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Glucometer Elite XL

• Elite XL model has a button for manual on/off and to go back through stored readings
• stores 120 readings in memory, with date and time taken
• has a data port to download stored readings to a computer via an optional cable
• can delete a reading if strip has not yet been removed
• can designate a reading as a control before or after getting it
• Video

How the Bayer Elite model Differs from the Elite XL

Bayer has Customer Service Representatives available 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week to assist you with using your meter. (800) 348-8100 Bayer Glucometers - Elite models

Glucometer Elite

• Elite does NOT have a button
• only stores 20 readings in memory
• does not display or store time and date
• does not have data port to download stored readings to a computer via an optional cable
• to View readings stored in memory, you need either a Check Strip or a new Test Strip

Insert Check Strip (says CHECK) and wait 10 sec. for memory to activate.

OR insert a new Test Strip and wait 3 min. for memory to activate.

Average of the stored Test Results will display first, then 1 and the most recent result, 2 and the next most recent result through 20 and the oldest result. END displays when you have viewed all readings.

• to Delete the last test result: before the meter shuts off, pull out the used Test Strip and re-insert it within 2 sec
• to Mark a test as a Control: insert a new Test Strip, pull out the new Test Strip and re-insert it within 2 sec, a C will display. Touch test end of the strip to the drop of Control Solution.

How the Bayer Dex model differs from the Elite XL

Glucometer Dex (Esprit outside U.S.)

• The Dex is somewhat harder to use than the Elites in that the angle that the strip is held to the drop is less flexible. For accurate results, meter should be held horizontal and blood sample should be sipped for 1-2 sec. after the beep and count-down start, no longer. An insufficient fill will give a falsely lower or Lo reading, an overfill can give a higher than actual reading. The sensor has an open end and an overfill can draw blood into the meter electronics and short them out. Once dry, the meter should work okay again, but do a Control test to verify it. Visual inspection of the Dex sensor to determine if it filled enough is not as reliable as with the Elite strips.
• The Dex uses a cartridge of 10 test sensors instead of individual strips, sometimes a sensor doesn't pop out properly and can't be used. After use, sensors are ejected without being handled.
• automatically calibrates the test sensor cartridge, no Code strip needed
• has 2 buttons at the bottom, A on the left and & B on the right of the meter
• displays overall average and four 2-hr time-range averages
• uses a different version of the Win Glucofacts software (it is meter-specific)
• The Glucometer Elite XL, Elite, and the DEX are referenced to give plasma/serum glucose values when testing capillary whole blood and will compare directly to your laboratory results. A meter referenced to whole blood will give results 10% - 15% lower than the Glucometer DEX and your laboratory results.
• the sensor strips are very short and some have had problems with blood getting into the meter where it is not meant to go when their pet moved.

LifeScan ONE TOUCH FastTake with new FastDraw strips

LifeScan will no longer make the FastTake Blood Glucose meter effective November 10,2001. Consider the LifeScan Ultra model, which has received excellent reviews. (FastTake was also marketed under the brand names: SmartScan®, EuroFlash® and PocketScan®)

Differences from the Elite XL

• FastDraw strips "sip up" (new 6/00), older versions did not
• Smaller sample 1,5 ul, not 3.0
• Only 15 sec. to see result, not 30
• Automatic shut-off after 2 min, not 3
• Stores 150 tests, not 120
• Doesn't beep
• If reading is 240 or higher, it displays ketones? as a reminder to test for ketones (do a urine test with Ketostix). It does not mean ketones were detected, these strips do not measure ketones.
• Meter won't start to count down until the white target area is filled, but if the sample is still not sufficient, the FastTake meter will give a false low reading (20s-30s) or an Er message. The new strip with the confirmation window helps you know if you have a sufficient sample, but if the meter is already counting down, it's too late to add blood. The confirmation window must be completely filled to get a valid reading. Use a new strip and repeat the test when you get an Er message or a suspiciously low reading.
• You can't delete a result from the meter memory, so insufficient fill lows will be included in the 14 day average. You can mark a Control test before you take it as Ctrl and it won't be included in the 14 day average, but if you forget to mark it before, it will be averaged in.
• Possible Display Error In Millimole (mmol/L) Setting (units used in Canada and European units)
  A small number of FastTake Meters set to "mmol/L" may display test results that show a Y-shaped, non-numeric
  character in the "ones" position.  If you see this Y-shaped character on your meter display please call LifeScan Customer Services and we will advise you of corrective action. Do not interpret the Y-shaped character as a number, for example a "4" or a "9." Do not base any diabetes care decisions on a result that includes this Y-shaped character. 
  LifeScan Telephone: U.S. 800 227-8862; Canada 800 663-5521 email CustomerService@LifeScan.com
  

