cap from the lancet to expose the needle.
5. Place the cap back onto the lancing device, ensuring that the notch of the cap aligns with the mark on the device.
6. Set the penetration depth to match your skin type, by turning the dial on the cap.
7. To use the lancing device, prime it by pressing the plunger all the way down. The release button on the side of the device should turn yellow, indicating that it is ready to use.
8. Place the device up against your finger firmly, and press the release button to release the lancet.
9. Be sure to replace the lancet every time you use your device, as they are not reusable and become unsterile after one use.
10. To remove the used lancet, take off the cap from the lancing device and slide down the  ejector over a sharps disposal bin. Then replace the cap.

The most comfortable setting of your Accu-Chek Softclix lancing device will depend on a few things:

• Your skin – softer, thinner skin requires a shallower setting than thicker skin.
• The required blood sample – the more blood you require, the higher the setting you'll need.
• The optimal penetration depth is a combination of both. Start with a low setting when using the device for the first time. Adjust to a higher setting until the blood volume is correct.

It’s important to keep the lancing device clean and disinfected, as it may come into contact with blood during normal testing.

Cleaning and disinfecting tips to ensure proper care without damaging your device: 

1. Remove the lancet before cleaning and disinfecting.
2. Clean and disinfect the lancing device once a week, or when it has visible signs of dirt or other material.
3. Clean and disinfect the lancing device before allowing anyone else to handle it, for instance if you have someone assisting you. Do not allow anyone else to use your lancing device to obtain their blood sample.
4. Use mild dishwashing liquid mixed with water to clean your device and 70% isopropyl alcohol to disinfect it.
5. Let it air dry. You might notice a slight discoloration of the lancing device after multiple cleanings. This does not affect its functionality.

How to clean and disinfect the entire lancing device surface and cap:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Wipe the entire lancing device surface. Make sure that no liquid enters any opening, as it could damage the device.
3. Remove and wipe the inside of the cap.
4. Dry the lancing device and cap with a soft cloth or gauze. Make sure that no solution is seen in any opening.
5. Repeat these steps with 70% isopropyl alcohol to fully disinfect the lancing device.
6. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

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.

The FAD-GDH enzyme is a key component of the system’s new test strip chemistry, which works in conjunction with other system components to deliver advanced accuracy, highly reliable performance and reduced interferences

10/10 references an ISO‑compliant internal testing protocol. For three different lots of test strips, 95% of results fall within ± 15 mg/dL when <100 mg/dL or ± 15% when ≥ 100 mg/dL.

The Accu‑Chek Instant meter is one of the most accurate systems our organisation has ever manufactured and meets ISO 15197:2013/EN ISO 15197:2015 standards for accuracy. It has 10/10 analytical accuracy. While this is a highly accurate system, there are other manufacturers that make a similar accuracy claim.

The Accu‑Chek Instant system fulfills the ISO 15197:2013/EN ISO 15197:2015 standards and delivers even tighter 10/10 accuracy for reliable results you can trust.​

The Accu-Chek Softclix, Accu-Chek Multiclix, Accu-Chek FastClix, and Autoclix products are intended to be used by one person only and shall not be used on multiple users. If someone else uses your lancing device there is an increased risk of cross infections.​

Only the Single-Use Lancing Devices (SULDs) Accu-Chek Safe-T-Pro, Accu-Chek Safe-T-Pro Plus and Accu-Chek Safe-T-Pro Uno are intended for professional use, i.e. in care homes, doctor’s offices, hospitals, etc.

Only our SULDs, Accu-Chek Safe-T-Pro Plus and Accu-Chek Safe-T-Pro Uno, can be used on neonates (children younger than 1 year of age). For Safe-T-Pro Plus, only the two lowest depth settings, both of which have a penetration depth of below 2.0 mm, are suitable for neonatal use.​ 

With children younger than 1 year of age (neonates), the capillary blood must be collected from the heel. Blood collection must occur from the lateral areas of the sole. ​ 

To collect capillary blood from the heel of children under 1 year, use only the low or medium penetration depth of the Accu-Chek Safe-T-Pro Plus device. If the high penetration depth is used, the calcaneus (heel bone) is at risk of being injured.​

No, currently Roche does not offer any lancing devices especially for use on pets.

