Diabetes Test Strips – Lifescan

number the meter returned.  All of this is old news and nothing new, which brings me to the point of this post.

OneTouch Ultra Test Strips

I would always enjoy the little wins of opening a new box of test strips to find out the code matched the code I was already using in my meter.  Why? Because I didn’t have to figure out how to code the meter again or go through the simple process that I just thought was a hassle.  I mean seriously, why did I need to code the thing anyway?

Code 25

More recently, I noticed all of the new test strips were coded 25 for the OneTouch Ultra.  At first I thought it was just me being lucky.  After about 6 months, I tweeted about it and got the response that they are all being coded 25 now so there’s no more need to recode the meters.  SWEET!  It’s about time.  I appreciate the little things and the easy wins.  After digging through Google and Lifescan’s website, I couldn’t find any information to confirm the response I received.  I asked LifeScan about it and here is their response that confirms the fact that you don’t have to change the code from 25 anymore.

“Thank you for taking the time to write to us.  In regard to your inquiry, starting in July 2009, newly manufactured OneTouch Ultra Test Strips are being shipped with a new blue colored top tape and are being shipped in a new blue box.  All OneTouch Ultra Blue Test Strips are a code 25.  LifeScan made this business decision to help ensure customers are receiving an accurate blood glucose result.  As you are aware, having an improper code number on your meter will affect your results.  Should you ever question the quality of your test strips, please contact our Customer Service Department at the number provided below.” (LifeScan)

Do you think it’s a coincidence that they made this business decision right after I ran and published my experiment regarding how an incorrect code and give a significantly different number?  Probably.