Freestyle Precision Neo IS AWFUL!!!!

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whiskeysmom

whiskeysmom

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So, I got a Relion from Walmart, based on recommendations here, but I did not realize it doesn't come with any strips.

I don't have a Walmart THAT close to me, so I decided to order the strips online instead of going back to Walmart. I still haven't gotten them yet. I needed to do a glucose curve on Whiskey today, so I used the first glucometer I bought--the Freestyle Precision Neo. Let me just say, I HATE this glucometer. IT SUCKS.

What keeps happening is that I will put a BRAND NEW strip in it, and it misreads it as Used. So I keep getting this "E-3" message instead of a BG reading. This totally wastes an entire strip, makes me poke my cat for NO reason, basically which is always irritating to him--making it harder for me to get a SECOND poke to try to get the reading..

I just can't wait to get the Relion strips---I want to smash this Precision Neo against the wall!!!
 
whiskeysmom said:
So, I got a Relion from Walmart, based on recommendations here, but I did not realize it doesn't come with any strips.

I don't have a Walmart THAT close to me, so I decided to order the strips online instead of going back to Walmart. I still haven't gotten them yet. I needed to do a glucose curve on Whiskey today, so I used the first glucometer I bought--the Freestyle Precision Neo. Let me just say, I HATE this glucometer. IT SUCKS.

What keeps happening is that I will put a BRAND NEW strip in it, and it misreads it as Used. So I keep getting this "E-3" message instead of a BG reading. This totally wastes an entire strip, makes me poke my cat for NO reason, basically which is always irritating to him--making it harder for me to get a SECOND poke to try to get the reading..

I just can't wait to get the Relion strips---I want to smash this Precision Neo against the wall!!!
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I can understand your irritation with it, I'd want to smash it against the wall, too!:bighug:
My threat to inanimate objects is to say I want to take them outside and drive over them, lol.
 
Found this:

Error 3
Possible Causes
Incorrect test procedure. For example, putting blood on the test strip before inserting the test strip into the meter or applying blood before the Blood Drop and Test Strip symbols display.
Problem with the FreeStyle Lite Blood Glucose Test Strip.
Problem with the meter.

What You Should Do
Be sure you see the Blood Drop and Test Strip symbols on the display screen before you apply blood or control solution.
Conduct a control solution test using a new FreeStyle Lite Blood Glucose Test Strip. If the results of the control solution test are within the range printed on the side of your test strip vial, retest using blood and a new FreeStyle Lite Blood Glucose Test Strip.
If the retest using control solution does not work or the error persists, call Customer Care

Not sure if this helps at all, but I can only imagine how frustrated you are. :bighug:
 
I googled this and it's also an error for if the strip was used before.

And no, I didn't put blood on it before inserting. I inserted it, got the "Ready" cue, then put the blood on it. I did everything right. This isn't the first time it's done this. :(

Tuxedo Mom said:
Found this:

Error 3
Possible Causes
Incorrect test procedure. For example, putting blood on the test strip before inserting the test strip into the meter or applying blood before the Blood Drop and Test Strip symbols display.
Problem with the FreeStyle Lite Blood Glucose Test Strip.
Problem with the meter.

What You Should Do
Be sure you see the Blood Drop and Test Strip symbols on the display screen before you apply blood or control solution.
Conduct a control solution test using a new FreeStyle Lite Blood Glucose Test Strip. If the results of the control solution test are within the range printed on the side of your test strip vial, retest using blood and a new FreeStyle Lite Blood Glucose Test Strip.
If the retest using control solution does not work or the error persists, call Customer Care

Not sure if this helps at all, but I can only imagine how frustrated you are. :bighug:
Click to expand...
 
Call the manufacturer. I think it is required that the telephone number be on the back of the meter. Just do not say it is for a a cat/animal. If you do not want to say it is for your self just say that you are the caretaker.
 
Larry and Kitties said:
Call the manufacturer. I think it is required that the telephone number be on the back of the meter. Just do not say it is for a a cat/animal. If you do not want to say it is for your self just say that you are the caretaker.
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Good idea. Maybe they'll give me a refund.

I just tried it 2 more times. Wasted 2 more test strips. Got the E-3 error first, then an "E-5" error. Looked up THAT error and it says "applied blood to test strip TOO SOON." NOW..if the meter has the "ready" blood drop symbol on it..how is that TOO SOON?

