How to Troubleshoot Error #5 in a OneTouch UltraMini

The OneTouch UltraMini is a LifeScan blood glucose monitoring system. The meter is designed to store in a pocket so that users can quickly access the unit to monitor blood glucose levels while out and about. Error messages appear on the OneTouch UltraMini's display screen when the unit or test strips malfunction or a user error occurs. The Er 5 (Error #5) message appears on the screen when the unit has issues detecting the test strip or the blood in the confirmation window on the strip.

Instructions

• 1

  Pull out and dispose of the test strip currently inserted in your OneTouch UltraMini. Turn off your meter and wait 30 seconds. Turn your meter on again.

• 2

  Remove a new test strip from the test strip vial. Turn the strip so that the contact bars face you and insert that end of the strip into your unit.

• 3

  Prepare a new blood sample on your fingertip, palm or forearm with your lancet once the blood droplet icon flashes on the display screen.

• 4

  Hold the edge of the test strip's confirmation window lightly against the blood on the blood sample site on your fingertip, palm or forearm so that the blood can enter the narrow channel and completely fill the confirmation window. If the unit isn't malfunctioning, the meter should detect that the blood has completely filled the window, count down from 5 to 1 and then provide your reading on the screen.

• 5

  Repeat this entire process one more time with a fresh test strip and blood if the meter continues to show Er 5 on the display screen.

• 6

  Open a new vial of test strips if the Er 5 message persists. Remove a strip, insert it into your meter and check that the code on the display screen matches the code on the vial. If the code doesn't match or appear on the screen, press the "Up Arrow" key or "Down Arrow" key until you find the correct code, wait three seconds for the unit to accept the code and then repeat the blood sampling and testing process again with the new strip.

• 7

  Contact LifeScan for assistance at 800-227-8862 if the error continues as your unit is likely malfunctioning and may require replacement.