OT Wal-Mart is discontinuing Relion Confirm and Micro meters/strips--NEW INFO

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by Chris & China (GA), Oct 20, 2018.

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  1. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    May 10, 2013
    After much leg pulling, I got the manager of my local WalMart to look into it and she said that they are discontinuing selling the Relion Confirm and Micro meters and strips.

    She said they do that occasionally when there's a "newer model" but she doesn't know if they'll be replacing it with something similar yet.

    I told her they recently started caring the new "Blue", but that meter takes twice as much blood to work :(..so it's no better than the Prime in that regard.

    She said there's two slots open for something "new" to come in and they should know what it's going to be by Friday.

    :arghh::arghh::arghh::arghh::arghh::arghh::arghh::arghh::arghh::arghh::arghh:
     
    Mimis mom likes this.
  2. Misty2007

    Misty2007 Member

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    Oct 19, 2018
    I know that I got some of the strips on jet.com
     
  3. Candy&Company

    Candy&Company Member

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    Sep 12, 2018
    I'm screwed. *sigh* Wait..

    Is just WALMART discontinuing, or is EVERYONE...?
     
  4. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    WalMart is the only place that carries the Relion brand of anything.

    Arkray is the maker of the meter and WalMart slaps their "Relion" name on it. But it also looks like the Arkray Glucocard01 is being discontinued too (but ADW still has them on their website)

    These strips from ADW will work in the Relion Confirm/Micro
     
  5. Candy&Company

    Candy&Company Member

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    Sep 12, 2018
    Just bought another 200 strips.
     
    Chris & China (GA) likes this.
  6. H.M. Victor (GA)

    H.M. Victor (GA) Member

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    Jul 3, 2018
    *sigh* Thanks, Walmart, give me something else to stress about :arghh::arghh::arghh::arghh::arghh::arghh::arghh:
     
    Mimis mom likes this.
  7. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

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    Apr 3, 2018
    Heather, please don't stress. There will be an alternative, there will be a way.
     
    Sharon14 and H.M. Victor (GA) like this.
  8. Candy&Company

    Candy&Company Member

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    Sep 12, 2018
    I know right? I bought mine off Amazon this time. *sigh* Still gonna stock up in the brick and mortar though if I get the chance, this is nuts. I mean hell if we're stressing out I can only imagine what human diabetics are feeling right now - the outrage must be MASSIVE, I hope it changes something, I really do.
     
  9. H.M. Victor (GA)

    H.M. Victor (GA) Member

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    Jul 3, 2018
    I couldn't agree more. I'm one of those people who doesn't like change very much, so after having gotten used to the Relion Confirm and how it's readings run, the thought of having to switch to a different meter makes me really anxious :nailbiting::(
     
  10. Jill & Alex (GA)

    Jill & Alex (GA) Senior Member Moderator

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  11. Caitlin M

    Caitlin M Well-Known Member

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    Feb 10, 2017
    I want to be sure I'm understanding correctly. Are they discontinuing the entire Relion Confirm brand or just not selling the pack of 100 strips anymore?
     
  12. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    May 10, 2013
    The entire line is what I was told
     
    Caitlin M likes this.
  13. Bama Kitty Mom (GA)

    Bama Kitty Mom (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Jul 16, 2018
    Just when I moved Walmart off the bad list and onto the good, they pull something like this! :(
     
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  14. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    May 10, 2013
    NEW INFO--The ARKRAY GLUCOCARDO1 SENSOR (which is the exact same meter as the Confirm) is NOT being discontinued (at this time). The Relion/Micro ARE......so if you own a Confirm/Micro, you can still get strips from ADW but you'll have to remember to order then in advance so you don't run out at the worst possible time!

    These are the strips that will work in both the Relion Confirm and Micro https://www.adwdiabetes.com/product/4047/arkray-glucocard-01-sensor-blood-glucose-test-strips

    Make sure you order early enough that you don't run out at the worst possible time (like when your kitty decides to go deep sea diving at 2am on a Sunday morning!)
     
