[jared]

I use the comfort curve stripes and I was wondering what happens if I loose the key that slides in the back of the monitor. I have been saving old ones and I noticed some are the same number. Can I re-use old key cards.... thanks

[kcwinter]

I guess you can use the old ones as long as they have the same number as the strips you are using. I never change my number until I use all the strips so I dn't see a need (personel) to save them. Also I'm not a big saver of things and sometimes live to regret it.

[lgvincent]

I have been saving old keys in case I should have need of them. I've never used one of them though because I haven't come across strips with the same code number yet. The code key seems to lock pretty tightly into the meter so I'm guessing that unless you remove it there should be little chance of you loosing it.

[MarkMunday]

The main purpose of the code key that comes with each box of strips is to re-calibrate metres to cater for differences in batch production runs. But that is not all.

This system enables Roche to side-line rogue strip manufacturers trying to muscle in on their market. Manufacturers of cheaper look-alike strips would not be successful for long. Roche can simply change the software in current monitors so they won't work with any other strips, by programming code keys.

To be on the safe side, throw out old control keys, even if the batch number stays the same. You get a new one with each box anyway.

Cheers,

Mark

[Belinda]

I am with Mark, you get a new key each time and the purpose is to match the key with the bottle of strips. I don't think it will fall out but it has been a while since I used that meter. I have more of the ultra's now and use them since I can have one at work, home, car, travel bag. My dad uses the ultra too (thank goodness I would hate to train him on something new!!!!)

[lgvincent]

How can you afford to have so many meters? I just have one (although I have several different meters so I can try to get whatever strips are the lowest priced when I can afford to buy them), so I have to carry it with me. Doesn't the heat in the car damage the strips during the summer months?

[jared]

Same thing I was thinking. Meters arent so cheap. do you recieve free meters from your doctor? how can i get a one touch ultra smart for free?

[lgvincent]

I'm afraid I have no idea. I was able to buy one on e-bay for about $20.00 (plus shipping). I've only used it one time, though. The strips for it are pretty expensive. I've heard memebers tell how they get free meters from their CDE's, etc, but I've only gotten one free meter in my life and that was in 1999 when I went to a program on diabetes and got a free Accu-Chek Advantage. Didn't help me much because I had purchased an Accu-Chek Complete a few months before and had stopped using the Advantage I already had.

I do know LifeScan is having a contest and is offering several UltraSmart meters as a second prize, but your chances of winning one are pretty slim.

[HeatherP]

Jared, I don't know what your insurance situation is, but they may cover it. Ask your doc or dietician about getting one, or call the ins company directly and ask.

[jared]

heather, I got a free accu-chek in the mail but im looking at getting a One Touch Ultrasmart.....thoes look nice..

[Belinda]

Yes I get them free. I get them from my doc and was fortunate that one time the rep was there and I began talking to her and ask her for one to leave at work. She was happy to give it to me. I am fortunate I guess but my very first meter cost my parents 300 bucks.

[lgvincent]

There are several members here who have the UltraSmart and you may be able to ask them what they think of it. While I have one, I've only used it once so I really have no opinion at this time. I do know I wasn't happy with the results from it and I called with LifeScan and told them about it. They basically said I didn't do the test right, although my Accu-Chek meter gave me a reading very close to the lab results using the same techniques and blood sample. I'm sure it may be a nice meter, it looks like it has potential, but I still feel more comfortable with the Complete meter.