Ladies and gentleman, in the red corner Accu-Chek Guide Me, in the blue corner Contour Next, two heavy weight Blood Glucose Meters designed to test the level of glucose in the blood.
Blood Glucose Meter
A blood glucose meter is a small, portable device that measures how much glucose (a type of sugar) is in the blood (also known as the blood glucose level). The sensor measures your interstitial glucose level, which is the glucose found in the fluid between the cells.
Review
Both testers have the same procedure (see video below).. Wash hands, insert test strip into device, prick finger, apply blood to test strip, wait for device to measure glucose level, reading is displayed on screen and transferrred to app.
Why the review? Two reasons, 1. Errors 2. Lancet use
Continual E4 error messages with Accu-Chek Guide Me. E4 (according to AccuChek) is caused by “too much blood” on the test strip. I continually experienced this regardless of how I applied the blood. I became suspicious after repeated failed attempts but then discovered the Contour worked every single time.
You may say, well its only a test, do another one but.. 1. – Financial: test strips and single use Lancet (Accu-Chek) cost money. 2. Frustration – Repeating the test means another test strip, turn the device off and on (reset), another lancet, another finger prick.
The score is based on cost. Every test with Accu-Chek requires a new strip and a new lancet*. In my case, multiple test strips.
Score: Accu-Chek Guide Me 6/10 Contour Next 10/10
Can you use the same lancet more than once ?
The technical answer is: NO – do NOT puncture the skin more than once with the same lancet because this can lead to bacterial contamination and infection.
The real world answer is: YES – provided you thoroughly wash your hands (test area) with an alcohol solution then the same lancet can be used multiple times. Always best to test a different finger each time.
Interesting to point out, Accu-Chek is a single use* Lancet whereas Contour Next can be used multiple times.
* Lancet does not allow repeat use