Roche Diabetes Care GmbH, as a manufacturer of medical devices, certified to European standards, complies with all applicable European directives.​ 

The lancing devices, lancets/lancet drums and SULDs are CE labeled (Conformité Européene), 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.​ 

For more information, please contact the Roche Diabetes Care Registration Desk:​ 

[email protected]

No. All Accu-Chek lancing devices, lancets, lancet drums, and SULDs are latex-free..

No. All Accu-Chek lancing devices, lancets, lancet drums, and SULDs are PVC-free and phthalate-free.

All lancets made out of the medical grade steel (type 1.4301, approved for medical purposes) contain nickel in small percentage. This is also the case for all Roche lancets: Accu-Chek FastClix, Accu-Chek Softclix, and Accu-Chek Multiclix, as well as for the Single-Use Lancing Devices for professional use. This stainless steel may contain small amounts of nickel, on average approximately 10%.​ 
However, the same type of steel is also used in surgical knives, blades, cannulas, pen needles, etc. - all of which penetrate the skin deeper and stay within the skin longer than the Accu-Chek lancet needles, which​ 
only stay in the skin for miniscule part of a second.​ 
Nickel is also contained in a lot of items from coins to door handles, or cutlery or even food. A small amount of nickel is essential in the human body. Nickel allergy presents itself as a contact dermatitis which develops 12 to 48 hours after exposure to nickel ions. For a material, it is not relevant how much nickel they contain, but rather how many nickel ions can leak from the material. Therefore, medical grade steel can be used even as prostheses, as not enough nickel ions are released from the material to cause an allergic reaction.​ 
From the Regulatory point of view: All used materials in the Accu-Chek lancets are approved to fulfill the international requirements for biocompatibility and cytotoxicity. They fulfil the requirements according to the European Council Directive 93142lEEC for Medical Devices, and are classified as Class IIa Medical Devices

All lancets made out of the medical grade steel (type 1.4301, approved for medical purposes) contain nickel in small percentage. This is also the case for all Roche lancets: Accu-Chek FastClix, Accu-Chek Softclix, and Accu-Chek Multiclix, as well as for the Single-Use Lancing Devices for professional use. This stainless steel may contain small amounts of nickel, on average approximately 10%.​ 
However, the same type of steel is also used in surgical knives, blades, cannulas, pen needles, etc. - all of which penetrate the skin deeper and stay within the skin longer than the Accu-Chek lancet needles, which only stay in the skin for miniscule part of a second.​ 

However, Kobalt is no ingredient of our lancets.​

Please contact the Roche Diabetes Care Registration Desk: 

[email protected]

You need to wash your hands with warm water and soap, and dry them well before lancing. This helps to remove any residues from the skin, e.g. from food and drinks, which can lead to incorrect results, and helps to stimulate the blood flow. Clean and dry fingertips are a must for an optimal glucose measurement with any blood glucose. Any contamination of the fingertip with dirt or liquids (sweat, fruit juice, etc.) may affect glucose readings with any blood glucose meter.

No. As the name states, Accu-Chek Safe-T-Pro Plus, Accu-Chek Safe-T-Pro Uno and Accu-Chek Safe-T-Pro are Single-Use Lancing Devices. They all include a blocking mechanism which prevents re-use. This safety feature is necessary as these devices are used in the professional set up.​

Lancets are for single use only due to hygienic reasons and because the needle will become dull with repeated use. The lancet is only sterile until first time use. Furthermore, the Health Authority regulations (EU, FDA) only allow one-time use of lancets, even for consumer use. Hence a new, sterile lancet should be used each time you perform a test.​

No. For safety and hygienic reasons it is not possible to rotate the lancet drum backwards to a lancet which has been previously used. This applies to all Accu-Chek Multiclix and Accu-Chek FastClix device models which work with a lancet drum.​

No, a lancet drum cannot be reused due to safety and hygienic reasons. A used lancet drum is easily recognized by a red stripe.​

Yes.​ 

Accu-Chek FastClix, Accu-Chek Multiclix: 30 G / 0.3mm​ 

Accu-Chek Softclix, Autoclix: 28 G / 0.4 mm​ 

Accu-Chek Safe-T-Pro Uno: 28 G / 0.36 mm​ 

Accu-Chek Safe-T-Pro Plus: 23 G / 0.63 mm 

Accu-Chek Softclix XL: 21 G / 0.8 mm

The needle diameter of each product has been chosen according to the purpose for which a blood sample is required. ​ 

