For general information about the OneTouch® Ultra® Meter, you can refer to the frequently asked questions below. For specific information about your meter, please refer to your Owner's Booklet.
Battery
Will a low battery cause inaccurate test results?
What does it mean when my meter displays a battery symbol?
How often should I replace my meter's battery?
Where is the battery and what size do I need for my meter?
Changing the Time
How do I change the date and time on my meter?
Cleaning
When should I clean my meter and what should I use to clean it?
Coding the Meter
How do I change the code on my meter?
Control Solution
What is control solution and where can I get it?
Where can I find the control solution range?
Data Management features of the OneTouch Ultra Meter
What kind of cable is used to download the OneTouch Ultra, Ultra2 Meter into the OneTouch® Diabetes Management Software program?
Can I use the PocketScan® Adapter to download my OneTouch Ultra Meter?
How many tests can be stored in the memory of the OneTouch Ultra Meter?
What averaging features are available?
General OneTouch Ultra Meter questions
How much blood is required to test with the OneTouch® Ultra® Test Strip?
How do you know when enough blood has been applied to the test strip?
What happens if enough blood has not been applied to the test strip before the countdown begins?
How many testing sites are approved for the OneTouch Ultra Meter?
Can I use OneTouch Ultra Test Strips with my OneTouch® PocketScan® Meter?
Can arterial and venous blood be used with the OneTouch Ultra Meter?
Forearm Testing
What are the general guidelines for forearm testing?
What can you tell me about testing from the forearm?
What is the most appropriate time for forearm testing?
Why are there differences between forearm and fingertip results?
What is the percentage of difference when comparing results from the forearm to a result from a fingerstick test result?
What if I observe a difference between forearm and fingertip results greater than 20%?
Which result should be used to determine how much medication to take if there is a difference between an forearm test and a fingerstick test?
Can sample size affect the result?
Can certain medications or health conditions affect results from the forearm which are not noticeable when doing fingerstick testing?
Is fasting required when comparing a blood glucose lab test result to a blood glucose meter result using an forearm sample?
Can my patients compare results obtained using a sample from their forearm with a result from a sample obtained using forearm or finger with a different meter?
Can circulation problems affect results?
Can hematocrit levels affect results?
Battery
Will a low battery cause inaccurate test results?
No. LifeScan Meters will still provide accurate test results with a low battery, but you should replace the battery as soon as possible. The battery symbol will appear, if your battery is getting too low.
Return to FAQ Index
What does it mean when my meter displays a battery symbol?
From the time the battery symbol first appears, there is enough power left for about 50 tests. The test results will be accurate, but it is time to change the battery. When the battery symbol appears on the display by itself, it means that the battery will not provide enough power for a test. You must change the battery. The OneTouch Ultra Meter uses one 3.0 V (#2032 or equivalent) lithium battery.
Return to FAQ Index
How often should I replace my meter's battery?
Your meter will tell you when it is time to replace the battery by displaying a battery symbol. The battery will provide you with enough power to perform about 1000 tests. The OneTouch Ultra Meter uses one 3.0 V (#2032 or equivalent) lithium battery.
Return to FAQ Index
What battery size do I need for my meter?
OneTouch Meters come with batteries already installed. You can find the battery compartment on the back of the meter. The OneTouch Ultra Meter uses one 3.0 V (#2032 or equivalent) lithium battery.
Return to FAQ Index
Changing Time
How do I change the time on my meter?
Refer to your Owner's Booklet for specific directions for changing the time and/or date on your OneTouch Ultra Meter.
General directions for changing the time on your meter are also included in the interactive OneTouch® Ultra® Quick Start Guide.
To set the time, you must first enter the setting mode. Start with the meter off. Then press and hold the M button for three seconds. The meter is now in the setting mode.
Set the Hour.
The time will appear first, with the hour setting flashing. Press and release the C button to advance one hour. To move faster, hold the C button down. With the correct hour on the display, press the M button and the minutes setting will start flashing.
Set the Minutes.