FastDraw strip design is similar for Ultra and FastTake meters.

June 9, 2000, LifeScan released a new capillary action "sip-up" style of FastTake Strip called the FastDraw design, similar to the Bayer Elite and Accu-Chek Comfort Curve strips.  Place the top white edge of the strip to the blood drop and let it "sip-up" until the confirmation window is completely filled.  When the red blood covers the white/gray squares, you have gotten a sufficient sample.

LifeScan ONE TOUCH Ultra

• Fastest test results in 5 seconds
• very small 1 ul sample needed
• widest temperature range (43-111 F)
• If reading is 240 or higher, it displays ketones? as a reminder to test for ketones (do a urine test with Ketostix). It does not mean ketones were detected, these strips do not measure ketones.

 TheraSense FreeStyle

• Smallest sample size 0.3 ul
• Fast test results in 15 seconds
• stores 250 tests with a 14 day running average
• touch either side of strip to blood drop (not the end tip)
• "beeps" when strip is full
• uses 2 AAAA batteries (hard size to find, try Radio Shack or on-line) 
• Caution At BG levels of 300 and higher, several users have noted that the FreeStyle reads substantially lower than both the Bayer Elite XL and a professional laboratory test taken at the same time (as much as 100 mg/dl). At lower BG ranges 200 and less, the readings are much closer, essentially the same. Be sure to check for ketones when the Freestyle reads above 300.

Blood Glucose Meters Considerations

The primary considerations are small sample size, ease of meter use, and ease of obtaining a reliable sample. Pets will move when you try to test them. If a meter is fussy about the angle that you have to hold it to get an accurate sample (such as the Dex), that may outweigh all the other advantages.

Sample Size

Required sample sizes are measured in microliters. How big a blood drop is needed?

Comparison of Meters used with Diabetic Cats

Company Model	Bayer Elite XL	LifeScan FastTake	Abbott Medisense Precision QID (Medisense 2 Companion 2)	Roche Accu-Chek Advantage	Bayer Dex (Esprit)
Result Ranges mg/dL US mmol/L Europe	20-600 1.1-33.3	20-600 1.1-33.3	20-600 1.1-33.3	20-600 1.1-33.3	10-600 0.6-33.3
Blood ul needed	3	2.5	3.5	3, or 9-50	3-4
Memory stores	120	150	10	100	100
How to sample	sips up, any meter angle ok.	FastDraw sips up 1.5 ul drop	touch drop	Comfort Curve strip (sips up 3 ul) highly recommended don't use regular strip, drop on 9-50	sips up, hold meter horiz. and fill only for 1-2 sec. after the beep and count-down starts
Sample media	strip	strip	strip	strip	cartridge w/10
Operating Temperature	50-104F 10-40C	59-95F 15-35C	64-86F 18-30C	57-104F 14-40C	50-104F 10-40C
Auto Shut Off	3 min	2 min	3 min	5 min	2 min test, 15 min memory
Time to Result	30 sec	15 sec	20 sec	40 sec	30 sec
Hematocrit	20-60% if <300 mg/dl, >300 -55%	30-55%	20-70%	20-65%<200, but 20-55% if >200 mg/dl	20-60% if <300 mg/dl, >300 25-55%
Beeps	yes/optional	no	no	yes/optional	yes/optional
Insufficient Sample	falsely lower	Er or falsely lower	can add more for 30 sec, or falsely lower	Warns, 15 sec to add more	falsely lower
Control Solution	Exp. date or 6 mo after open incl Normal	Exp. date or 3 mo after open incl. Normal	Exp. date or 3 mo after open not incl., Hi or Low	Exp. date or 3 mo after open incl Level 1 (Normal)	Exp. date or 6 mo after open incl Normal
Humidity	20-80%	10-90%	10-90%	<85%	10-80%
Data cable Software	Optional WinGlucofacts	Optional InTouch	Optional PrecisionLink	Optional Cambit	Optional WinGlucofacts
Battery Life	1000 ~1 year 3x/d	1000 ~1 year 3x/d	~4,000 tests, up to 4 yrs	varies 6 mo-1 year	1000 ~1 year 3x/d
Battery	2, 3v Lithium #CR2032	2, 1.5v #357 Silver Oxide	Not Replaceable	2, 3v Lithium #CR2450	2, 3v Lithium #CR2016
Warranty	5 yrs	3 yrs	free replacement	3 yrs	5 yrs
7day/24hr phone #	800 348-8100	800 381-7226	800 527-3339	800 858-8072	800 348-8100
Recommended  by diabetic pet  owners	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes? mixed opinions
Company Model	Bayer Elite XL	LifeScan One Touch FastTake	Abbott Medisense Precision QID (Medisense 2 Companion 2)	Roche Accu-Chek Advantage	Bayer Dex (Esprit)