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  15. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

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    Apr 3, 2018
    Thank you Chris. That's very helpful. I went to Walmart yesterday and checked on the supply of strips. There were only 3 boxes of 50 and 1 of 20 left. I have an adequate supply and will have no emergencies, so I didn't purchase. No notice of discontinuation or anything. I sure hope people are not going to get caught short when they go to buy strips and have no supply. Lousy customer service and marketing strategy. I have tried researching and seeing if Walmart issued a discontinued notice, but found nothing.
     
    H.M. Victor (GA) likes this.
  16. majandra

    majandra Well-Known Member

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    Oct 11, 2018
    This isn't entirely related to this post, but how many strips should be keep in our stock?
     
  17. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

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    Apr 3, 2018
    Only my opinion, but I would have at least 50 in reserve, and when I opened that bottle I would order another 50, if that's what you can do. With the ReliOn I bought 2 bottles of 100 at a time, to get the no shipping on my online Walmart order. You want to have plenty on hand in case of a hypo, as you test every 20-30 minutes until the crisis is passed. That can run into a lot of strips if you have an all nighter, as some have had. Better safe than sorry, especially if you have to order online to get strips for your meter, or if you have a hypo and no one to run to the all night pharmacy where you can get strips.
     
  18. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    upload_2018-10-22_15-41-35.png
     
  19. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

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    Apr 3, 2018
    Well ok then, that's that. It would have been nice if they had given the general public advance notice. I feel for those diabetics (or pet parents) that don't have insurance, coverage for supplies and/or limited incomes, and they go in to get strips to find empty shelves. Not feeling especially fond of Walmart right now.
     
  20. Candy&Company

    Candy&Company Member

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    Sep 12, 2018
    Thanks to Jill and Alex for posting the list, god bless you! But honestly, I'm a bit flummoxed - I did a lot of thinking and researching before getting my Micro and now...I dunno what to think to move to...? Does anyone have any opinions, insight, etc?

    Especially for us newer parents - I'd JUST gotten used to the Micro, I've had it so short a time... even if I gorge on strips for the future, it feels like a wasted investment. I know that's a silly thing to feel, but I try not to deny my emotions, just beat them with logic but struggling a bit here.

    As of today I have an additional 500 strips coming my way and prices ARE slowly rising, I don't know if I'll be able to get anymore within my budget. So trying to max out what I have, plus trying to figure out something totally new from scratch (meter/strips/maybe lancets) is DAUNTING.

    It would be a blessing to hear from users of other meters, ANY other meters. Thank you so much in advance.

    PS - is it ONLY the Confirm and Micro? What about the Prime?
     
    H.M. Victor (GA) likes this.
  21. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

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    Apr 3, 2018
    I am also looking at options and researching mainly for the cost of strips for the different meters, as well as the availability. I liked being able to get the ReliOn strips locally if needed, as well as the option to order online. My DH uses the Confirm also, so we absolutely need another meter, he can't use the AlphaTrak2! I am waiting to find out what Walmart is going to have to replace the Confirm/Micro.
     
  22. Coco’s Momma

    Coco’s Momma Member

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    Jul 14, 2018
    Walmart is ALWAYS on my bad list. If I buy an item, it's guaranteed to be discontinued. :(
     
    Paigeworthy likes this.
  23. Bubby & Ash

    Bubby & Ash New Member

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    Mar 4, 2018
    I emailed customer service (CustomerService@arkrayusa.com) and they said:
    "Thank you for your email. We are discontinuing the Micro and Confirm meter and will be replaced by our new Relion Premier Compact. Please contact ReliOn customer service at 1-855-776-0662 to have your meter swapped."

    I checked and the replacement takes 0.5 microliters. The strips are only $9 for 50 though. I'm not sure how the swap would work as I haven't called yet. And I'm not sure I'll do it since you can still, for now it seems, get the Arkray version of the strips online (thanks for the link in the post above!). But if anyone did want to get a new meter for free, that seems to be the implication here.
     