Press and release the C button to advance one minute. To move faster, hold the C button down. With the correct minute on the display, press the M button and the 12-hour format (AM/PM) setting will start flashing.
NOTE: When the date and time are changed, the average blood glucose value may also change. The time and date associated with any test cannot be changed. Also, be careful not to change the unit of measure setting (e.g. mg/dL or mmol/L).
Return to FAQ Index
Cleaning
When should I clean my meter and what should I use to clean it?
The OneTouch Ultra Meter does not require special cleaning, as no blood or control solution come in contact with the inside of the meter. To clean the outside of the meter, wipe it with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
Return to FAQ Index
Coding the Meter
How do I change the code on my OneTouch Ultra Meter?
Refer to your Owner's Booklet for specific directions for changing the code on your OneTouch Ultra Meter. General directions for changing the code on your meter are below and are also included in the interactive OneTouch® Ultra® Quick Start Guide.
Step 1: Enter the Code Mode.
Start with the meter turned off. Insert a OneTouch Ultra Test Strip to turn on the meter. All segments of the display will appear. Next, the code number will appear on the display for three seconds.
Step 2: Match the Code Numbers.
Compare the code number on the meter display with the code number on the test strip vial. If the two code numbers match, you may begin testing. If they do not match, follow Step 3. The first time you use the meter (---) will appear, showing that there is no code stored in the memory.
Step 3: Code the Meter.
Press the C button to select the correct code. Each time you press and release the C button, the number will increase by one. To move faster, simply press and hold the C button. After you have selected the correct code number, it will flash for three seconds and then appear solid for three seconds. Then the apply blood symbol will appear, indicating the OneTouch Ultra System is ready for testing.
Return to FAQ Index
Control Solution
What is control solution and where can I get it?
Control solution is used to check that both the meter and the test strips are working together as a system, and that you are doing the test correctly. Use only the OneTouch Ultra Control Solution for your OneTouch Ultra Meter. Control solution is available from Customer Care.
Return to FAQ Index
Where can I find the control solution range?
The acceptable range for OneTouch Ultra Control Solution is marked on the OneTouch Ultra Test Strip package. This range is for the Control Solution only; it is not a recommended range for your blood glucose test results.
Note: The Control Solution range is shown in two different units of measure--mg/dL and mmol/L, for use in different countries.
Return to FAQ Index
Data Management features of the OneTouch Ultra Meter
What kind of cable is used to download the OneTouch Ultra, Ultra2 Meter into the OneTouch® Diabetes Management Software program?
The LifeScan Interface Cable is needed to download your OneTouch Ultra Meter results into your computer.
Return to FAQ Index
Can I use the PocketScan® Adapter to download my OneTouch Ultra Meter?
The OneTouch Ultra Meter features a data port that can be used with the LifeScan Interface Cable. The OneTouch Ultra Meter does not require the use of an extra adapter.
Return to FAQ Index
How many tests can be stored in the memory of the OneTouch Ultra Meter?
The OneTouch Ultra Meter stores the most recent 150 blood glucose and control solution test results, with the date and time, in its memory.
Return to FAQ Index
What averaging features are available?
The OneTouch Ultra Meter provides 14- and 30-day averages of the blood glucose results stored in its memory.
Return to FAQ Index
General OneTouch Ultra Meter questions
How much blood is required to test with the OneTouch Ultra Test Strip?
The OneTouch® Ultra® system requires a drop of blood to perform a test.
Return to FAQ Index
How do you know when enough blood has been applied to the test strip?
The confirmation window on the OneTouch Ultra Test Strip will be completely filled. If the confirmation window does not fill completely before the meter begins to count down, do not add more blood to the test strip; discard the test strip and retest.
Return to FAQ Index
What happens if enough blood has not been applied to the test strip before the countdown begins?
If the confirmation window does not fill completely before the meter begins to count down, do not add more blood to the test strip; discard the test strip and retest. If enough blood has not been applied, you may get an inaccurate result.
Return to FAQ Index
How many testing sites could be used with the OneTouch Ultra Meter?
