Meters and Solutions

Trying to figure out how this works. I'm wanting to get a FreeStyle Precision Neo meter since it does glucose and ketones. But I don't understand about solutions. ALL of the monitors said they need control solutions that are NOT included. Where is this? The pharmacy wasn't open yet, so I don't now if it's back there or what.

Does anyone else use this monitor? I'd read about testing for ketones sometimes, so thought it'd be good to have one that does both. Opinions?

Edited*What do you do when you can't get blood from the ear? I don't want to cut a claw short and hurt him. His ears have no hair left on them. The vet said his body is concentrating on the important parts and that why the fur is gone. Does this mean his ears have no blood anymore?

 

Pharmacy's open now, so I'll ask them about the solution. Read it's not mandatory for it to work, just to verify the strips are good.

 

The control solution is a way to validate that the strips are good.

If you warm the ear before pricking it, you should be able to get a drop of blood. I am not sure how large of a blood drop that meter needs, but mine works with the tiniest little drop.

 

It says it needs .6 ul. Not tiny, but not a lot. I literally got nothing from his ear. Going to try the warmed rice next time.

 

In the past I have used a meter that used 1 uL and one that used 3 uL. The strips for the later were very cheap. I now use ones that use 0.6 uL.

 

Here is another thread where you may find some tips: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/...tting-good-drop-of-blood.191295/#post-2134132

 

Look for a 1-800 number on the Freestyle Neo packaging. You can call them and ask about getting control solution.