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Blood glucose meters

Accu-Chek Compact Plus
 
Approximate retail price:
$85.71
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Summary: This model has been tested by our experts.
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Community icon10 people have reviewed this model.
About - Accu-Chek Compact Plus

The Accu-Chek Compact Plus is part of the blood glucose meter test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, blood glucose meter models like the Compact Plus are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.


Accuracy:
This is based on the average of differences between data from a particular blood glucose meter and parallel readings from a standard laboratory instrument.

Repeatability:
The ability of the blood glucose meter to provide repeatable data from test to test.

Convenience:
Based on features of each model and ease of use evaluations by expert panelists.
Features & Specs - Accu-Chek Compact Plus
info Multi-test strip cartridge Yes
info Displays averages Yes
info Sets strip code automatically Yes
info Greater than 5 second test time No
info Can download memory to PC Yes
info Memory of 360 readings or more Yes
info Date and time stamp Yes
info Meal markers Yes
info Can convert mg/dL to mmol/L No
More features and specs
User Reviews - Accu-Chek Compact Plus
Consumer Reports User Reviews
Already own it? Write a review
 
3.0
troubling and annoying
3/6/2013
Pros
Accuracy
Cons
Date And Time
Best Uses
Comment:
I am a brittle type 1 diabetic and test 8 or more times a day. My doctor is trying to help me get better control, and downloads my reading. After having the meter for 2 months, it started losing the time and date. I called the company, and they sent me another meter. After 2 weeks of use, it also started losing the time and date. Very inconvenient and annoying.
How long have you owned it:
One-to-three months
Bottom Line
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
 
5.0
Most practical
2/10/2013
Pros
Extreme Ease Of Use
Most Portable
Cons
Insurance may not cover
Best Uses
Comment:
The lancet device fits onto the meter housing, which makes this the most portable, pocket-friendly meter ever. With this meter, I can even test without leaving a movie in progress. The strips come packed in drums of 17 each, which means you NEVER have to deal with individual strips sticking together in a little plastic vial that you can't really fit your fingers into. Been testing for over 32 years; this is my favorite meter over that entire time.
How long have you owned it:
More than six months
Bottom Line
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
 
3.0
Requires 3x the Blood
12/30/2012
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comment:
My doctor likes it. I don't. He says the air tight drum results in greater accuracy of the strips. Its big, requires three times more blood than other meters and is noisy and slow. There are too few strips in a drum for people who test frequently. Its easy to not give it enough blood and therefore waste a strip. Its only advantage is accuracy but of course that is the most important feature but FreeStyle Freedom Lite is as good in that category.
How long have you owned it:
More than six months
Bottom Line
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Other User Reviews
 
4.0

(based on 1 reviews)

User has 3 Days of experience with this product
 
4.0
Neat design different from the competition
07/05/2008
Strength
Uses AAA batteries, uses test drum (instead of test strips), detachable lancet device
Weakness
bulky, heavy unit (but may be good for older patients)
This kit comes with the glucose meter, a detachable lancet device, 1 test drum, control solution, carrying case, and instructions. The unit itself is bulkier than other units I've tested (about 4.5 x 2 x 1), and heavier too, but this could be a plus for older patients who have a hard time handling the smaller glucose meters. The size and shape reminds me of a thick cell phone or one of the newer cordless phones. One of the neat advantages is that the lancet device actually attaches to the unit so there are less pieces to keep track of. Another huge bonus is that it includes a test drum in the kit, which can be used for 17 tests! This is more than any other glucose meter I've tested. Since it uses a drum, that means no handling those little test strips. Also another good thing is it uses standard AAA batteries. The price of the test drums are just a bit more expensive than other brands but not by much. Overall if you don't mind the large size and heavier weight (or even if you prefer it) it seems like a good choice.
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