The OneTouch Ultra Meter may be used for two testing sites, the fingertip or the arm. The meter requires a very small amount of blood to perform a test, giving you the choice to obtain it from a fingertip or arm.* The arm has fewer nerve endings than the fingertips and you may find it less painful for obtaining blood.
*Before you begin testing on the arm, read Important Information about testing on the arm and your Owner's Booklet, and talk to your doctor.
Return to FAQ Index
Can I use OneTouch Ultra Test Strips with my PocketScan® Meter?
No, you must use PocketScan Test Strips with your PocketScan Meter and OneTouch Ultra Test Strips with your OneTouch Ultra Meter.
Return to FAQ Index
Can arterial and venous blood be used with the OneTouch Ultra Meter?
No. Arterial and Venous samples have not been cleared for use on the OneTouch Ultra Meter.
Return to FAQ Index
Forearm Testing
What are the general guidelines for forearm testing?
The most common type of testing by patients is a fasting test. In fact, 75% of patients do a fasting test almost every day, which is an appropriate time for forearm testing. A smaller number of patients, approximately 25% test postprandially four times a week. Although the guidelines for Forearm Testing are appropriate for all patients, it is especially important that your patients who test postprandially understand these guidelines.
Return to FAQ Index
What can you tell me about testing from the forearm?
Testing from the forearm provides an opportunity to give your patients' tender fingertips a break. There are fewer nerve endings in the forearm, so testing is less painful. Around three out of four patients who tested on their forearm reported no pain at all or much less pain than a fingerstick.
Before your patients begin testing using blood from the forearm, they should be advised to consult their healthcare professional.
When your patients test under certain conditions, blood glucose test results obtained using samples taken from the forearm may differ significantly from fingertip samples.
The conditions in which differences in blood glucose results between the forearm and the fingertip are most likely to occur are when blood glucose levels are changing rapidly such as following a meal, an insulin dose, or physical exercise.
Your patients should test using the fingertip within two hours after food intake, insulin dose or physical exercise, or when glucose levels may be changing rapidly.
Testing with blood samples from the forearm is appropriate only for testing prior to, or more than two hours after, food intake, insulin dose or physical exercise.
Return to FAQ Index
What is the most appropriate time for forearm testing?
Forearm testing is most appropriate for your patients prior to, or more than two hours after meals, insulin dose or physical exercise.
Your patients should use their fingertip when testing within two hours after meals, an insulin dose or physical exercise, or whenever glucose levels may be changing rapidly.
When initiating post-prandial forearm testing with your patients, instruct them to obtain finger results in conjunction with forearm results to help assess whether the site to site differences are significant for each patient.
Return to FAQ Index
Why are there differences between forearm and fingertip results?
Glucose concentrations in the body vary due to different rates of glucose utilisation by different body tissues. The varying rates of glucose utilisation may be due to varying amounts of muscle and fat tissue in parts of the body, muscular activity, and variations in blood flow. It is not known which of the sites reflects blood glucose values of greatest physiological significance with regard to managing diabetes. However, if a patient does experience differences greater than 20% between forearm and fingertip, the fingertip reading should be relied on as this is generally the location that has been used to establish doses of medication.
Return to FAQ Index
What is the percentage of difference when comparing results from the forearm to a result from a fingerstick test result?
If a patient tests before meals or 2 hours or more after a meal the forearm and finger results should be within 20% of each other.
Return to FAQ Index
What if a patient observes a difference between forearm and fingertip results greater than 20%?
When comparing results using a sample obtained from the forearm and from a fingerstick your patients should be in a fasting or pre-meal state (to have had no food in the last 2-3 hours).
If a large difference (>20%) between forearm and fingertip is observed when testing is done at the appropriate times, the patient should use fingertip testing for all treatment decisions until the reason for the discrepancies can be identified and resolved. Verify the system is performing properly using control solution. The forearm vs. finger test comparison should be tried again later to see if the same discrepancies occur. One single forearm/finger comparison should not be used to judge the success/failure of forearm testing.
Under certain conditions, blood glucose test results obtained using samples from the forearm may differ significantly from fingertip samples.
