How to Download and Use the Accu-Chek Guide Meter: A Comprehensive Guide

The Accu-Chek Guide meter is a popular blood glucose monitoring system used by individuals with diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels. Ensuring the meter is functioning correctly is crucial for accurate readings and effective diabetes management. This guide provides detailed instructions on how to use the Accu-Chek Guide, Accu-Chek Guide Link, Accu-Chek Guide Me, Accu-Chek Aviva, and Accu-Chek Nano meters, including control solution testing and troubleshooting. While this guide provides usage information, how to download Accu-Chek Guide meter readings and data will also be covered.

Using Control Solutions with Accu-Chek Guide and Accu-Chek Guide Link Meters

To ensure your Accu-Chek Guide or Accu-Chek Guide Link meter is providing accurate results, regular control solution testing is essential. Here’s how to perform the test:

1. Check the Use By date on both the test strip container and the control solution bottles. Expired materials can lead to inaccurate results.

   • Do not use test strips or controls past the Use By date. Controls expire three months after opening.

2. Remove the control bottle cap. Wipe the tip of the bottle with a clean tissue, discarding the first drop of the solution into the tissue. This ensures a fresh sample.

3. Insert the metallic end of the test strip into the meter. The meter will automatically turn on. Place the meter on a flat surface to ensure stability.

4. Apply either Level 1 or Level 2 control solution, depending on your testing needs.

5. Wait for “Apply drop” to appear on the meter display, then gently squeeze the bottle until a tiny drop forms at the tip.

6. Touch the drop to the yellow edge of the test strip.

   • Do not apply the control solution on top of the test strip.

7. The meter will display “Analyzing” when it has received enough control solution.

8. The control result and the control bottle symbol will then appear on the display.

9. While the strip is still in the meter, use the up or down arrows to select the control level you tested (Level 1 or Level 2).

10. Press OK to confirm your selection.

    • “Within range” and “✓” will appear if the control result is within the acceptable range.
    • “Out of range” and an “X” will appear if the control result is outside the acceptable range.

11. Wipe the tip of the control solution bottle with a tissue and replace the cap tightly to prevent contamination and evaporation.

Confirm that your control results are within the appropriate range by comparing them to the Control level 1 and Control level 2 ranges printed on the test strip container.

If the control results are “Out of Range,” consult the Troubleshooting Checks table and repeat the control test.

Using Control Solutions with the Accu-Chek Guide Me Meter

The Accu-Chek Guide Me meter follows a similar process for control solution testing, with slight variations:

1. Check the Use By date on the test strip container and the control solution bottles, and ensure they haven’t expired.

   • Do not use test strips or controls past the Use By date. Controls expire three months from the date of opening.

2. Remove the control bottle cap, wipe the tip, and discard the first drop.

3. Insert the metallic end of the test strip into the meter. The meter turns on; place it on a flat surface.

4. Apply either Level 1 or Level 2 control solution.

5. Wait for the flashing blood drop symbol to appear on the display, then squeeze the bottle to form a tiny drop.

6. Touch the drop to the yellow edge of the test strip.

   • Do not put the control solution on top of the test strip. A flashing hourglass indicates sufficient solution.

7. The control result, bottle symbol, and flashing L1 or L2 will appear.

8. Use the left or right arrow buttons to select between L1 and L2.

9. Press and release the power button once the correct L1 or L2 is displayed.

   • “OK” appears if the control result is within range.
   • “Err” appears if the control result is out of range.

10. Wipe the bottle tip and cap it tightly.

Compare your control results with the ranges printed on the test strip container.

If the control results are “Out of Range,” see the Troubleshooting Checks table.

Testing Control Solution on Accu-Chek Aviva Meter

Here’s how to perform a control test on the Accu-Chek Aviva meter:

1. Check the use by date on the test strip container. Discard expired test strips.

2. Place the meter on a flat surface.

3. Remove the cap from the control solution bottle and wipe the tip with a lint-free wipe.

4. Squeeze the bottle to form a tiny drop.

5. Touch the drop to the front edge of the yellow window of the test strip.

6. Remove the bottle when “E” appears. Do not put a drop on top of the test strip.

7. Wipe the bottle tip with a lint-free wipe and cap it tightly.

8. The control result appears on the display. Remove and discard the used test strip per facility policy.

   • Note: If the control bottle symbol and the flashing “L” do not appear with your control result, an error has occurred.
     • Do not act on the control result. Repeat the control test with a new test strip.

9. Compare the control result with the acceptable range printed on the test strip container label. If the control result is within range, the system is functioning correctly.

10. If the control result is outside the acceptable range or an error message is displayed, see the Troubleshooting Checks table and repeat the test.

11. If the second control result is also outside the acceptable range or an error message is displayed, contact Accu-Chek Customer Care.

Testing Control Solution on Accu-Chek Nano Meter

The process for using control solution with the Accu-Chek Nano meter is as follows:

1. To ensure the display is working properly, turn off the meter, then press and hold Power/Set Button located on the right side of the meter to see the complete display. All segments should be clear and complete. If any segments are missing from the display, there may be a problem with the meter.
2. Check the Use By date on the test strip container. Do not use test strips past the Use By date
3. Insert the test strip into the meter in the direction of the arrows.
4. Place the meter on a flat surface, like a table.
5. Remove the control bottle cap and wipe the tip of the bottle with a tissue.
6. Squeeze the bottle until a tiny drop forms at the tip. Touch the drop to the front edge of the yellow window of the test strip. Do not put the control solution on top of the test strip. When you see the hourglass icon flash, you have enough control solution in the test strip. Wipe the tip of the bottle with a tissue, then cap the bottle tightly
7. A result appears on the display along with the control bottle symbol.
8. The control result and OK alternate on the display if the result is in range. The range is printed on the test strip
9. container label. The control result and Err alternate on the display if the result is out of range. Remove and discard the used test strip. Check the Troubleshooting Checkstable below to see what may be causing the problem and repeat the control test.
10. If the second control result is also outside the acceptable range or an error message is displayed, contact Accu-Chek Customer Care.

How to Download Accu-Chek Guide Meter Data

The Accu-Chek Guide meter stores blood glucose readings which can be valuable for tracking trends and sharing data with healthcare providers. While the term “download” might be misleading as there isn’t a direct file download, the data is transferred using specific software and a USB connection. Here’s how to transfer your data:

1. Install Accu-Chek Software: You will need to download and install the Accu-Chek Smart Pix device reader. This is typically available on the Accu-Chek website or can be provided by your healthcare professional.

2. Connect the Meter: Use a compatible USB cable to connect your Accu-Chek Guide meter to your computer.

3. Open the Software: Launch the Accu-Chek Smart Pix program.

4. Follow On-Screen Prompts: The software will guide you through the process of transferring the data from the meter to your computer. This may involve selecting the correct device and initiating the data transfer.

5. Review and Share Data: Once the data is transferred, you can review it within the Accu-Chek software. You can then print reports, share the data electronically with your healthcare provider, or save it for your records.

This allows for comprehensive diabetes management by providing a detailed history of blood glucose levels.

Troubleshooting Checks

If you encounter issues with your Accu-Chek meter, refer to the following troubleshooting checks:

Conclusion

Properly using and maintaining your Accu-Chek Guide meter, as well as transferring data regularly, is vital for effective diabetes management. Regularly test the control solutions, adhere to the instructions provided, and don’t hesitate to contact Accu-Chek Customer Care or your healthcare provider if you encounter persistent issues. By following these guidelines, you can ensure accurate blood glucose monitoring and better health outcomes.