Accucheck Diabetes test machine saying ERROR

Archeron

Hi all,
A quick question if I may. My mum tests for her blood sugar levels with one of those little Accucheck machines twice a day. You insert the small strip with the little chip having taken the blood sample with it and get the reading.
In recent days, the machine is only giving a reading saying "error" and thats it. Has anyone ever experienced faults with these machines? I dont know if its the machine or a bad batch of strips, but we havent monitored her levels for a few days. The chemist was unable to make a suggestion, and her doctor is on holidays. Just wondering if you ever had this problem?

Also, any idea how much those machines and strips cost? She is entitled to get them on her medical card, but if they arent too expensive, I'd rather just save time and buy her one.

Cheers.

robinph

Some meters give an error message if you have a ridiculously high or low reading, I guess it's not a low reading though. I think that mine just says "Hi" in those instances though.

It could be the batteries maybe but the last time the batteries died on mine I think it was actually cheaper to buy a new unit than get replace the batteries. You should be able to get a replacement meter for free from the specialist nurse at the hospital though, although I did manage to get a free replacement from a friendly pharmacist once as well.

zuutroy

Hey, I have a possible answer for you as I fixed my gf's one the other day. If the time and date are not set correctly on the machine, it may detect the strips as out-of-date as the calibration strip has the 'best before' info built into it. Instructions on how to reset the time and date are in the manual. If you dont have it I can post them when I get home. What is the error code number?

mike65

Dunno the model but it may have been contaminated with some dried blood. If you can access the laser pad give it a wipe over.

Mike.

wheresthebeef

you should check the date on the strips, and the code number for the strips and make sure the calibration chip matches with the strips. replace the battery, and try again. diabetics are entitled to the machine for free. really i would think any decent pharmacy would give a replacement model. there is a pharmacy on talbot street in dublin, name escapes me, but its up the connolly station end on the right hand side. they sell the accuchek machines for 15 euro with one pack of strips and etc...
also, you could try calibrating the machine using the supplied bottles of control medium.
also, try seeing if there is online troubleshooting on the accuchek website, or check the manual from the machine.
you could also try contacting your local health centre or public health nurse, as its worrying that your mother hasn't been able to check her bm in a few days.

Archeron

Hi all,
Thanks for the replies. I tried your suggestions, but everything seems to be set okay on the machine, so perhaps the strips are faulty. I'll drop into our chemist later this evening and just buy a new pack of them. Hopefully that will sort it out.

Appreciate your time!!

robinph

The meter will need to be reset with a new code for each set of test strips so that it is calibrated properly.

Archeron

Thanks again all, turns out it was a bad batch of strips. The chemist very kindly replaced them for us free of charge. (cant believe they cost nearly €40 for one little tub of them!!)

robinph

That €40 is just what the manufacturers charge the health board for them, any diabetics should get them for free with their prescriptions.

mike65

40 euro a pack? Someones being ripped off. I've often wondered how much being a diabetic would cost me if I was in the States and had to pay for all of it.

Mike.

LegacyUser

zuutroy wrote: »

Hey, I have a possible answer for you as I fixed my gf's one the other day. If the time and date are not set correctly on the machine, it may detect the strips as out-of-date as the calibration strip has the 'best before' info built into it. Instructions on how to reset the time and date are in the manual. If you dont have it I can post them when I get home. What is the error code number?

Hi,
I saw that you know many things about this machine...I received 333 error when I opened it. Why could you help me please with this?
I think is not a battery issue. My e-mail address is cornelia_rohnean@yahoo.com, if you want/can please send me an e-mail with your suggestion.
Thanks in advance,
Nelly