The conditions in which these differences are most likely to occur are when blood glucose is changing rapidly such as during the two-hour period following a meal, insulin dose or physical exercise.
When blood glucose is falling, testing with a fingertip sample may identify a hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) level sooner than a test with an forearm sample.
Return to FAQ Index
Which result should be used to determine how much medication to take if there is a difference between an forearm test and a fingerstick test?
If there is a difference between a result using a sample from the forearm and a result from a fingerstick test, advise the patient to use the result from the fingerstick.
- Under certain conditions, blood glucose test results obtained using samples from the forearm may differ significantly from fingertip samples.
- The conditions in which these differences are most likely to occur are when your blood glucose is changing rapidly, such as during the 2 hour period following a meal, insulin dose or physical exercise.
- When your blood glucose is falling, testing with a fingertip sample may identify a hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) level sooner than a test with an forearm sample.
Return to FAQ Index
Can sample size affect the result?
Yes, sample size can affect the result. The patient should always follow the instructions in the Owner's Manual for applying blood to the test strip and make sure that the blood sample has completely filled the confirmation window of the OneTouch® Ultra Test Strip.
Return to FAQ Index
Can certain medications or health conditions affect results from the forearm which are not noticeable when doing fingerstick testing?
Apart from physiological differences in the way different areas of the body respond to meals, insulin or physical activity, we are not aware of any health conditions or medications that would affect forearm results differently than finger results.
Certain conditions such as abnormal hematocrit levels or circulation problems can affect blood glucose results, regardless of the testing site location.
Instruct your patients to obtain finger results in conjunction with forearm results to help assess whether the site to site difference is significant for that individual.
Under certain conditions, blood glucose testresults obtained using samples from the forearm may differ significantly from fingertip samples.
The conditions in which these differences are most likely to occur are when blood glucose is changing rapidly, such as during the 2 hour period following a meal, insulin dose or physical exercise.
When blood glucose is falling, testing with a fingertip sample may identify a hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) level sooner than a test with an forearm sample.
When initiating post-prandial alternate site testing with your patients, instruct them to obtain finger results in conjunction with forearm results to help assess whether the site to site differences are significant for each patient.
Return to FAQ Index
Is fasting required when comparing a blood glucose lab test result to a blood glucose meter result using an forearm sample?
As when comparing capillary fingertip results to a venous laboratory value, the sample collections should be performed at the same time when the patient is in a fasting state.
When comparing results from the lab and a result using a sample obtained from the forearm on a blood glucose meter, it is best to have had no food in the last 4 hours.
Return to FAQ Index
Can I compare results obtained using a sample from their forearm with a result from a sample obtained using forearm or finger with a different meter?
Assessing meter system accuracy by comparing results from two different meters is not recommended since neither device can be considered a true reference value. It is recommended that comparisons be done directly with a laboratory test and a blood glucose test using a sample from either the finger or the forearm with the meter your patient uses most often.
Return to FAQ Index
Can circulation problems affect results?
Yes, circulation problems can affect results whether the sample is obtained from forearm or from fingerstick. Read the Owners' Manual for information on testing precautions and limitations. As stated in the package insert for OneTouch® Ultra® Meters, test results may be falsely low if you are severely dehydrated or severely hypotensive, in shock, or in hyperosmolar state (with or without ketosis). Critically ill patients should not be tested with blood glucose meters.
Return to FAQ Index
Can hematocrit levels affect results?
Hematocrit levels can affect results whether the sample is obtained from forearm or from fingerstick. Hematocrit levels less than 30% may cause falsely high readings and hematocrit levels greater than 55% may cause falsely low readings. If the customer does not know their hematocrit level, they should consult their health care professional. Hematocrit levels may be affected by too much squeezing during site preparation.
Please check the Owner's Manual, Abbreviated Procedure Guide or 3D Interactive Quick Start Guide for Testing Technique. For more information, please call our Customer Care line at : 0800 121200 (UK) 1800 535676 (Ireland) or send us an e-mail.
Return to FAQ Index