FAQ Listing
After the data is transferred to the Accu‑Chek Connect Online system or Accu-Chek Smart Pix system, is this data still stored in the meter?
Yes, at least 720 results will remain in the meter’s memory at all times.
Can I apply blood to any part of a test strip? Does it influence test results?
The easy-edge of the Accu‑Chek Instant test strip has a wide dosing area. Blood sample can be dosed anywhere along the yellow edge. This does not influence the test results as long as the yellow window is fully filled.
The Accu-Chek Instant test strip is smaller than my current test strip, will I be able to use it?
The Accu-Chek Instant system was designed to assist users to easily conduct a test. Several features were designed for this purpose:
Easy-edge test strip has a wide application area compared to leading brands
Strips are placed electrode end down in the vial, so that they can be inserted easily into the meter with minimal handling
The used strip can easily and hygienically be removed from the meter with the strip ejector
Can I add a second drop of blood to the test strip after the test has started?
No, there is no ability to squeeze extra blood from the finger to dose a strip a second time.
Is the Accu-Chek Instant meter approved for use in hospital settings?
Yes. In addition to accuracy with capillary blood, the Accu-Chek Instant may be used with venous, arterial and neonate blood.
Can the Accu-Chek Instant meter be used for diagnosis of diabetes?
No. As seen with almost all products designed for self-monitoring, the Accu-Chek Instant meter cannot be used for diagnosis of diabetes.
Can features be turned off if they are not being used or needed?
Yes. The Accu-Chek Connect diabetes management system is designed to be personalized. So if you want to take advantage of a full range of features, you can—or you can decide what functions are most important to you.
Can the Accu-Chek Instant meter synchronise with more than one mobile device, such as a smartphone and a tablet? Will this cause duplicate results?
The Accu-Chek Instant meter can only pair and synchronise data with one Bluetooth enabled device at a time. Once the meter has been paired, pairing with a new device will overwrite the original pairing.
Can I activate the Accu-Chek LinkAssist insertion device with only one hand?
Yes. This enables you to reach hard-to-access infusion sites, e.g. on your lower back.
Can the Accu-Chek Instant meter be used for Alternative Site Testing?
The Accu-Chek Instant meters can be used for Alternative Site Testing (AST) on the palm, forearm and upper arm. Please refer to the user manual and speak to your healthcare professional for more information.
After the data is transferred to the mySugr app, is this data still stored in the meter?
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.
Can I touch the test strips?
Yes, a clear protective barrier runs along the entire length of the test strip to protect the strip and chemistry. Blood applied anywhere along the yellow edge of the strip can be quickly pulled into the test strip.
Can the Accu-Chek LinkAssist insertion device be used by more than one person?
No. The Accu-Chek LinkAssist insertion device is exclusively for use on one person. It must not be used on several people.
Besides a pump and insulin, what other supplies does insulin pump therapy require?
You'll need infusion sets (the tubing and connectors to attach the pump to your body), cartridges for the insulin, adapters (which connect the cartridge to the infusion set), batteries, battery covers and blood glucose monitoring supplies.
Can the Accu-Chek Spirit Combo Insulin Pump communicate with two blood glucose meters?
No. Your Accu-Chek Spirit Combo Insulin Pump can be paired with an Accu-Chek Performa Combo meter, and only those two devices will be able to communicate with one another. As a security measure, it's also not possible to pair more than one Accu-Chek Performa Combo meter with your insulin pump.
Is the Accu-Chek Combo system waterproof?
The Accu-Chek Spirit Combo Insulin Pump can withstand brief accidental water contact such as rain, water splashes or accidental immersion (IPX8). Before taking a bath or going into a whirlpool, shower or swimming pool, you should disconnect and remove your pump. Your Accu-Chek Performa Combo meter is not waterproof and must be kept dry at all times.
Can I use the Accu-Chek Combo system while undergoing an airport scanner / full body scanner?
The Accu-Chek Spirit Combo Insulin Pump will not be affected by walk-through metal detectors. We recommend you do not put either the pump or the meter through the carry-on baggage X-Ray machine. For full body scanners, we recommend putting your pump into STOP mode to avoid the chance of any interference with a body scanner machine. We recommend you obtain a letter from your healthcare professional stating you have diabetes, will be wearing an insulin pump and will be carrying consumables.
Theoretically a strong magnetic field can lead to a permanent defect in the pump but we have no known case of such defect.
