Bad test strips?

[JayDee1950]

Hello everyone, nice to be here - hope this post finds you well.

I've been Type 2 for 5 years, test 3 times/day, on pills to
control - doing OK so far.
Have been monitoring for 8 years due to family history.
I'm on my third meter now, a purple OneTouch UltraMini (cute).

However, out of the last box of 50 strips - 10 were wasted due to error message # 5 (test strip problem).
Meter seems to run fine, get blood sample icon, provide the sample or solution, 5 second countdown, then error.
Has anyone else had a problem with these strips?

Seems strange as I'm not new regarding the test procedure.
Strips are stored in the vial and kept at room temperature.
I can't afford to waste 20% from each box.
Have contacted LifeScan through their website and am waiting for their reply - will advise when received.

Specifics - purchased on Sept. 5, 2009 in NJ.
Lot No: 2906984
Exp. Date: 10/2010
Code: 26

[jenb]

I haven't run into that problem, but wanted to give you a "poor baby"...those strips are expensive and I really HATE it when I mess a test up. My head would probably explode if I got a bad batch of the costly little brutes!

Jen

[Moonglo]

ER 5 is the message I get when I don't get enough blood on the strip. When I first got that meter, this happened several times. It took me a while to figure out exactly how much blood I needed to make a sample.

[JayDee1950]

There's plenty of blood as it draws into the strip quickly to start the meter timer. Even if I use the test solution it should work properly - but that also failed 3 times out of the 10. I don't know what else to try at this point.

[Moonglo]

Yeah, when I get the blood onto the strip but don't get enough to test, it will start the count down. That entire little area of the strip where the blood goes has to be completely full by the time the countdown is over or the error message will pop up.

[JayDee1950]

Received an email reply from Customer Service, however since I'm out of the Country it does little good at this point.
"Thank you for taking the time to write to us. We are sorry you are experiencing trouble with your OneTouch Ultra Test Strips. Because there are many technical issues involved, it is difficult to discuss them effectively in writing.
It is important for us to offer you the opportunity to discuss the problems you are facing with a technical expert here at LifeScan. For immediate assistance, we recommend you contact our 24-hour Customer Service Line at 1 800 227-8862When you are in contact with a OneTouch Customer Advocate, please provide them with Service Request Number #1-XXXXXXXXXX and a mailing address for any product replacement needed. If you prefer, please reply to this message with your name, telephone number, the best time to reach you and we will contact you for troubleshooting.
Please know that your OneTouch UltraMini Meter and OneTouch Test Strips are covered under product warranty. Therefore, if you are experiencing any problems with your meter or test strips that the representative is not able to resolve through troubleshooting, LifeScan will replace the meter or test strips free of charge".