Company Model	LifeScan One Touch Ultra	TheraSense FreeStyle
Result Ranges mg/dL US mmol/L Europe	20-600  1.1-33.3	20-500  1.1-27.8
Blood ul needed	1 ul	0.3 ul
Memory stores	150, 14 & 30 day averaging	250, 14 day average
How to sample	FastDraw sips up 1.0 ul drop	sips up
Sample media	strip	strip
Operating Temperature	43-111F, 6-44C	50-95F
Auto Shut Off	2 min	2 min
Time to Result	15 sec	5 sec
Hematocrit	30-55%	0-60%
Beeps	no	yes
Insufficient Sample	Er or falsely lower(?)	?
Control Solution	incl Normal	incl Normal
Humidity	10-90%	5-90%
Data cable Software	LifeScan One Touch Interface cable ~$20., IN TOUCH software free download	Optional, FreeStyle Connect software ~$75.
Battery Life	1000 tests ~1 year 3x/d	1000 tests ~1 year 3x/d
Battery	1 3v Lithium #CR2032, standard watch	2 AAAA (Radio Shack)
Warranty	3 yrs	5 yrs
7day/24hr phone #	US        (800) 381-7226      Canada (800) 663-5521	toll free (888) 522-5226
Recommended  by diabetic pet  owners	Yes	Yes
Company Model	LifeScan One Touch Ultra	TheraSense FreeStyle

Other Meters

Children with Diabetes Meter Comparison (Excel spreadsheet)

For Children with Diabetes Excel spreadsheet, scroll to the end of the page to the For More Information section, click the hotspot "Glucose monitor spreadsheet comparison by Tom Bartol (updated 6 May 2001)" to launch the Excel XLS directly or right click (if you're using IE) to Save Target As... locally

Troubleshooting

If you think you may not be getting an accurate BG, check the following:

Specifics are for the Elite XL, check your manual for your meter's specifications and procedures.

1. Look at the strip. Was it filled enough to give a sufficient sample?
2. Check that the strips weren't expired and that the strip F code matches the meter setting.
3. Temperatures ok for strips (store at 59-86 F), and meter operating range 50-104 F?
4. Once the foil is opened, the Test Strip should be used immediately. The sensor uses a chemical reaction to measure BG, which deteriorates with exposure. Discard any partially-filled strip, you can't add more blood to it during another cycle and get an accurate reading.
5. Use the Check Strip (says CHECK) to test the meter electronics.
6. Use the Normal Control Solution to check that strips read in the specified range (ex.78-112 mg/dL on F-2 strips). A High Control Solution is available which tests the meter accuracy at higher BGs (ex.250-339 mg/dL on F-2 strips), which is still much lower than many unregulated cats' BG level without insulin.
7. Call Customer Service for more help, or if the meter appears to be malfunctioning.
8. Severe dehydration, which may be caused by vomiting and/or diarrhea, can affect BG reading with capillary blood.

