Frequently Asked Questions
Checking blood sugar
The required penetration depth depends on the following:
- The user’s skin: The softer and thinner their skin is, the shallower the depth setting should be.
- The required blood sample: The more blood that is required, the higher the chosen setting.
The optimal penetration depth is a combination of both. Always start with a low setting when using the Accu-Chek FastClix finger pricker for the first time. Dial to a higher setting until blood volume is right.
This can be caused by several reasons:
- The penetration depth is too shallow. Please select a higher penetration depth setting.
- The Accu-Chek FastClix finger pricker needs to be pressed firmly against the skin. Check if a lancet is inserted in the finger pricker.
- Sometimes the blood does not appear immediately after lancing. Massaging the finger by gently squeezing it towards the fingertip helps to form a drop of blood.
Yes. The the finger pricker can be left attached to the Accu-Chek Mobile meter to collect blood or, if preferred, it can be detached and used as a standalone finger pricker. When on the go, most people prefer to have the finger pricker attached to the meter because it makes handling easier.
Yes, it can be used for alternate site testing (AST) by using the specially designed AST cap. Please refer to the user instructions for details of when it is appropriate to use AST and suitable puncture sites. We do not recommend AST with the Accu-Chek Aviva Expert bolus advisor system. To obtain an AST cap please contact the Accu-Chek Customer Careline.
Reports of an allergic reaction to the lancets are extremely rare. The lancets are made of stainless steel 1.4301, approved for medical purposes. This steel contains 18% chromium and approximately 9% nickel.
Lancing device care
It is important to dispose of used lancets so they cannot cause injury. Whilst used Accu-Chek FastClix lancet drums can safely be disposed of in household waste, some local councils provide a sharps disposal service by supplying individuals with sharps bins and collecting them when they are full. Check with the local council which disposal services are available.
Changing lancets
It is highly recommend to use a new, sterile lancet every time a test is performed. This is based on hygienic considerations and to help avoid infection. Additionally, the tip of a new needle is sharp, with optimal form and cut and therefore ensures gentle lancing. This is diminished with multiple use. However, a lancet may be used more than once.
Never use a lancet that has been used by someone else, or share the finger pricker with anyone, to guard against cross infection.
No, for safety and hygiene reasons, once the lancet has been changed it is not possible to re-select a previous one.
No. Safety hooks are in place to prevent accidental reuse of a used drum. A used drum is easily recognised by the red stripes on the side.
Yes, the Accu-Chek FastClix finger pricker can be used attached to or detached from the Accu-Chek Mobile meter, including lancet exchange.
