How to Calibrate the Ultra OneTouch Ultra Diabetes Machine

The OneTouch Ultra is a blood glucose testing meter, used by diabetics to help control their blood sugar. For the OneTouch Ultra meter, calibration consists of coding the strips and checking the system with control solution. In order to ensure accurate blood glucose readings, it is important to perform weekly calibration of the glucose meter. The following circumstances also warrant calibration of the meter:



• Opening a new vial of test strips

• Dropping the meter

• Suspected malfunction

• Multiple unexpected results

Things You'll Need

• OneTouch Ultra blood glucose meter
• OneTouch Ultra control solution
• One Touch Ultra test strips
• Clean cloth

Show More

Instructions

Coding the Meter

• 1

  Insert a test strip into the meter. The meter will automatically turn on. If this is the first use of the meter, three dashes will appear on the display. After the first use, the meter will automatically display the last two-digit numeric code entered for the test strips.

• 2

  Check that the code displayed on the meter matches the code on the test strip bottle. If the code does not match, move to Step 3. If the code matches, coding the meter is complete. Skip Step 3, and continue with the instructions for checking the meter with the control solution in the next section.

• 3

  Press the "C" button until the code on the meter matches the one on the test strip vial. Once the correct code is displayed, the code will blink for three seconds, and then appear solid for three seconds. Coding the meter is complete. Continue with the instructions for checking the meter with the control solution in the next section.

Checking the Meter with Control Solution

• 4

  Check the date of expiration on the control solution vial. If the solution is expired, obtain a new bottle before moving to Step 2.

• 5

  With the test strip still in the meter, press the "C" button to mark the test as a control. "Ctl" will appear on the display. If the meter turned off before performing this step, simply remove and reinsert the test strip.

• 6

  Shake the control solution and remove the cap. Wipe the control solution nozzle tip with a clean cloth.

• 7

  Discard the first drop of the control solution, and then touch a drop to the edge of the test strip. The meter will perform a countdown from five to one, and the results will be displayed.

• 8

  Compare the test results to the acceptable range on the bottle. If the results are within the acceptable rage, the control test is complete. If the results are unacceptable, repeat steps 1 through 4 with a second test strip. If the results are still out of range, discontinue use of the meter, and contact LifeScan customer service, at 800-227-8862. Be aware that unacceptable results can be caused by:

  • Failure to follow complete testing instructions

  • Control solution that is contaminated or expired

  • Incorrect measurement units

  • User error during test

  • Meter malfunction

  • Improper coding of meter