  24. Candy&Company

    Candy&Company Member

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    Sep 12, 2018
    This whole situation sucks, pardon my french but I do have a mouth, donkey balls. *sigh*

    Hell anyone from overseas - UK, Australia, etc...? I don't mind buying overseas - course I'm feeling reactionary, but still, am curious?
     
    Paigeworthy likes this.
  25. Candy&Company

    Candy&Company Member

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    Sep 12, 2018
    I'll do it, I'll call and order - why not! I'll report back after the grilling.
     
  26. Candy&Company

    Candy&Company Member

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    Sep 12, 2018
    On the phone now, on hold awaiting answers.
     
  27. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

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    Apr 3, 2018
    Thank you for sharing the information. I am curious about the "swap". I sure don't want to be w/o a meter if they want Confirm sent in for a replacement Premier. The 0.5 isn't such a huge difference perhaps, I haven't had to try for that, but I know some use the Prime and that's how much it takes.
     
  28. Candy&Company

    Candy&Company Member

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2018
    No problem, new thread posted here in main and in Prozinc, spread the word if you need to - have a call with management for in depth questions soon!
     
  29. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    If you want to continue to use your Confirm/Micro, you can get strips directly from ADW ….their Arkray Glucocard01 Sensor is the exact same meter and the strips work fine in the Confirm/Micro

    Good Morning Chris,

    Thank you for contacting ARKRAY USA Technical Customer Service. I just want to inform you and hopefully you can pass this along to others because we have had a few people contacting us regarding the same issue. There are no plans at time to discontinue the Glucocard 01 the meter and supplies will continue to be available. If the rumors are based off the discontinuation of the Relion Micro and Confirm meters they are not related. Relion meters are exclusive to Walmart and not to the Glucocard meters which is the ARKRAY brand. Please let people know that the Relion Confirm/Micro plus strips may not be available in the Walmart stores but they are available to order online at Walmart.com. I’m very happy that there are a lot of people out there that do like our products and I completely understand that the smaller blood sample is very important especially when dealing with Cat/Dog diabetes. Hopefully this answers your concerns and the concerns of others out there. Again thank you for contacting us and please share with others that may have the same concerns.



    Kind Regards,





    Charles Trebbensee

    Technical Customer Service Representative

    ARKRAY
     
  30. Candy&Company

    Candy&Company Member

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    Sep 12, 2018
    Yeah that's pretty and all, and it'll last weeks - don't get me wrong, but it's NOT what's coming out of Walmart. There's an internal fight, and it's not pretty - this is the "lala happy times" spread - I've worked customer service for almost 30 years, and this is crap.

    Grab all you can for the next 9-12 weeks, seriously. Watch close and don't trust - this is to placate the public.
     
  31. Caitlin M

    Caitlin M Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2017
    I've already tried to order them from walmart.com and can't even find them- they just don't come up
     
  32. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    Yeah I can't find them either, but you can use these strips from ADW in the Confirm/Micro....you just have to remember to order them in time so you don't run out when you really need them.
     
  33. Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA)

    Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA) Well-Known Member

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    Oct 2, 2015
    What I list below is a little confusing, but Walmart.com is one of the worst websites I have ever used, so I am not really surprised it is so difficult. I am sorry that their website sucks. To be clear, I have absolutely nothing to do with Walmart.com, but as a former software developer, I feel like _someone_ should apologize for it!

    First, I don't know if this link will work, but try it:

    https://www.walmart.com/ip/ReliOn-C...hguid=beaa72ed-b12-166a93da22b7d1&athena=true

    If not, go to Walmart.com, let it access your location information if prompted, or set your local store manually, and then search for this phrase exactly:
    Relion confirm blood glucose meter

    Then select the Confirm meter from the list. At the bottom of the page for the meter, it hopefully says "Custoners also considered", and the 100 ct strips are listed there, FINALLY, and can be selected that way (BTW, they are currently $17 for the 100 count). Why you can't search and find them directly, I do not know.

