According to statistics, the number of people with diabetes in our country is constantly growing. Some scholars speak of a figure of 10 million people. With this pathology, one cannot do without a glucometer, for example, Accu Chek Active. This device has the maximum number of positive reviews and almost zero error.
The glucometer called "Accu Chek Active" is intended for the quantitative determination of the level of glucose in capillary fresh blood in diabetics. It can only be used with test strips suitable for this device. Further in our article, we will consider the instructions for the Accu Chek Active glucometer.
About Meter Package Contents
These meters come in a box that contains more than just the analyzer. Together with him, the kit includes a battery, whose work is enough to carry out several hundred measurements. ATa piercer is supplied with a mandatory set along with ten sterile lancets and indicators, as well as a working solution. The pen and strips come with personalized instructions.
Instructions for the glucometer "Accu Chek Active"
Before starting the analysis, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and then dry them. You can do this with a paper towel or hair dryer. If desired, sterile gloves can be worn. To optimize the blood flow, the finger must be rubbed, then a drop of blood is taken from it using a special pen, which is a piercer. To do this, insert a lancet into it, then directly fix the depth of the puncture and raise the instrument by pressing the button on top. The syringe is brought to the finger and the central button of the piercer is pressed. When a click is heard, the lancet trigger is activated. What to do next according to the instructions for use for the Accu Chek Active glucometer?
- The test strip is taken out of the tube, then inserted into the device with a green square and arrows up along the guides.
- A dose of blood is carefully placed in the indicated area.
- In the event that a person does not have enough biological fluid, then the sampling must be carried out again in ten seconds on the same strip. In this case, the data will be valid.
- After five seconds, you can see the answer on the screen.
What else does the instruction for the Accu Chek Active glucometer tell us?
Instrument specifications
This tool has the following characteristics:
- Measuring time is five seconds.
- The volume of a blood drop is 2 µl.
- There is enough memory for 350 results with date and time.
- Before and after meal labeling provided.
- Average values are calculated for one week, two weeks and a month before and after eating.
- Available automatic encoding.
- Transfer information to a computer via infrared.
- Battery life is approximately one thousand measurements.
- The presence of automatic switching on when a test strip is inserted.
- The appliance may turn off ninety seconds after the end of operation.
- Expired strip warning provided.
- The measurement range ranges from 0.6 to 33.2 mmol per liter.
- Measurement technique is photometric.
- Storage conditions: -20 °C to +60 °C without battery. -5 °C to +45 °C with battery.
- The operating temperature of the entire system is between +15 °C and +35 °C.
- The humidity range is over eighty-five percent.
- Operating altitude is up to four thousand meters above sea level.
- The device is equipped with a liquid crystal display with ninety-six segments.
- Device dimensions: 104 x 51 x 22 mm.
- Meter weight is 60 grams with battery.
These were the maincharacteristics that are given about the Aku Chek Active glucometer in the instructions for use.
How should the accuracy of an instrument be evaluated?
Owners of the glucometer model of this brand often doubt the readings of this analyzer. It is not easy to control glycemia with a drug whose accuracy is not completely certain. Therefore, it is very important to know how you can check the accuracy within the home environment. Measurement data of different models of this brand sometimes do not coincide with laboratory results. But this does not mean at all that the device has a marriage. To assess the accuracy, it is enough to know the percentage error of the device.
Error
According to the law of physics, any measuring device has some error in calculating the results. For glucometers from different manufacturers, this is also a characteristic phenomenon, the only question is what is the magnitude of this error. According to research by the Moscow Endocrinological Research Center, the error of this company's glucometers is lower than that of a number of others. Accuracy of the measuring device "Accu Chek Active" fully complies with the international standard adopted for glucometers.
Within the use of this device, please be aware that a slight variation in error within fifteen percent is allowed.
Possible deviations
So, in the instructions for the Accu Chek Active glucometer, errors are alsoreported. When learning how to check this device for accuracy, it is best to start with home diagnostic methods. But first, it should be clarified whether a person uses consumables correctly. This instrument may be in error if:
- The pencil case with consumables is stored on the windowsill or near the radiator.
- The lid of the stripe box does not seal properly.
- Consumables out of warranty.
- Contact holes for consumables along with photocell lenses are dirty and dusty.
- The codes on the pencil case with stripes and on the device do not match.
- Diagnosis is carried out in conditions that do not comply with the manual in violation of the permissible temperature regime.
- The person's hands are frozen or washed with very cold water (in this case, the concentration of glucose in the capillary blood rises).
- Hands along with the appliance are contaminated with sugary foods.
- The depth of the diagnostic puncture does not correspond to the thickness of the skin, blood does not come out spontaneously, and additional efforts lead to the release of interstitial fluid, which distorts the readings.
Methods for checking the accuracy of the device and its settings
Now let's look at the instructions and settings of the Aku Chek Active glucometer and discuss checking its accuracy. One of the easiest ways to check the accuracy of this device is to compare the data in home analysis or in a laboratory setting, withprovided that the period between two blood samplings is minimal. True, this technique is not entirely homemade, since in this case a visit to the clinic is mandatory.
You can also check your glucometer at home by using three strips if there is a short time between three blood tests. For an accurate diagnostic tool, the discrepancy in the result will not be more than five to ten percent.
The nuances and errors of the glucometer
Now consider the measurement errors of the Accu Chek Active glucometer. It must be understood that the calibration of this glucometer and the equipment in the laboratory does not always coincide. A personal device sometimes evaluates the concentration of glucose exclusively on whole blood, while laboratory devices do this on plasma, which is the liquid part of the biomaterial separated from the cells.
For these reasons, the difference in results can sometimes reach up to twelve percent, in whole blood this figure is usually lower. Comparing the result, it is necessary to bring the data into one system of measurements, using a special table for translation.
You can independently evaluate the accuracy of the device using a special fluid. Some devices come with control solutions. But you can also buy them separately. Each manufacturer produces a specific test solution for their model, which is worth considering.
Battery change
How to change the battery in the Aku Chek Active glucometer?The first appearance of the battery image on the display means that it is almost empty. With this charge, a person can make about fifty more measurements, and that's all. It is recommended to replace the battery as soon as possible in this situation. Against this background, the battery power is significantly reduced, and changes in environmental conditions (for example, cold) can negatively affect its performance.
So, one CR 2032 battery is required for replacement, which can be purchased at specialized medical equipment stores and pharmacies. The life of a new battery is approximately one thousand measurements, or approximately one year.
Thus, we reviewed the instructions for the Accu Chek Active glucometer. Let's move on to the reviews. But it is also worth noting that it would not be superfluous to watch the video instruction for the Accu Chek Active glucometer before using it.
Reviews
In the reviews, patients who used the device write that they like this glucometer, as it is very convenient to use, and consumables do not have to be replaced so often. Some complain about a 15% discrepancy in the result with laboratory indicators, but this factor, according to the instructions, must always be taken into account.
