[fgummett]

I've had good success with the Contour over the last few years.

The one note I'd make, based only on my experience, is that the BG readings seem more predictable when I offer it plenty of blood... although the strips "sip" up just as much as they need, and the meter will error if you do not give it enough blood, I find the readings [consistently and repeatably] make more sense -- based on how I feel, what I would expect, and on re-testing -- when I offer the strip a bigger drop of blood to "sip" from, than just the minimum it needs.

[jenet]

Originally Posted by ramon

I recently had surgery and use the Accu-Check Aviva but cant find no model # Is there anyway I can check this out?

I too have been unable to find a model number on my Aviva, and would greatly appreciate some help figuring out if I have a potential future problem.

[dbaratta]

Originally Posted by fgummett

I've had good success with the Contour over the last few years.

The one note I'd make, based only on my experience, is that the BG readings seem more predictable when I offer it plenty of blood... although the strips "sip" up just as much as they need, and the meter will error if you do not give it enough blood, I find the readings [consistently and repeatably] make more sense -- based on how I feel, what I would expect, and on re-testing -- when I offer the strip a bigger drop of blood to "sip" from, than just the minimum it needs.

Probably very true. I appreciate your input! I have to call tomorrow and talk to the company that sends me my supplies. I will probably go with the contour. I like the idea of no coding.

[ramon]

Originally Posted by jenet

I too have been unable to find a model number on my Aviva, and would greatly appreciate some help figuring out if I have a potential future problem.

I found a # 1 800 858 8072 that I will call in the morning. There is a bar code with numbers on it and Ill give them that info. Just had surgery myself and more to go so I don't want to take chances.

[jtausch]

Go to accu-chek.com on the bottom left corner they have printed a warning about this in part it says---
the errors occur in a small number of diabetes patients who take certain drugs intravenously or by peritoneal catheter that may increase non-glucose sugars in the bloodstream.

The drugs and therapies available in the U.S. that cause the false readings are listed below:

* EXTRANEAL®
* Octagam® 5%
* WinRho® SDF Liquid
* Orencia®
* Adept® adhesion reduction solution
* HepaGam B®
* Bexxar®

so if your taking these drugs there is a small chance of problems. I use the accue-chek aviva and have had no problems and I don,t worry

[jenet]

Thanks for the additional info. I'm not facing any immediate surgery, and don't need any of the drugs listed, so I will not worry unless things unexpectedly change in the near future.

I am hoping I will be able to get approval for test strips to go with whichever meter works with my next pump, due to be replaced in the Spring.

[ShottleBop]

Originally Posted by ramon

I found a # 1 800 858 8072 that I will call in the morning. There is a bar code with numbers on it and Ill give them that info. Just had surgery myself and more to go so I don't want to take chances.

It affects all Accu-Chek Aviva monitors. (But model no. should be the first three numbers in that long number above the bar code on the back of your meter.)

[dbaratta]

Got my new meter, love it. No coding! My freestyle is off by 10 to 20 points, that is a lot if you are crashing! I ordered the cable to plug into my computer and once that gets here i am all set. They should give that away, my insurance co pays almost $900 every three months for my testing supplies.

[Rebecca]

If you call Advanced Diabetes supplies, and ask to speak to Tim Cady or Mark Howard.. they are the owners... they sell test strips at the same price that medicare allows. So if the Medicare price is 32.50, that is what you pay for the vial of 50... However that ENCLUDES FREE shipping, either California Overnight, UPS, or USPS priority mail.
They are in Carlsbad, California (suberb of San Diego).. and if you personally leave a message for me, I will give you my full name and you can tell them that I refered you to them...
I am good friends with both of the owners.. the company is very small (about 100 employees, encluding the owners)... And they are awesome..
Their number is 800.730.9887
Their site address is Diabetic Supplies by Mail | Diabetic Supplies covered by Medicare