    However, it tells me that they *cannot* be shipped, but it will tell you if your specified store has any in stock. Also, you can click "options" next to the address for your store, and it will tell you whether they are in or out of stock at a handful of the nearest Walmarts to the one you set.

    Doing it this way, setting and resetting my current location around the county, I was able to find 6 Walmarts this padt weekend that had stock, and I was able to buy enough for about a year, which is basically when the last box will expire. I am not averse to change, but since I found the strips at a better price than I have been paying all along, I figured why not stick with them for awhile.

    Sandi.
     
  34. katiesmom

    katiesmom Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2013
    Careful ordering these online.
    I snagged a few 20 pks from walmart.com before they sold out, and they all expire in ONE month! 11/18. I ordered 3 boxes of 100ct. from jet.com, they expire in 2 months!! 12/18.
    Jet.com will accept returns, but that still leaves me without strips. Normally when I bought them at walmart, the expiration dates would be a year away. So why does walmart.com and jet.com have such old strips? Why weren't they sold and shipped long ago. Grrrrrrrrrrrr......
     
  35. Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA)

    Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2015
    Darn, that really sucks @katiesmom ! I was able to order 4 online last week (the website actually gave me that option at that time -- again, horrible horrible website), but mine expire 6/30/2019. I guess this might mean that they are pretty well scraping up the very last of what they have.
     
  36. Lisa and Witn (GA)

    Lisa and Witn (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    When Relion has replaced my meter in the past, they send the replacement meter first and then I send the old meter back after you receive it.
     
  37. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    @katiesmom

    You can continue to use your Confirm if you want to.

    These strips from ADW will work in the Relion Confirm/Micro....you just have to remember to make sure you order in time to get them to you before you run out.
     
    Tina and Boozle likes this.
  38. Natalie and Ziggy

    Natalie and Ziggy Member

    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2018
    I was stunned when the clerk told me this yesterday! I was about to run out of test strips and I didn’t know what I was going to do. Luckily I found one last 50-pack on the shelf afterward, perfectly hidden behind a pillar. Hopefully nobody was trying to save that pack.

    The new meter they recommended — and the test strips that go with them — were much less expensive than the Micro, and switching over to those would save me a lot of money per month. I’ll have to think about it.
     
  39. Larry and Kitties

    Larry and Kitties Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    I suspect that the recommended meter/strips requires more blood than the Micro.
     
  40. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    May 10, 2013
    It does...takes the same as the Prime
     
  41. Laura bb

    Laura bb Member

    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2018
    You all are right I ran out of strips went to Wal-Mart, bought the Prime because they were out of strips. They had one box of 50, but I let this human buy it because he was diabetic. The prime requires much more blood. I liked the comfirm because it just zipped ip that little bit of blood. Will be ordering from ADW
    What`s that old saying: if it isn't broke-don't fix it.
     
  42. Tom & Thomas (GA)

    Tom & Thomas (GA) Member

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    Jun 23, 2018
    I buy a fair bit from Walmart online, but only if Walmart is the actual seller. There are a lot of vendors who sell through the Walmart site, like Amazon's Marketplace. And they sometimes seem less reputable than the third-party sellers on Amazon.
     
  43. sassycatlady

    sassycatlady Member

    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2017
    Count me in as someone else here who was taken by surprise when I went into Walmart tonight to grab some test strips for the Micro, only to find the shelves restocked with new meters/strips. I just went ahead and bought the new meter (about $20), Premier Compact (I wasn't aware the company would send out one as a replacement to the Micro - that's good to know but a little too late now! Oh well!). Looks like it takes 0.5 micro units of blood (forget what the Micro was - 0.3 or 0.5), but on the upside the test strips are cheaper - about $18 for a box of 100; the Micro's strips were closer to $35 for 100. So, over the long run it will be cheaper to use. Luckily I still have about 50 strips left of the Micro so I'll compare and see what results I get from each. Still, like others, I'm a bit miffed about the change .....:woot:
     
  44. Yong & Maury GA

    Yong & Maury GA Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2017
    Saw the new ReliOn PremierBLU, which also has a "mini" meter, that has taken the place of the confirm/micro at my stores. No option left to purchase confirm/micro strips online here either :(. New meter does take same amount of blood as Chris () said, as the ReliOn Prime, of 0.5µ. The confirm/micro and AT2 only need 0.3µ.

