AlphaTrak strip coding change

[sheureka]

I know this should probably go in the other thread, but I don't seem to have permission to post there. Anyway, I just got a new package of AlphaTrak strips and these are coded 6 for dogs and 10 for cats instead of 7 for dogs and 19 for cats. Not sure what this means (if anything).

[Jaye]

Re: AlphaTrak strip coding change

I recently had some that were coded 7 for Dogs and 11 for Cats. As long as you code your meter correctly for each animal/vial of strips, they're fine. Every other vial I've ever had was coded Dog=7 and Cat=10.

[LilyBell]

Re: AlphaTrak strip coding change

The DOG code changed? I'm so hoping that is a typo!!

[sheureka]

Re: AlphaTrak strip coding change

I'm confused - do you think I made a typo? Or do you think there is a typo on the vial? I wouldn't have had any reason to post the message here unless the dog code had changed. - sheureka

[LilyBell]

Re: AlphaTrak strip coding change

I'm confused - do you think I made a typo? Or do you think there is a typo on the vial? I wouldn't have had any reason to post the message here unless the dog code had changed. - sheureka

Oh, I guess you're right. I wasn't thinking about that. You wouldn't post if here it was a cat change, but I was SO hoping it was just a cat change. I was hoping it was a typo for the dog code. I was really hoping! I can't afford to going back to buying the alphatrak meter strips. The freestyle strips are the only way to make the alphatrak affordable for me. Ugh!! Wonder how I'm going to work that now.

Thanks for posting...I'll have to check each vial I get with my control solution to make sure it is reading right on code 7.

[CraigM]

Re: AlphaTrak strip coding change

Think I'll be doing 2 or 3 comparisons whenever I open a new box of FreeStyle Lite strips. As long as I have an idea how the FSL and AT strips compare, things should be OK. Just need to keep a small supply of AT strips on-hand.

[k9diabetes]

Re: AlphaTrak strip coding change

You could try doing a test with each code - may not actually make much of a difference. I vaguely recall trying this once and finding that two different codes gave nearly the same readings.

Natalie

[Ladybug]

Re: AlphaTrak strip coding change

Hi all,

Since I use the AlphaTrak with AT strips on occasion, like when Ladybug throws me a bizzare number, I sent an email to Abbott.

The reply was:

Linda,
With each new manufactured lot of strips we run calibration tests to identify which code will give the most consistent and accurate results.
As a result, codes will change occasionally. You should always confirm the code on your vial of strips matches the code on your meter.
To change the meter code, after it is powered on and finished going through the start up screens, push the "C" button. This will bring up the
code setting. While the code is still showing, press the "C" to increase code or the "M" to decrease code.
Dale


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dale R Evans, DVM
Manager Technical Support Services Abbott Animal Health
624 Clark Road
Bellingham, WA 98225 Office 360-715-0682
Cellular 360-280-2351
Voice mail 866-464-4249 X 555-9102
FAX 360-715-8694

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So, yes, recode your AlphaTrak meter according the code on the AlphaTrak vial.

I mainly use the Freestyle Lite strips with the AT meter, so now, I have to remember to code the meter back to 7 after using the AlphaTrak strips or everything will be out of whack! Sheesh!

Hope this helps!

Linda/Ladybug

[Chloe's Mom]

Re: AlphaTrak strip coding change

OK, so are you all saying that if I am using the Freestyle Lite strips, to leave the code at 7 like was always have?

Hugs,
Heidi and Chloe

[CraigM]

Re: AlphaTrak strip coding change

That's what I plan to do.

[sheureka]

Re: AlphaTrak strip coding change

Tomorrow, if I get time, I'll run four tests at the same time (poor Rowlf!). One with an AT strip from the code 7 vial, one with an AT strip from the code 6 vial, and two with the old style FreeStyle Lite (I don't have any of the new ones). I'll use both codes for the FreeStyle Lite strips. Then I'll post my results. - sheureka

[Ladybug]

Re: AlphaTrak strip coding change

I'm going to leave my AT meter coded to 7 when using the Freestyle Lite strips.

Linda/Ladybug