Also you can call Abbott/Freestyle/Precision and ask for their patient assistance programme, they DO have one (the ONLY ONE for meter/strips). If you meet their guidelines, income verification to prove that you are low income, have a denial letter from medicaid, and a prescription from your doctor, they will fill the script that your doctor wrote out, and if you do not have one of their meters (Freestyle Lite, Freestyle Freedom Lite or Precision Xtra) they will send you one free also. (number is unknown for I have not used freestyle for almost 2 years now)

[poodlebone]

Originally Posted by dbaratta

Got my new meter, love it. No coding! My freestyle is off by 10 to 20 points, that is a lot if you are crashing! I ordered the cable to plug into my computer and once that gets here i am all set. They should give that away, my insurance co pays almost $900 every three months for my testing supplies.

I had tried Freestyle meters in the past and found that they always read way higher than any other meter. As you said, not good if you are crashing (or hypo unaware).

I've been using Lifescan meters for years but I want to switch over to Bayer Contour after the new year. I got a Contour USB meter to play with and I LOVE it! It plugs right into a computer's USB port so you don't need a cable, and the software is built right in too. Not only that, but the meter works as a flash drive, but only holds 500MB. It uses the same strips as the regular Contour meters. It has a beautiful, easy to read color screen and the test strip port can light up for testing in the dark. I called Edgepark, my test strip supplier, and they said that my insurance will cover Bayer strips. Before it's time for my next shipment (February) I'm going to call Edgepark again and ask them to contact my doctor to change my prescription to Contour strips. They told me that if they have the new Contour USB meter in by then I'll be able to get an extra one.

[Castellanox7]

I'm just trying to chime in here,

I've tried an accu-check compact plus, as well as a freestyle lite. I'm not a fan of the accu-check's "Slot" for blood to go into (as opposed to the oval "tab" for the freestyle's). I usually end up pricking myself with my Freestyle lancet (bigger blood drop), but then end up just smearing blood around.

As such, I've pretty much tossed my Accu-check aside and used my freestyle. This is despite that my insurance doesnt count the freestyle as a "preferred" meter. I usually end up paying 40 bucks for a vial of 50 strips.

I'm debating about calling their customer-aid line, but I'm 22, working two jobs (say below 35k a year?) and probably not the demographic they're looking for. Has anyone tried going to Wal Mart or Target to see if their strips are cheaper there?

Also, should I be worried about my freestyle lite when my "spikes" are around 120-130, and my "lows" are in the 80's?

Thanks everyone!
-Mitch

[poodlebone]

Originally Posted by Castellanox7

Also, should I be worried about my freestyle lite when my "spikes" are around 120-130, and my "lows" are in the 80's?

Thanks everyone!
-Mitch

I found the Freestyle meters read higher than most others, and I've read the same comment from many other people. So, I wouldn't be too concerned if your Freestyle is showing your highs to be in the 120-130 range. They may not actually be that high. As a Type 1, though, I'd kill if my spikes were only in the 120-130 range!

It's the lows that worry me about using a Freestyle. I am hypo unaware and if the meter showed 90, I'd think everything was fine. However, I would probably be quite a bit lower and could be heading for trouble. Also, with higher readings I might be tempted to correct when I don't have to, or correct too much.

[dbaratta]

Originally Posted by poodlebone

I got a Contour USB meter to play with and I LOVE it! It plugs right into a computer's USB port so you don't need a cable, and the software is built right in too. Contour USB meter in by then I'll be able to get an extra one.

Holy Cow I am super jealous! I saw that USB contour when I was ordering my cable, that is sweet!!! I just don't want to pay for it. I bet it is just a matter of time before they all go USB, what a great idea!!!

[gunsdogs]

I use an Abbott's Labs Precision Xtra meter as thats what my PCP gave me. I'm not about to change since the strips are provided at no cost. I had a Accu check Aviva and both meter read about the same. Rich

[jtausch]

I have also used the precision plus but use the accue chek aviva. Both meters and strips don,t cost me anything because the military hospital pharmacie carries them.