    For anyone that has an Alpha Trak 2 (AT2) meter, you can use the FreeStyle Lite test strips ($67 on walmart/amazon-can fluxuate) or FreeStyle Insulinx strips, which are $30 for 100ct on Amazon, at least. They're $27.95/100ct on Walmart's site but I did not see any in my local stores. Comparable price to the confirm/micro strips. As with any interchangeable strips for your meter, do your own side by side comparisons to see how they differ. There's no standard :)
     
  45. Bama Kitty Mom (GA)

    Bama Kitty Mom (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2018
    Call their 800 number on the back of the meter and give them the serial number and also the serial number of any strips you have on hand. They will take down your name and address and send you a Walmart gift card as a kind of refund or "sorry we suck" consolation prize. :p
     
    Yong & Maury GA likes this.
  46. Coco’s Momma

    Coco’s Momma Member

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2018
    Oh and don't think the rep will volunteer any refund info when you call. I was told twice that the confirm/micro strips would continue to be available online. It wasn't until I politely said I knew they were offering a refund that the rep took my address for the gift card. Since I'll need to make a meter change soon, I'm considering an Alpha Trak 2.
     
    Bama Kitty Mom (GA) likes this.
  47. Bama Kitty Mom (GA)

    Bama Kitty Mom (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Jul 16, 2018
    Yeah, I think I started out the call telling the rep I knew they were offering a gift card so, yes!! do mention that when you call.
     
    Coco’s Momma likes this.
  48. Jennifer & Linus

    Jennifer & Linus Member

    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2018
    I just called - and the lady was really evasive about the gift card, even though I mentioned it several times. She offered a refund for my recently purchased Relion Confirm - and I just said "ok" even though I wasn't going to give it up (love the low blood volume required to test BG)

    She then took my information and said she would be sending me a $15 gift card so I can purchase the new glucose meter....just FYI.

     
  49. Adrian and Chino

    Adrian and Chino Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2016
    I've been buying my test strips on Ebay whenever I can find them at a discount. I started wondering what was going on when the lowest prices were $10 above what WalMart charges...

    For those who have switched to the Relion Premier Compact, how does yours compare with the Relion Confirm? I picked it up today and got 3 side-by-side readings. Both dropped by ~100 over 3 hours, then both dropped by ~20 over the next 2 hours, but all 3 readings on the Compact were 20-25 higher than the Confirm. Probably not a huge deal, since higher numbers would be closer to his true numbers, but I don't know how these higher values compare to the AlphaTrak2. (I've done enough comparison with low values on the Confirm to know when I need to worry.)

    ETA: It's actually a BFD... When the RC showed him in the 30s (31-37) on 9/02, the AT2 showed him at 55 and 68. On the RPC, both of those values would've been above 50.

    When I called the support line, they arranged to send the control solutions for both meters for free (even though the serial # is completely worn off from the Confirm) and refund the Compact if it tests out of range. I will post an update in 7-14 business days if it fails either control check.

    Confirm_vs_Compact_2018-11-08.png
     
    Last edited: Nov 8, 2018
  50. tobakett

    tobakett Member

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2018
    Well . I had a sinking feeling when I went to buy a new 100 pack and the pharmacist had to really hunt for the box, it rang up half price and my employee discount card didnt work that something was wrong. Drove another half hour away to buy the last box in my nearby area. So I have 200 strips to last me and to give time to see of this new meter is safe. The post above me scares me like crazy :(

    Needless to say they are gonna get an earful. I literally just took my checking account down to single digit dollars, I can't just go buy a new meter. And this "we will have supply for 9 weeks is obviously baloney.
     