Meter Accuracy Varies in Measurable BG Range

The manufacturers of home glucose meters use a technology that provides the most accuracy around 100 mg/dL BG, which is in the normal range (for humans and for cats). The meters read slightly lower BGs in the hypoglycemia range but may be quite a bit lower than actual BGs in the hyperglycemia range. A given meter will reliably reproduce similar numbers in the same range, when a BG test is immediately repeated, assuming both samples were sufficient, the meter is within specifications for operation, and the meter electronics check out ok (Elite has a CHECK strip).

Here are correction factors one person measured for his Elite by doing a vein draw and ear prick at the same time on his diabetic cat, over a period of several days, to get samples at various BG's. This was all done with the assistance of a vet. The venous sample was collected, centrifuged, and hand-carried to the local IDEXX lab for testing. The results are what you see, the difference between an ear prick with the Bayer Elite and a venous sample measured at IDEXX., expressed as Correction Factor, compared to a laboratory capillary plasma glucose standard. Other Elite meters may have different corrections, these figures were not provided by Bayer.

Multiply the Elite BG reading by the Correction Factor to get the Lab Value.

Elite BG Reading	Correction Factor	Equivalent Lab Value
600	1.38	828
500	1.28	640
400	1.20	480
300	1.13	339
200	1.07	214
100	1.02	102

Also, a venous whole blood sample usually reads higher than a capillary sample, when read with the Test Strip on the Elite. Bayer claims about +7% higher for humans. That is, if you take blood from an ear prick and a vein at the same time, and test both bloods on the Elite, the venous blood will give a higher BG reading.

The error table above is typical of many home glucometers, and this is one reason why high BG readings on home glucometers should be taken seriously. For example a 390 reading may be closer to 470 actual, and a 500 reading is more like 640 actual. This is why the meters cut off at 500 or 600. The readings are so inaccurate at these high levels that they aren't allowed to display.

Remember, these home glucometers are designed for humans, where the typical BG range of interest is 75 - 200. The high BG's over 200 are used as warning signals for humans and most larger animals - as these are very damaging long-term, and never tolerated. Hence the accuracy of the meters is best where the control regime is desired for humans, around 100. Fortunately, cats tolerate high BGs much better than people; talk to your vet about what range to target for your pet. [from the archives of the Feline Diabetes Message Board, Posted by Jud & Call]

Which Numbers do you Believe? Meter vs. Vet vs. Outside Lab

Human diabetics trust their lives to their meters. The pattern of results you get with your meter will correspond to your pet's behavior and you will come to know what the numbers mean for your individual pet. When Harry goes over 500, he is more lethargic--he just doesn't feel very good. His volume of urine output increases (PU) and his control/ability to get to the litter box in time diminishes (more accidents). When he is around 200, he will be more alert, interested in playing, and we never have a urine accident.

You can take your meter with you and check your pet's blood glucose with an ear prick (capillary) on your meter at the same time (within 5 to 10 minutes) that the veterinarian draws blood from a vein (venous). The newer meters are all calibrated to display plasma results when capillary blood is tested, so you can directly compare the Elite results with your vet's or an outside lab. NOTE: some vets are starting to use home glucometers in their practices, ask what they use. The meter reading and laboratory values should not vary by more than 15-20 percent. If your meter reading appears to be way off from the vet's test equipment, despite passing all its Check and Control solution tests, a 3-way check by sending some of the venous blood to an outside lab can help to determine if it might be the veterinarian's lab equipment that is out of calibration. Recent ingestion of food can elevate the capillary blood up to 70 mg./dL higher than blood drawn from a vein for a lab test, reversing the pattern seen on fasting, where venous blood BGs are higher.