FAQ Listing
What happens if the user does not apply enough blood on the test strip?
As with today’s products, the user will receive an E-4 error code.
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. However, there is a slight pause in testing that allows for the patient to take full use of the available blood from their finger.
Can I apply blood to any part of a test strip? Does it influence test results?
The easy-edge of the Accu‑Chek Instant S test strip has the largest dosing window of any major blood glucose test strip. It can be dosed anywhere along the edge and automatically absorbs the blood from the patient’s finger. Regardless of where dosed along the edge, the system provides a fast, accurate result.
How much blood does a test strip require?
The Accu‑Chek Instant S test strip requires only a small speck of blood (0.6 μL).
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 to the opening along the end of the strip can be quickly pulled into the test strip.
Will my Accu-Chek Active, Accu‑Chek Aviva or Accu‑Chek Performa test strips work with Accu‑Chek Instant S meters?
No, there is no compatibility between the Accu‑Chek Instant S test strips with these and other Accu‑Chek systems
Does the Accu‑Chek Instant S meter require coding?
No, Accu‑Chek Instant S meters do not require manual coding.
Has anything changed with the test strips?
The new Accu‑Chek Instant S test strip utilizes the FAD-GDH chemistry. This system is the most accurate in the history of our organization. It meets the 10/10 standards for accuracy
Why was the enzyme of the strip changed?
The FAD-GDH enzyme is a key component of the system’s new test strip chemistry, which works in conjunction with other system components to deliver advanced accuracy, highly reliable performance and reduced interferences
Do the meters have a certificate and evaluation report for ISO 15197:2015?
Yes, the Accu‑Chek Instant S meters comply with the requirements of ISO 15197:2013/EN ISO 15197:2015 (In vitro diagnostic test systems – Requirements for blood glucose monitoring systems for self-testing in managing diabetes mellitus).
How is the accuracy when compared with other Accu-Chek meters?
The Accu‑Chek Instant S meters is our latest development in accuracy from a pioneer in blood glucose testing technologies. This is one of the most accurate meters in our portfolio.
Will a low battery cause inaccurate test results?
No, the Accu‑Chek Instant S meters are designed to ensure that the battery power level will not impact results given by the meter.
How accurate is the meter reading against a lab reading?
The Accu‑Chek Instant S system fulfills the ISO 15197:2013/EN ISO 15197:2015 standards and delivers even tighter 10/10 accuracy for reliable results you can trust.
Is this the most accurate system in the market today?
The Accu‑Chek Instant S meter is one of the most accurate systems our organization has ever manufactured and meets ISO 15197:2013/EN ISO 15197:2015 standards for accuracy. It has 10/10 analytical accuracy.
What is the “10/10 standard” for the Accu‑Chek Instant S test strip?
10 references an ISO-compliant internal testing protocol. For three different lots of test strips, 95% of BG results must fall within ±10 mg/dL of reference result at glucose concentrations < 100 mg/dL or within ± 10% at glucose concentrations ≥ 100 mg/dL 10/
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 app, the Accu‑Chek Connect Online system or the Accu‑Chek Smart Pix system.
What are the default target ranges?
The IDF Guidelines are used for the High values range and the ADA Guidelines for the Low values range. In range: 70-160 mg/dL, below range: 69-10 mg/dL, above range: 161-600 mg/dL.
Can I use the meters for diagnosis?
No. As seen with almost all products designed for at-home use, the Accu‑Chek Instant S meters do not have a claim for diagnosis.
Why do the Accu‑Chek Instant S meters display an alternating “Err” with the error code?
During our human factors testing, we discovered that there could be some confusion in misinterpreting an error with an actual test result if the meter is held upside down while viewing the display. We implemented this approach to showing error codes so as to eliminate any risk of misinterpretation.
How much data can be stored on the meter and can the readings be reviewed directly on the meter?
At least 720 readings can be stored inside the meter. However only the last result and the 7, 30 and 90-day averages can be reviewed on the meter. To review all values the meter must be connected to one of the software solutions (e.g. Accu‑Chek Smart Pix or Accu‑Chek Connect).
When and why is it helpful to test with a control solution
Performing a control test lets the user know the meter and test strips are working
properly. A control test should be performed when:
• A new test strip box is opened
• The test strip container has been left open
• The test strips are thought to be damaged
• Checking the meter and test strips
• The test strips were stored in extreme temperatures, humidity, or both
• The meter was dropped
• The test result does not match how the PwD feels
• Checking to see if the PwD is performing the test correctly
How long does it take to get a result from the Accu‑Chek Instant S and Accu‑Chek Instant S meters?
The Accu‑Chek Instant S meters have a fast test time of less than four seconds.
What types of averages are available?
Test results may be seen in 7, 30 and 90-day averages.
Is pre- and post-meal flagging possible on the meter?
Flagging of test results is not possible on the meter itself. However, if a patient chooses to do so, they can add this information via Accu‑Chek Connect Online account.
Is the USB port of the meter water- or dust-resistant?
No, the USB port for any of the Accu‑Chek Instant S is not water- or dust-resistant.
Does the battery charge if the meter is connected to a USB port?
No, the USB cable does not charge the meter’s batteries. Remove the USB cable after downloading results. In fact, leaving the USB cable connected to the meter and PC after download could draw power from the meter batteries. A blood glucose test cannot be performed while the Accu‑Chek Instant S meter is connected to a PC with a USB cable.
How long do the meters save the date and time after the batteries have died?
The meters will retain the date and time settings for up to 2 hours.
Does a battery change cause the meter to lose memory or the date and time?
If replaced within a reasonable time, the memory is not lost when the battery is replaced. If date and time no longer appear on the meter’s display after a battery change, a sync with the DMS is required.
Can the user delete stored results?
With the Accu‑Chek Instant S 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 Accu‑Chek Connect Online system and the Accu‑Chek Smart Pix system.
How do I set the date and time without using the meter button?
Accu‑Chek Connect Online or Accu‑Chek Smart Pix: For Instant S meter, the date and time will be set and displayed during the process of setting up an Accu‑Chek Connect Online account via USB cable. The date and time will match that of the connected device. On subsequent data transfers, the date and time will automatically sync to the connected device date and time if there is a difference of more than 10 minutes. The date and time will also be set when configuring the meter with the Accu‑Chek Smart Pix system