  51. Julee

    Julee Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2018
    Just went to Walmart and bought the last 3 boxes of Confirm 100 count for $17 each! This will last a little while before I have to find something else.
     
  52. tiffmaxee

    tiffmaxee Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2013
    You can use the Arkray strips from ADW and your meter. Just need to plN ahead as you will have the strips mailed to you.
     
    Ana & Frosty (GA) likes this.
  53. Catacular

    Catacular Member

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2018
    Hi Candy, are you saying the Arkray folks are lying to protect Walmart re: their GlucoCard 01 strips? Just trying to understand...
     
  54. Catacular

    Catacular Member

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2018
    Thanks, Chris! Trying these out! I'm a fan of ADW. :)
     
    Chris & China (GA) likes this.
  55. tobakett

    tobakett Member

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2018
    Well I bought a 100 pack along with 2 new boxes of syringes. I will do some side by side comparing from the same blood drop (assuming he cooperates). Its not ideal, and I hate not being able to make a middle of the night Walmart run if there is an emergency, but if the new meter is so inaccurate when I have a super bouncy cat, I just am scared to invest money into a new meter that could be dangerous :(
     
  56. Adrian and Chino

    Adrian and Chino Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2016
    I'm still waiting for the control solutions to arrive. In the meantime, I tested with the TrueMetrix meter and that one wasn't much better. I also have a Freestyle Precision Neo but the strips expired in 2017, so I've ordered a box and if it does any better than the other two, I'll post the results.
     
  57. tobakett

    tobakett Member

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2018
    I got those strips from ADW and now I'm worried because they are consistently reading many points lower, from the exact same blood drop. Tried it twice now

    Relion- 294, ADW 242
    Relion 293, ADW 257


    I'm really frustrated now
     
  58. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    Those numbers are still within the 20% variance that's allowed by the FDA

    At lower numbers, they'll be closer together....the higher the number, the more it looks like there's a bigger difference
     
  59. Adrian and Chino

    Adrian and Chino Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2016
    I'm down to a 2 week supply of RC test strips. Has anyone else tried the Relion Premier Compact? With no control solution, I might just buy a second one before I run out of strips. If I get lucky, the 1st meter will be off and the 2nd will give readings that are very close to the RC. Otherwise, I'll end up with 2 of the same useless meter. Will update with results either way.
     
  60. HereKittyKittyKitty

    HereKittyKittyKitty Member

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2016
    For anyone that's having to watch costs, or want a cheap interim meter/back-up, or are stuck w only a local Wally World, FWIW, I'm still using Relion Prime and it works fine... After getting used to everything, no problems getting enough blood, even w 33 ga micro lancets (box is often cheaper, plus less pain/more precision). There are a lot of people, dogs, and cats that wouldn't be able to test at all w/o the cheapie line. The only positive thing I can say about the whole sucky situation is the cheapest wasn't discontinued (yet) :rolleyes:

    Has anyone checked with pet insurance to see what might be covered during the transition? I got kitty ins, after diagnosis, so it's pre existing and nothing covered for diabetes :( :banghead:
     
    H.M. Victor (GA) likes this.
  61. Adrian and Chino

    Adrian and Chino Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2016
    I was using a NovaMax Plus at the time that I started testing Chino's blood sugar and I took several readings on myself with both meters (fasting and after carbohydrates) before I started testing his BG. The two meters were within 5 of each other each time. About a year ago, I saw that my fasting BG was consistently over 100 and I got a Keto Mojo meter that gave readings that were much more in line with what I expected, being on a ketogenic diet. So I know that my NovaMax now reads higher than it should, but it requires the same amount of blood as the RC, and it was extremely reliable/accurate back when it was new. So I'm thinking of getting a new one and switching to that when I run out of RC test strips. Looks like a box of 50 strips goes for $10 on Ebay.

    Today I've been comparing with the OLD meter that I know reads high, so don't be discouraged if you see that on Chino's spreadsheet. I'll compare with the new one as well when it arrives.
     
