Contour next EZ

[xMenace]

I chatted with my Pharmacist-DE the other day about these new meters, and he said the era of 20% variances are over. These are rated something like 10% but he said testing has shown more like 2%. I assume liability concerns keep the claim down. Look for them soon. They might already be out in Canada.


Bayer CONTOUR - Coming Soon

[Peggy_TX]

I saw this statement in the press release:
"The new technology also ensures that the system remains accurate under a wide range of storage conditions, corrects for common errors and is not affected by hematocrit or many common interfering substances in the blood (e.g. acetaminophen, vitamin C)"

Does that mean that acetaminophen and Vit C impact our glucose readings on the current generation of meters? I'd never head that before.....

[SueL4]

I was using the older/current Bayer Contour. When I tested once a day, I didn't realize how inaccurate it was. Now that I'm testing more frequently, I'm finding it very very unreliable. Their customer service has sent me two new meters and fresh test strips but all 3 meters read differently - way off from each other. Yesterday, I did a test and placed a strip in each of the meters at the same time, got a nice stick and dropped blood onto the 3 different strips in the 3 different meters. The numbers were 97, 115 and 139! Yet all fall within the "normal" limits with the testing solution. I'm switching to another brand.

[poodlebone]

You'd think that if they make a new strip that doesn't work with older meters, they would at least make the meter look different. The Contour Next EZ looks exactly like the old Contour.

[Bountyman]

The Contour NEXT EZ checks the strip 7 times. Take that One Touch "Double Sure".

Bayer says this meter and strips will be available in the USA this August. I called Bayer, 800-348-8100, and asked if they'd send me one when they're available, they said call back at the end of August.

[xMenace]

I was using the older/current Bayer Contour. When I tested once a day, I didn't realize how inaccurate it was. Now that I'm testing more frequently, I'm finding it very very unreliable. Their customer service has sent me two new meters and fresh test strips but all 3 meters read differently - way off from each other. Yesterday, I did a test and placed a strip in each of the meters at the same time, got a nice stick and dropped blood onto the 3 different strips in the 3 different meters. The numbers were 97, 115 and 139! Yet all fall within the "normal" limits with the testing solution. I'm switching to another brand.

Don't waste your time. All meters are like this. Have you tried the same meter three times in a row? I think I've had back to back matches twice in my life.

[SueL4]

Yes, I've tried the same meter a few times in a row. Sometimes with blood from the same stick, sometimes from a different finger. Always very hugely different. It got to a point where I was testing like that for a few days in a row. I'll wait a couple of weeks and call Bayer and have them send me the Counter Next EZ. Their customer service is always willing to send free meters and strips to hook you in.

[Catdancer]

Any idea if these new meters will be compatible with the glucofacts data program? If so, wonder what the connector cable will cost?

[Bountyman]

Any idea if these new meters will be compatible with the glucofacts data program? If so, wonder what the connector cable will cost?

Bayer has only one data program so I presume it uses the same program and the same cable. The cable from Bayer is $14.95. Here is the URL to order from.

[xMenace]

Bayer has only one data program so I presume it uses the same program and the same cable. The cable from Bayer is $14.95. Here is the URL to order from.

In Canada they have a Link version for minimed pumpers. I've heard there will be no Next versions for pumpers anytime soon We can of course use CareLink: meter->pump->carelink

[Bountyman]

Pumping: The double-edged sword.

[poodlebone]

In Canada they have a Link version for minimed pumpers.

Minimed has just started offering the Contour Link meter to customers in the United States as well.

[SueL4]

Contour Next EZ update: I called Bayer this morning and pressed for regular customer service. I was told it was now on the market and available in stores for purchase. I called back and pressed for the dept. that helps people with problems with monitoring (I've called them a few times in the last few months). I asked the rep why they sent me the old meter 2 weeks ago if the new one, more reliable one was available and he said the new one isn't available yet. I asked for a supervisor and was put on hold. When the rep came back he asked if they could call me back within 2 hours. That was 4 hours ago. Feels like Comcast.

[Bountyman]

Feels like Comcast.

With Comcast, I get someone who speaks English. With Bayer, I get someone who thinks they speak English.

[SueL4]

Very true. I was hoping a supervisor might possibly be in the U.S. but no one ever called back. Will hound them tomorrow.