? Need neww meter - how to choose??

We've been using the Relion Prime from Walmart since Tink was diagnosed in Nov '13. Wow... I can't believe it's been that long. We're still dancing around a Lantus dose... but lately my meter has been acting up.

I'm getting a LOT of errors lately, even when I shouldn't (blood drew up smoothly, etc). Also got an error I'd not seen the other day. Assuming my meter is crapping out (don't imagine a $15 meter is expected to last much longer than this one has).

Anyway... I'd LOVE to get away from Walmart - strips is ALL I go there for. Looking at ADW and they have some comparable options. The cheapest one takes a 1mL sample though, so that's out. But there is one that's only $2 more per box of strips, and takes the same .5mL sample size as my Relion does. Will this work? I see some meters say "for alternate site testing" etc... but this one says for fingertip or forearm only. Does that matter?

THIS http://www.adwdiabetes.com/product/free-true2go-monitor-kit_1604_123.htm is the meter I'm looking at.

Appreciate your advice. I'd love to order something today so I don't have to get more strips.

 

I have Relion Prime. Possibly change battery? It's warranty is 5 years.

 

Ps my first meter was Accu Chek. Strips too expensive. Relion Prime is most popular on the FDMB I think.

 

I adore my Accu-chek Aviva. Its the only one I've used through 4 diabetics. I have always gotten strips on eBay to keep the cost down (pay around $20-25 per box of 50). The Aviva takes a 0.6mL sample, but I've found that its "sipping action" is much better than other meters I've tried so I don't notice it needing more blood.

 

Ok... thanks. Maybe I'll just stick with the Prime. I could try replacing the battery again, though it's not blinking at me (did replace it once, when it did). I just hate Walmart and would love to avoid them... but I can't spend more than double on strips. I could justify a couple extra dollars per box... but since the Prime strips are only $9 for 50, it's hard to find anything very comparable. :/

 

The Arkray USA Glucocard 01 or 01 Mini at ADW are the unbranded versions of the WalMart Confirm or Confirm Micro. That means you can order fro ADW, but in a pinch, can go to WalMart for supplies.
We find that some meters with Free or True tend not to do so well with cats.

 

I use the Target Up & UP branded meter. The sample size is the smallest of all the meters I looked at, and the strips are dirt cheap, and it's been reliable for me. It's available at target stores, and I think Meijer carries the same meter as their house brand meter under a different name.

 

How much are the Target strips? I've found it pretty hard to compete with $9 for 50 that I get at Walmart.

 

Ohhh... I'll look those up and see. I knew they had the unbranded one, but wasn't sure which one it was.

Sorry to hear about Gracie. RIP little kitty angel.

 

The Arkray strips are like $19/box. That's twice as much as I'm paying. Guess I'm stuck with good ol' Walmart. Ugh.

 

I think the target strips are about $12 for 25, $20 for 50, and $35 for 100.

 

I swear by the ReliOn Confirm. It uses a tiny amount of blood and yes, the strips are so cheap you can't beat it. Have you tried running yours on a test solution? You can get it directly from ReliOn although it takes a week or more to get it.

 

Seems Like a few people with dogs with Diabetes like the One Touch Ultra 2, say it is comparable to Alpha Trak 2

 

What is your budget for test strips? That's where the manufacturers get you in the wallet.