For instance, the Accu-Chek FastClix systems are tailored to be suitable for our latest blood glucose meters which require only a very small blood sample.​ 

The Accu-Chek Softclix XL lancet thanks to its thicker needle are suitable for people with thicker skin (e.g. due to work), and are also used if a larger blood sample is required, e.g. for coagulation diagnostics.​ 

The SULD Accu-Chek Safe-T-Pro Plus has a thicker needle as it is also used for a wider range of blood analyses, e.g. with our Reflotron meter.​ 

​

Gauge is a measurement unit often used to declare a needle diameter. Basically it is a measurement of the diameter or cross-sectional area of a wire. The lancet needles are made of a wire which is being stretched until a specific diameter has been reached.​ 

The reason why the millimeter declaration of a specific Gauge varies is a result of different calculation methods used. Therefore, e.g. a 28 Gauge needle can be stated as 0.4 mm or 0.36 mm.​

The needles are made of medical grade steel, type 1.4301, approved for medical purposes.

Yes. The Accu-Chek lancets and SULDs have a specially designed 3-bevel cut to enable less friction during skin penetration.​

All our consumer lancing systems, all models of the Accu-Chek FastClix, Accu-Chek Multiclix and Accu-Chek Softclix, offer 11 depths, so that our users can conveniently set the depth according to their individual skin type.​ 

The SULD Accu-Chek Safe-T-Pro Plus offers three depths to offer more flexibility concerning the required blood sample size.​ 

The Accu-Chek Safe-T-Pro Uno offers one depth, as it is mainly used for blood glucose monitoring in professional set up.​

The penetration depth ranges and depths of each step vary slightly from product to product. Please contact the International Product Managers for more detailed information:​ 

[email protected]​ 
[email protected]

The required penetration depth depends on the following:​ 

The skin: The softer and thinner your skin is, the shallower the depth setting should be.​ 

The required blood sample: The more blood you require, the higher the chosen setting.​ 

The optimal depth setting is a combination of both. When using the device for the first time, a low setting should be used. Only if the obtained blood sample is too small, should a higher setting be dialed.​

The lancing device models of the platforms Accu-Chek FastClix and Accu-Chek Softclix can be used for alternative site testing (AST) by using a specially designed AST cap. There are AST kits with instructions for use available to hand out to the customers for each product.​ 

The Accu-Chek Softclix AST cap was phased out in 2021 for OUS countries.​

The AST caps of the three Accu-Chek FastClix models consists of 3 components parts. Two of the component parts are identical to the regular cap. In order to align the production process for both caps only the differentiating part is produced with transparent material.​

This decision was taken because a completely transparent cap is rendered unnecessary with Accu-Chek FastClix as the AST cap needs to be removed from the device in order to produce a blood drop. To obtain a blood sample, the AST cap is pressed against the skin on the punctured site. The bottom of the cap is transparent to enable visibility of puncture site when pressing.​

Background: During the Aviva Universal Coding Project, Phase 3, there is a change to the meter AST Claim by removing thigh and calf areas. This change will be made now to support the upcoming no code meter projects. The history behind this change: Over the past many years Indianapolis bGM groups have relied on historical testing data to retain our AST claims which included the calf and thigh areas. Due to changes in the global regulatory environment, now many additional studies with very difficult recruitment and acceptance criteria that adds significant time and cost to each project just to retain AST claims for the thigh and calf are required for the meters. In addition, there is a highly likely chance that the calf and thigh would not pass the acceptance criteria in the end. The business decision was made by Indianapolis bGM group global stakeholders for APAC, EMEA, Latam, and NA regions that due to the increased demands of testing requirements, high level of risk in obtaining the claims, increased time and cost to projects, and low needs of the customers, the thigh and calf AST claims will no longer be made.​ 

Impact on Accu-Chek FastClix, Accu-Chek Multiclix, Accu-Chek Softclix/Plus AST LANCING DEVICE AST Claim:​ 
We will not remove thigh and calf from the alternate site list in the lancing device AST instructions, but will add a generic disclaimer that the customer should refer to their bGM manual or contact Customer Care to check if AST is supported and which alternate sites are supported. This will be implemented during 2013 within the general lancing/AST insert update to also include new cleaning and disinfections instructions.​ 
We will further continue to state the two palm sites as preferred alternate sites.

