1. Introduction
The Accu-Chek Active Test Strips are designed for the quantitative determination of blood glucose in fresh capillary, venous, arterial, or neonatal whole blood. These strips are intended for self-testing by individuals with diabetes and for use by healthcare professionals as an aid in monitoring the effectiveness of diabetes control. They are compatible exclusively with the Accu-Chek Active blood glucose meter.
Key features include:
- Easy handling for user convenience.
- Code-free operation, eliminating the need for manual coding.
- Large test pad for simplified blood sample application.
2. Product Components
Each package contains 100 Accu-Chek Active Test Strips, supplied in two vials of 50 strips each. The strips are designed for single use.
Image 1: Packaging for Accu-Chek Active Test Strips, showing two vials of 50 strips each.
Image 2: A single Accu-Chek Active Test Strip, illustrating its design and blood application area.
3. Setup
Before performing a blood glucose test, ensure the following:
- Compatibility: These test strips are designed for use only with the Accu-Chek Active blood glucose meter. Do not attempt to use them with other meters.
- Code-Free Operation: The Accu-Chek Active Test Strips are code-free, meaning no coding chip is required for the meter. This simplifies the setup process.
- Expiry Date: Always check the expiry date printed on the test strip vial. Do not use expired test strips, as they may provide inaccurate results. The strips typically have a shelf life of more than one year from the manufacturing date.
- Storage: Ensure the test strips have been stored correctly within the recommended temperature range of +2°C to 30°C.
4. Operating Instructions
Performing a Blood Glucose Test
Follow these steps to perform a blood glucose test using Accu-Chek Active Test Strips and your Accu-Chek Active meter:
- Prepare the Meter: Ensure your Accu-Chek Active meter is clean and ready for use.
- Insert Test Strip: Remove one test strip from the vial and immediately close the vial cap tightly. Insert the metallic end of the test strip into the meter in the direction of the arrows. The meter will turn on automatically.
- Obtain Blood Sample: Use a lancing device to obtain a blood sample, typically from a fingertip. The required blood sample size is 1-2 µL.
- Apply Blood Sample: Gently touch the drop of blood to the center of the large, yellow test pad on the strip. The strip is designed for top dosing, allowing for easy application. Do not smear the blood.
- Read Result: The meter will display the blood glucose result in approximately 5 seconds.
- Visual Double Check (Optional): The Accu-Chek Active system allows for a visual double check of the result. Compare the color on the test strip's reaction area with the color chart on the test strip vial. This provides an additional verification of the electronic reading.
Image 3: Illustration of performing a visual double check by comparing the test strip color to the color chart on the vial.
5. Maintenance
Storage and Handling
- Storage Temperature: Store Accu-Chek Active Test Strips in their original vial at temperatures between +2°C and 30°C (36°F and 86°F).
- Protect from Moisture: Always keep the test strip vial tightly closed immediately after removing a strip. Exposure to air and moisture can damage the strips and lead to inaccurate results.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat: Do not store strips in direct sunlight or in areas with high humidity or extreme temperatures.
- Do Not Refrigerate: Refrigeration is not required and can potentially damage the strips.
- Discard Expired Strips: Dispose of any test strips that have passed their expiry date.
Image 4: Accu-Chek Active Test Strips packaging and a single strip, emphasizing their longer shelf life when stored correctly.
6. Troubleshooting
Common Issues and Solutions
- Inaccurate Results: If your blood glucose results seem inconsistent or inaccurate, ensure the test strip is not expired, the vial cap was closed immediately after use, and the strip was stored correctly. Also, verify that the blood sample size was sufficient (1-2 µL).
- Meter Error Messages: Refer to your Accu-Chek Active meter's user manual for specific error codes and their troubleshooting steps. Common issues may include insufficient blood sample, damaged strip, or temperature outside operating range.
- No Result Displayed: Check if the test strip was inserted correctly and fully into the meter. Ensure the meter's batteries are charged.
If you continue to experience issues, consult your healthcare professional or contact Accu-Chek customer support for further assistance.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Blood Sample Size | 1-2 µL |
| Sample Type | Capillary, Venous, Arterial, Neonatal |
| Sample Dosing | Large test pad for top dosing (suitable for AST options) |
| Compatibility | Accu-Chek Active meter only |
| Storage Temperature | +2°C to 30°C (36°F to 86°F) |
| Quality Control Levels | 50 mg/dL and 150 mg/dL |
| Strip Stability | 18 months (from manufacturing date, when stored correctly) |
| Number of Pieces | 100 (2 vials x 50 strips) |
| Model Number | Accu Chek Active 2x50 T. MIC |
| Manufacturer | Roche |
Image 5: Visual representation of key features: proven accuracy, easy handling, and longer shelf life, meeting ISO 15197:2013 standards.
8. Important Information
Legal Disclaimer
Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. This product is a medical device for blood glucose monitoring.
9. Support
Customer Assistance
For further assistance, detailed instructions on your Accu-Chek Active meter, or if you have questions regarding the use of Accu-Chek Active Test Strips, please refer to your meter's user manual or contact Accu-Chek customer support. Contact information can typically be found on the Accu-Chek website or on your product packaging.
