How to Calibrate a OneTouch Meter

Diabetics use blood glucose monitors to test their blood sugar levels several times a day. Keeping track of these levels allows them to observe how their blood glucose responds to their diet, medication and/or insulin. When using a meter for the first time or when using a new container of test strips, it is important to calibrate the meter correctly in order to get accurate results. OneTouch manufactures numerous meters including the OneTouch UltraMini, OneTouch Ultra 2, OneTouch UltraSmart and the OneTouch UltraLink.

Things You'll Need

• Blood glucose meter
• Container of test strips
• Control solution

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Instructions

Instructions

• 1

  Insert a new test strip into the meter. This activates the meter. A code will appear on the screen. This code will be "C-##" to indicate the code for the last strip used to perform a test.

• 2

  When you change to a new box of strips or use a new meter, you must enter the new code into the meter. This two-digit code is clearly printed on each container of OneTouch Ultra strips. There are two methods of doing this, depending on which model you have. Some models have a "C" button. Hit this button repeatedly until the number on the screen matches the code on your container. Other models have up and down arrows. In this case, simply hit the arrows to adjust the code up or down until it shows the appropriate code. Allow six seconds for the code to store itself in the machine.

• 3

  Each time you open a new vial of strips and every week thereafter, you should do a control solution test to ensure your meter is working correctly. The meter, control solution and strips should all be at room temperature. After the test strip is inserted and the machine coded, press the up arrow to mark this test as a control test. The letters "ctrl" will appear on the screen.

• 4

  Take your OneTouch Ultra Control Solution (usually purchased separately) and squeeze it to dispense the initial drop of solution. Wipe the tip with a clean tissue. Squeeze a drop of the control solution onto the end of the test strip.

• 5

  Wait for the control solution number to appear on the screen. Compare this number to the control range printed on the test strip vial. This range of numbers varies from one container of strips to another.

• 6

  Remove the control solution test strip from the meter. Your meter is now calibrated.