[lgvincent]

Some strips for my Aviva meter expired at the end of the month before I had used them all and now it gives me a "Code Exp" when I turn it on. Can anyone tell me how to get around this? I've reset the year to 2008 but it still won't work. I can't afford to throw away this many test strips and I can't afford to buy any new ones.

If there is no way around it, once you've used the strips for a vial, would someone be willing to sell me a few of their used code keys that have not yet expired?

[cyberus]

I don't think using another code key will help since the variances in a strip are set by the code key, the meter *might* accept the strip but the readings will be off and you won't know by how much.

[patricia52]

just call them at accu-check. they will most likely send you some strips to replace these. I have heard of them doing this is the past. The definitley want to keep you as a customer.

[lgvincent]

Originally Posted by cyberus

I don't think using another code key will help since the variances in a strip are set by the code key, the meter *might* accept the strip but the readings will be off and you won't know by how much.

Thanks but I've found no difference in readings when using different code keys with the Complete meter. I've got to find some way to use these strips, I can't afford to throw away 1,100 strips nor do I have the money to buy more to replace these perfectly good strips.

I think a code key that has not reached the expiration key will be the only way to go.

[lgvincent]

Originally Posted by patricia52

just call them at accu-check. they will most likely send you some strips to replace these. I have heard of them doing this is the past. The definitley want to keep you as a customer.

No, they're not going to send me 1,100 strips. Of that I am certain.

[Scratch]

Can you change the date on the meter back to last month?

[lgvincent]

I've tried that, it doesn't work. I've also tried taking the battery out to reset it but that doesn't work, either. It still keeps regular time. I suspect there may be an internal clock and battery and it's coded with the date of manufacture or something like that and will reject strips that have just expired regardless of the date I put on it. I'm going to try again in a few minutes.

Originally Posted by Scratch

Can you change the date on the meter back to last month?

[palefacegirl03]

did anyone offer to send you a unexpired code key? I can, but your PM box is full and I cant send you a message.

[faustus]

I had the same problem a few times, although not with that many strips. I got tired of it and did some trcik that should work for you as well; you may however want to invite your electronics geek friend if you are not one yourself:

-) ensure a ESD- (electrostatic discharge) free working environment, otherwise the meter might come out of this destroyed. the minimum setup should be a somewhat-conductive desktop (metal is best, wood or paper might do, vinyl and the like is deadly) and make sure the meter and yoursel and the tools are all touching that same conductive surface
-) remove battery and code chip
-) remove screw that is hidden behind the label on the back
-) carefully pry open the housing by inserting a small screw driver not too deep along the side line of the housing
-) remove printed circuit board from housing by carefully disengaging the four small metall brackets around the board and pulling out the board vertically
-) short circuit the small battery soldered in on the back side of the board with a small screw driver; short circuit should hold for about one second, not much longer (would kill the battery), and not much shorter (doen't give the desired effect)
-) assemble in reverse order
-) when you now swicth on, the meter should show the manufacturing date (sometime 2008 in my case) rather than the real date that was there before the procedure. Leave the date where it is.
-) the meter will now accept your expired strips without complaints.

- be careful the strips don't get too old, they might give you wrong results!!!!