Clixmotion is the principle of dual-guided lancet motion, meaning that both the forward and return motion of the lancet is controlled. The fast linear motion avoids lateral movement and thus prevents unnecessary skin damage - the key to gentle blood sampling.​

The Accu-Chek FastClix andAccu-Chek Softclix lancing systems all include the Clixmotion Technology. ​

1-Click lancing makes obtaining a blood sample even easier by eliminating one handling step, namely priming. By pressing the release button once the device automatically primes and lances in one step.​

Currently we have two Accu-Chek FastClix lancing device models offering 1-Click lancing: Accu-Chek FastClix and Accu-Chek FastClix M2. The Accu-Chek FastClix device is available with selected blood glucose meter kits and as a stand-alone product. The Accu-Chek FastClix M2 device is available attached to the Accu-Chek Mobile LCM meter.​

Our consumer lancing systems, Accu-Chek FastClix, Accu-Chek Multiclix, Accu-Chek Softclix, facilitate gentle and virtually pain-free blood sampling through their precise lancet cut, customized depth settings and guided lancet motion (Clixmotion). There are additional ways in which blood sampling can be made easy and gentle. For your reference here the most important tips for gentle blood sampling.​ 

Clean, dry and warm hands are important​ 
Any contamination of the fingertip with dirt, liquids (even water) or food may affect glucose readings. Clean and dry hands are a prerequisite for optimal self-testing. Warm hands also ensure a good blood flow, and hence a large enough sample size, even with a shallow penetration depth.​ 

Once-only use of lancets has perceptible advantages​ 
Only unused lancets are guaranteed sterile and thus hygienic. Also, only unused lancets have the optimal sharpness and a sharp lancet is important because it makes blood sampling less painful.​ 

Lancing at the optimal depth setting is a key consideration​ 
A lancet should pierce the skin only to the depth necessary to get an adequate amount of blood. Lancing too deeply increases pain as more nerve endings are encountered by the lancet. In order for the lancet to protrude just far enough into the skin to encounter blood vessels, it is important to adjust the penetration depth according to the individual skin thickness.​ 

Sampling is improved by pressing the lancing device firmly against the skin​ 
The intensity with which the lancing device is pressed against the skin has considerable influence on the necessary penetration depth. The more firmly the device is pressed against the skin, the better and more gently the lancet can penetrate the skin with a shallow penetration depth.​ 

The side of the fingertip is the optimal puncture site​ 
In general, all fingers are suitable for obtaining blood. Certain fingers can be unsuitable if, for example, a skin or fingernail infection is present. The optimal spot for blood sampling is the side of the fingertip, approximately at the finger nail area. Lancing the finger on the same spot should be avoided. By alternating the fingers with each test, the skin is allowed to regenerate.​ ​ 

Massaging the finger gently towards the fingertip does not affect a blood glucose test result​ 
The finger can be massaged (“milking”) in the direction of the fingertip to encourage a blood drop to form. This minimizes lancing pain, as a shallower penetration depth can be selected. Squeezing the fingertip does not significantly dilute capillary blood with “tissue fluid”. However, the finger should not be “milked” if the blood sample is for coagulation measurement.​ ​ 

First drop of blood can be used for glucose monitoring​ 
In contrast to former recommendations it is not necessary to discard the first drop of blood for glucose monitoring. There is no significant difference in blood glucose values measured with the first and the second drop. However, any contamination of the fingertip with dirt or liquids (sweat, fruit juice etc.) may affect glucose readings. Clean and dry fingertips are a prerequisite for an optimal glucose measurement.

Here a link to a intranet web tool concerning e.g. Accu-Chek Softclix patent expiry or where patents have been registered:​ 
http://accu-chek.roche.com/portfolio/lancing/Accu-Chek_Multiclix/Pages/Strategicbackground.aspx​ 

For further information or for information on the patent expiry of other lancing products, please contact the Global Product Manager: : 

[email protected]