Can I use the Accu-Chek Combo system while undergoing an MRI or x-ray?
No. You should never use your insulin pump near electromagnetic fields such as x-ray, computer tomography (CT) or MRI. Disconnect and remove your pump and leave it outside these areas. If you do not follow this instruction your pump can be damaged and quit operation.
Regarding infusion sets, there is no need to remove a steel needle infusion set for X-Ray or CT. However, we do recommend you completely remove a steel infusion set for MRI scans.
Can I view my transferred meter data in the mySugr app when the meter is not connected?
Yes. Blood glucose results and diabetes data transferred from the meter to the app are stored in the mySugr app. You can view this data when the meter is off and not actively connected via Bluetooth.
Can I use the Bluetooth signal on a plane? How do I turn it off?
Like other electronic and communications equipment, the Bluetooth service on the Accu-Chek Combo system must be switched off for the pump and meter if directed by the airline. While the Bluetooth service is off, the Accu-Chek Spirit Combo Insulin Pump can be operated independently of the Accu-Chek Performa Combo meter.
To turn Bluetooth service off on the Accu-Chek Spirit Combo Insulin Pump, go to the Bluetooth Settings menu. On the Accu-Chek Performa Combo meter, go into the Settings menu, then Meter, then Bluetooth. Follow the instructions given on the screen.
Can more than one meter be paired to the mySugr app?
iOS users can pair a maximum of three blood glucose meters. Android devices allow a maximum of one meter to pair.
Can my infusion set cause an allergic reaction?
Using hypoallergenic materials is a high priority for Accu-Chek. Our infusion sets are latex- and PVC-free, and glues and solvents are used as little as possible. The adhesive tape is also specially designed to allow the skin underneath it to breathe. However, allergic reactions can never fully be ruled out. Sometimes they develop suddenly, even if you have used the same product for years. If an allergic reaction should occur, ask your healthcare professional about products that can help you continue a comfortable therapy.
Can I wear the insulin pump during air travel / in the airplane?
It is possible to use the Accu-Chek Spirit Combo Insulin Pump during air travel. However there are some aspects which need to be considered:
Please disconnect your infusion set during take- off and landing. Rapid and extreme changes in air pressure, for example in an air plane that is taking off or landing can influence insulin delivery, especially if there are air bubbles in the cartridge or tubing.
Turn off Bluetooth on both devices (pump and meter) to prevent communication between pump and meter to comply with flight safety instructions.
Can I use the insulin pump or meter separately?
Yes. While the Accu-Chek Combo system has been designed to be used together for maximum benefit, both products can be used as stand-alone devices as needed.
Can the target ranges be changed?
Yes, the target ranges in the meter can be changed using the device settings on the Accu‑Chek Connect Online system or the Accu‑Chek Smart Pix system.
What should I do if my meter is powered on and displaying an E-9 error or low battery icon?
Move the meter to a more moderate environment (e.g. room temperature) to ensure optimal battery life performance.
Turn the meter off, then turn the meter back on.
If the problem still occurs, perform a meter reset by doing the following:
Remove the batteries
Press and hold the Power/Set/OK button for at least 2 seconds
Reinsert the batteries.
If the problem still occurs after performing a meter reset, then replace the batteries with new ones according to the instructions in the user manual. Use high quality batteries in the meter, such as Panasonic.
If replacing the batteries does not correct the situation, please contact our Accu-Chek ExtraCare customer service at 6272 9200 to obtain further support.
How long does Accu-Chek Instant test strips last after opening?
Similarily to all the other Accu-Chek test strips, the Accu-Chek Instant test strip can be used until printed expiry date with proper storage and handling.
Does the battery charge if the meter is connected to a USB port?
No, the USB cable does not charge the meter’s batteries.
What are the default target ranges?
In range (green): 3.9-8.9 mmol/L, below range (red): 3.8-0.6 mmol/L, above range (blue): 9.0–33.3 mmol/L.
How do I set the date and time without using the meter button?
For the Accu‑Chek Instant meter, the date and time will be set and displayed during the process of setting up an Accu‑Chek Connect Online account or Accu-Chek Smart Pix system via USB cable. The date and time will match that of the connected device.
Can the target ranges be changed?
Yes, the target ranges in the meter can be changed using the device settings on the mySugr app.
How do I change the batteries?
To replace the batteries:
Open the battery door on the back of the meter
With both of the "+" signs facing up, slide the new batteries under the grey tabs
Replace the battery door and snap it closed.