  62. Becky Young

    Becky Young Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2017
    I totally missed this post and was at Walmart today to buy Relion Micro strips and was informed that I would have to get the Premier Compact or Prime instead. I bought the Premier Compact out of sheet necessity and it is definitely NOT going to work for us. Davis's ears don't bleed heavily, I usually just get a tiny little drop which the Micro was perfect for. There is a big difference between the .3 and .5 needed. A .5 drop of blood is huge! I'm sticking with my Micro and I just ordered strips from ADW. Super bummed about this!
     
  63. Adrian and Chino

    Adrian and Chino Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2016
    The new NovaMax Plus came today. I ran several tests on the old one and the new one using the control solution and a few using blood. The numbers were very similar on both. That makes me wonder if the Relion Confirm is the one that's off (reading lower than it did when I first got it), but I'm still waiting for the control solutions for the Relion meters.

    I spent what was left of my FSA on test strips for the NMP, so if I run out of RC strips before I can get dual readings showing similar numbers in low ranges, I'm going to retest everything under 60 on the NMP with the AlphaTrak2 until I'm confident that 50 is still a safe cutoff.
     
  64. Adrian and Chino

    Adrian and Chino Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2016
    I've now compared the Relion Premier Compact, the NovaMax Plus (2 of them), and the True Metrix meter to the Relion Confirm. The True Metrix meter comes closest to the RC readings (see the row under 11/26 and the numbers in parentheses on 11/09), but it requires a 0.5 microliter sample size.

    The NovaMax Plus meters (old and new) both gave very similar readings when I ran several tests with the control solution and with my own blood, but on both days that I compared the NMP to the RC, the readings were consistently higher. The major advantage of this meter is that it uses the same tiny sample size as the Relion Confirm, which is a big deal on cold mornings (or with an anemic cat, as Chino once was).

    When I run out of RC test strips, I will probably switch to the True Metrix meter. If that doesn't work out for whatever reason, Plan B: use the NovaMax Plus and retest all values 70 or below on the AlphaTrak2 until 50 is confirmed to still be safe or a new safe reduction point is established.
     
  65. H.M. Victor (GA)

    H.M. Victor (GA) Member

    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2018
    What exactly is considered the serial number on the strip containers? Is it the LOT number, Item No. or Product# ? :confused:
     
  66. Bama Kitty Mom (GA)

    Bama Kitty Mom (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2018
    Not any of those numbers. I don't remember exactly but I think it is the one that is about 14 numbers long or 16 if you count the numbers between the (). It's located under the lot # and expiration date. The rep I spoke with helped me locate the correct batch of numbers to give her. Maybe the one you speak with will do the same. If not, hang up the phone and try again later to see if you get a more helpful rep.
     
  67. Bama Kitty Mom (GA)

    Bama Kitty Mom (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2018
    I was thinking of trying the size 33 lancets since the 26 boxes were sold out last time I was at Walmart. I don't use the lancet device to prick and have all kinds of problems getting blood especially from his left ear even when I warm it and he always yelps. So, your experience is that the 33s work better for you than the other sizes?
     
  68. Larry and Kitties

    Larry and Kitties Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    I have problems getting blood with either the 31 or 33 gauge lancets. I like the 26 gauge ones.
     
  69. Tina and Boozle

    Tina and Boozle Member

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2013
    We went to get strips the other night and found out the Relion Micro was discontinued. We bought the Premier Compact and I am not all that impressed. Not only does it take more blood, it has been more difficult to get the strip to suck up the blood. We've gone through more strips via E04 errors (not enough blood) than testing. We never had that issue with the Micro. We ended up buying an Accu-Chek Guide from Walgreens because we underestimated the amount we would need (due to said errors) to get us through Christmas and Walmart is closed today. It takes more blood than the Premier. I guess we will have fun figuring out how those numbers compare. It is what it is, so I guess it does me no good to be salty about the inconvenience. Hopefully the issue will be fixed in a week or so. We ordered the Arkray Glucocard 01 Sensor strips from ADW, simply because we are used to and comfortable with that meter. And . . . I hate change.
     
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