Newbie Question

The code is something like a batch number. However, you must make sure your meter is updated to
match the code number on the strips. (I'm not sure about the Ultra but on the OneTouch Basic and
OneTouch II you had to press a particular button sequence to change the code - check the manual.)

If the code noted by the meter doesn't match that for the strips, the bg readings can be inaccurate.
(Different levels of the chemicals on the strip that react with the glucose in the drop of blood - I
believe. Very similar to dyelots in yarn - with noticeably color variations if not matched.)

If you look at the strip bottles from two differently coded sets of strips, you may notice a
difference in the area where the range of results for tests using the control solution (test to make
sure the meter is functioning properly).

Cindy Wells (some meter brands have a way of getting the strip code data from the strip directly
which avoids the problem but some docs/insurance companies have preferences for the meters their
patients use. For some docs it has to do with having the equipment to download the stored test
results to the doc's computer at the office. The insurance companies have negotiated a discount for
buying strips from one specific manufacturer (formulary sheet).)

In the box of strips there is a coding strip. Place this in your tester this will program it to
except your strips. Be sure to place this strip in a safe place so if needed you can use it to
reprogram your unit. Each new box of strips will have a coding strip for you to program the unit
with and each one will be different.

David Schwendemann "Jonas Lindeström" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Just diagnosed with Diabetes and spending my first day out of the

hospital.

Quoted message said:

After picking up my OneTouch Ultra test strips, I noticed that the strips

I

Quoted message said:

used in the hospital were coded with the number 12, while the ones from

the

Quoted message said:

pharmacy that I just picked up are coded "31". What is the difference, if any? Any help?

Your One Touch should have come with an instruction booklet.

It will tell you how to change the code in the meter.

You have to change it for each box of strips you use. The code will always be in big numbers on the
bottle. When you put a strip into the meter the number that the meter is curently set to will appear
before the flashing "drop blood now" symbol.

The code is nothing more than a manufacturing number, but it tells the meter how that batch of
strips is calibrated.

To get a correct reading, the code on the bottle and the one the meter must match.

Jennifer

Jonas Lindeström said:

Just diagnosed with Diabetes and spending my first day out of the hospital. After picking up my
OneTouch Ultra test strips, I noticed that the strips I used in the hospital were coded with the
number 12, while the ones from the pharmacy that I just picked up are coded "31". What is the
difference, if any? Any help?

The code number is meant to account for slight variation in the chemical composition of the strips
(differ from batch to patch). You must enter the proper code number for a batch before you use the
batch. See the manual for instructions.

Jerry

Jonas Lindeström said:

Just diagnosed with Diabetes and spending my first day out of the hospital. After picking up my
OneTouch Ultra test strips, I noticed that the strips I used in the hospital were coded with the
number 12, while the ones from the pharmacy that I just picked up are coded "31". What is the
difference, if any? Any help?

Jonas Lindeström said:

Just diagnosed with Diabetes and spending my first day out of the hospital. After picking up my
OneTouch Ultra test strips, I noticed that the strips I used in the hospital were coded with the
number 12, while the ones from the pharmacy that I just picked up are coded "31". What is the
difference, if any? Any help?

Manufacturing has tolerances, so not all batches of test strips have exactly the same sensitivity.
The manufacturer calibrates each batch of test strips and computes a code number, essentially a
factor to bring strips of the batch into agreement with their reference standard. The meter uses
this code number to adjust its results to the reference standard.

When you put a strip in the Ultra, it shows a code number on the display. If the code number shown
does not match the code number on the vial of test strips, press the up or down arrows until the
numbers match. Then do your test.

You need to adjust the code number of the meter every time you open a new vial of test strips that
have a different code number. As a memory jogger, the meter will ask you, about every 25 tests or
so, to press the OK button to confirm the code number before it will let you proceed with the test.

I use the UltraSmart meter and also have an Ultra that I carry with me as a backup for when I am
away from home.

--
Guy T2, dx 5/95, 60yo metformin+actos+lisinopril+diet+exercise

On Sun, 12 Oct 2003 17:15:34 +0200, "Jonas Lindeström" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Just diagnosed with Diabetes and spending my first day out of the hospital.

Hi Jonas.

Others have answered your question on strips. I just wanted to say welcome to our group. When you
have relaxed a little and got over the shock, come back and tell us a little more about yourself and
ask how we can help. Good Luck.

Cheers Alan, T2, Oz
--
Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter.

The One Touch Ultra (the meter in question) does not have a coding strip.

Each meter codes differently.

The best way to recode your meter is to read your instruction book.

Jennifer

David E. Schwendemann said:

In the box of strips there is a coding strip. Place this in your tester this will program it to
except your strips. Be sure to place this strip in a safe place so if needed you can use it to
reprogram your unit. Each new box of strips will have a coding strip for you to program the unit
with and each one will be different.

David Schwendemann "Jonas Lindeström" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Just diagnosed with Diabetes and spending my first day out of the

hospital.

Quoted message said:

After picking up my OneTouch Ultra test strips, I noticed that the strips

I

Quoted message said:

used in the hospital were coded with the number 12, while the ones from

the

Quoted message said:

pharmacy that I just picked up are coded "31". What is the difference, if any? Any help?

Guy Scharf said:

"Jonas Lindeström" <[email hidden]> wrote:

Manufacturing has tolerances, so not all batches of test strips have exactly the same sensitivity.
The manufacturer calibrates each batch of test strips and computes a code number, essentially a
factor to bring strips of the batch into agreement with their reference standard. The meter uses
this code number to adjust its results to the reference standard.

When you put a strip in the Ultra, it shows a code number on the display. If the code number shown
does not match the code number on the vial of test strips, press the up or down arrows until the
numbers match. Then do your test.

Great explanation.

Quoted message said:

You need to adjust the code number of the meter every time you open a new vial of test strips
that have a different code number. As a memory jogger, the meter will ask you, about every 25
tests or so, to press the OK button to confirm the code number before it will let you proceed
with the test.

Mine never did that. I've now had 4 different ones. Am I doing something wrong?

Quoted message said:

I use the UltraSmart meter and also have an Ultra that I carry with me as a backup for when I am
away from home.

I've been thinking of getting an Ultrasmart, but I don't think I'd use the extra features.

Quoted message said:

--
K'neH'a'Iw

Uncloaking, Shields up.

K'neH'a'Iw said:

Quoted message said:

You need to adjust the code number of the meter every time you open a new vial of test strips
that have a different code number. As a memory jogger, the meter will ask you, about every 25
tests or so, to press the OK button to confirm the code number before it will let you proceed
with the test.

Mine never did that. I've now had 4 different ones. Am I doing something wrong?

I don't remember whether my Ultra does that. My UltraSmart certainly does.

--
Guy T2, dx 5/95, 60yo metformin+actos+lisinopril+diet+exercise