What are the default target ranges?
In range: 3.9-8.9 mmol/L, below range: 0.6-3.8 mmol/L, above range: 9.0–33.3 mmol/L.
What should I do if my meter will not power on or has short battery life?
Move the meter to a more moderate environment (e.g. room temperature) to ensure optimal battery life performance.
Perform a meter reset by doing the following:
Remove the batteries,
Press and hold the Power/Set/OK button for at least 2 seconds,
Reinsert the batteries.
If the problem still occurs after performing a meter reset, then replace the batteries with new ones according to the instructions in the user manual. Use high quality batteries in the meter, such as Panasonic.
If replacing the batteries does not correct the situation, please contact our Accu-Chek ExtraCare customer service line at 6272 9200 to obtain further support.
What can I do to ensure I can run a test whenever needed?
Failure to test could cause a delay in therapy decisions and may potentially lead to a serious medical condition. Therefore it is strongly recommended to:
Have a spare set of batteries, because battery life may vary due to factors such as temperature and battery manufacturer.
Have a back-up testing method available. An example of a back-up testing method would be a back-up meter and strips. Ask your healthcare professional or pharmacist about other possible back-up methods.
If you have further questions, please contact our Accu-Chek ExtraCare customer service line at 6272 9200 to obtain further support.
What types of health information can I track with the Accu-Chek Connect diabetes management system?
In addition to blood glucose results and insulin doses, you can track lab test results such as cholesterol, kidney screenings and HbA1c, plus blood pressure, medications, insulin, weight, food and activity, upcoming appointments and more. Include as much—or as little—information as you want in your reports.
When and why is it helpful to test with a control solution?
Performing a control test lets the user know when the meter and test strips are working properly. More information on control tests is available in the user manual.
What happens if the user does not apply enough blood on the test strip?
The user will receive an E-4 error code.
Is it possible to test with different blood sample types?
Yes, it is possible to test with all types of blood including capillary, venous, arterial, and neonatal. Please refer to the user manual and speak to your healthcare professional for more information.
Will my Accu-Chek Aviva, Accu-Chek Performa or Accu-Chek Guide test strips work with the Accu-Chek Instant?
No, there is no compatibility between the Accu-Chek Instant meter and these other Accu-Chek test strips.
What is the purpose of the Accu-Chek Instant meters strip ejector?
The strip ejector allows a user to dispose of a used test strip hygienically.
Does the meter lock the user out if the test strips have expired?
No, the meter will not lock a user out if they have used expired test strips.
Has anything changed with the test strips?
The Accu-Chek Instant test strip utilises the FAD-GDH chemistry.
How accurate is the meter reading against a lab reading?
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 trust1.
1 Breitenbeck et al. Accuracy assessment of a blood glucose monitoring system for self-testing with three test strip lots following ISO 15197:2013/ISO 15197:2015. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2017 11(4) 854-855
Can the user delete stored results?
With the Accu-Chek Instant meter, it is not necessary to delete stored results. Once 720 blood glucose results are in the memory; adding a new result causes the oldest one to be deleted. Additional editing solutions for results are available with the mySugr app.
How much blood does a test strip require?
The Accu-Chek Instant test strip requires only a small speck of blood (0.6 μL).
Does a battery change cause the meter to lose memory or the date and time?
No. Memory is retained. Time and date will need to be reset if batteries are out for longer than 40 seconds.
How to clean and disinfect my meter?
Be sure to clean the areas around slots and openings, while being careful not to get any moisture in them. You should also wipe down the entire meter surface, including the meter display.
To clean your meter:
DO
Ensure meter is off
Gently wipe the meter’s surface with a soft cloth slightly dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol
Squeeze out any excess liquid from the cloth before you wipe the meter surface
DO NOT
Get any moisture in the test strip slot
Spray any cleaning solution directly onto the meter
Immerse the meter in water or liquid
Pour liquid into the meter
My lifestyle is active—always on the go. Can I still enjoy all my favorite activities with the pump?
The disconnectable Accu-Chek infusion sets allow you the freedom to disconnect from your insulin pump altogether for the duration of your activity. Talk to your healthcare professional about time off the insulin pump for sports or a day at the beach.
What can I do about pain at the infusion site?
Pain at the infusion site may be a sign that you are using a set which does not penetrate at the right depth for you (this can especially affect children or very lean users). For 90° insertion sets, talk to your healthcare professional about the possibility of switching to a different cannula length.