The battery is almost out of power. Change the battery now. If the message reappears after the battery been replaced, remove the battery again, press any meter button, then reinsert the battery.

The temperature is above or below the proper range for the system. Refer to the test strip package insert for system operating conditions. Move to an area with the appropriate conditions, wait 5 minutes, and repeat the blood glucose test or control test. Do not artificially heat or cool the meter.

An electronic error occurred, or in rare cases, a used test strip was removed and reinserted. Turn the meter off and on, or take the battery out for 20 seconds and reinsert it. Perform a blood glucose or control test.

Blood or control solution was applied to the test strip before the flashing drop symbol appeared on the display. Discard the test strip and repeat the blood glucose or control test.

Not enough blood or control solution was drawn into the test strip for measurement or was applied after the test had started. Discard the test strip and repeat the blood glucose or control test.

A meter or test strip error has occured.

Repeat the blood glucose test. If a second E-3 code appears, perform a control test with the control solution and a new test strip.

• If the control result is within the acceptable range, review the proper testing procedure and repeat the blood glucose test with a new test strip.
• If the control result is not within the acceptable range, see the Understanding Out-of-Range Control Results section in the chapter Control Tests within the user's manual.

In rare cases, an E-3 error code may indicate that your blood glucose is extremely high and above the system's measuring range. If you do not feel like your blood glucose is extremely high, repeat the blood glucose test. See the Unusual Blood Glucose Results section in the chapter Blood Glucose Tests within the user's manual. If the E-3 code still appears for your blood glucose test, contact your healthcare professional immediately.

• If the E-3 code still appears for the blood glucose test, your blood glucose result may be extremely high and above the system's reading range. Contact a healthcare professional immediately.
• If the second test result does not match how you feel, perform a control test with the control solution and a new test strip.
• If the control result is within the acceptable range, review the proper testing procedure and repeat the blood glucose test with a new test strip.
• If the control result is not within the acceptable range, see Chapter 4 of the Accu-Chek Performa User Manual - Understanding Out-of-Range Control Results.

The test strip may be damaged, not properly inserted, or was previously used. Remove and reinsert the test strip or replace it if damaged or previously used. 

This error could appear if the cap on the test strip container was not closed tightly. 

The test strips may have been damaged due to improper storage or handling.