I swear I wonder if they calibrate these meters so that we will waste test strips and have to go buy new ones, since that's how they make all their money.
 
Now my whole glucose curve has been thrown off for the day. I don't want to deal with this thing anymore. I'm gonna have to wait til I get the Relion strips.
 
[Note: You don't say which ReliOn meter you got, but everything that I say below assumes that you got either the ReliOn MICRO or the ReliOn CONFIRM -- those two use the same strip and require the smallest blood droplets. If you got the ReliOn PRIME...which uses different strips and a larger blood droplet, then IGNORE EVERYTHING I SAY BELOW!!!]

It sounds like you bought the strips from walmart.com? Just know that you can also get the same strip from https://www.adwdiabetes.com

It's these: https://www.adwdiabetes.com/product/arkray-glucocard-01-sensor-blood-glucose-test-strips_4047_1.htm

Arkray is the actual manufacturer of the strips (and meters) that WalMart then puts their ReliOn brand name on. Once you get the strips that you've already ordered from walmart and open the outside box, you will see that the Arkray name is what is actually on the strips. They are just a smidge higher ($36.10 for 100 strips vs probably $35.88 at walmart), but in my experience they always come really fast, and if you order more than $89 then the standard shipping is free. And some people just boycott walmart entirely, so this is a good option for that reason as well.

And sometimes ADW has coupon codes (seems like it is usually around a holiday). Folks will try to post the codes somewhere here on the board for either a small % off or free shipping if they see one.

Hang in there,
Sandi.
 
Sandi & Whisper said:
[Note: You don't say which ReliOn meter you got, but everything that I say below assumes that you got either the ReliOn MICRO or the ReliOn CONFIRM -- those two use the same strip and require the smallest blood droplets. If you got the ReliOn PRIME...which uses different strips and a larger blood droplet, then IGNORE EVERYTHING I SAY BELOW!!!]

It sounds like you bought the strips from walmart.com? Just know that you can also get the same strip from https://www.adwdiabetes.com

It's these: https://www.adwdiabetes.com/product/arkray-glucocard-01-sensor-blood-glucose-test-strips_4047_1.htm

Arkray is the actual manufacturer of the strips (and meters) that WalMart then puts their ReliOn brand name on. Once you get the strips that you've already ordered from walmart and open the outside box, you will see that the Arkray name is what is actually on the strips. They are just a smidge higher ($36.10 for 100 strips vs probably $35.88 at walmart), but in my experience they always come really fast, and if you order more than $89 then the standard shipping is free. And some people just boycott walmart entirely, so this is a good option for that reason as well.

And sometimes ADW has coupon codes (seems like it is usually around a holiday). Folks will try to post the codes somewhere here on the board for either a small % off or free shipping if they see one.

Hang in there,
Sandi.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I'm not a big fan of Walmart, but...the Relion strips are SO MUCH CHEAPER. ANd I need to save money lol

I got the Relion Micro :)
 
I also bought a relion micro meter but it was a kit so came with lancets and test strips. I don't know what stores are around you, I have bought strips for this meter from Walmart, drug stores, target, etc. You had mentioned you needed them soon to do a curve. I am on a limited budget so can understand your concerns about pricing.:bighug:
 
You aren't touching the end of the strip (where the blood should go) before inserting it are you? I think that could lead to the error message you're seeing. If not then do call the manufacturer I have always used Freestyle meters (and told them it's for my cat) and they have replaced the meter for free when there is a problem. My mum is using a different brand but they also recently replaced her meter for free when it started having problems (they also know the meter is for her cat). They really want to keep you buying their strips so are generally very good about these things.
 
Target used to carry a rebranded meter, that they've discontinued, however, ADW diabetes carries a bundle of the same meter + 100 strips + 100 lancets for like $25. The meter is presto-pro by agamatrix. One of the cheapest meters out there, and it actually performs very well.
 
Vyktors Mum said:
You aren't touching the end of the strip (where the blood should go) before inserting it are you? I think that could lead to the error message you're seeing. If not then do call the manufacturer I have always used Freestyle meters (and told them it's for my cat) and they have replaced the meter for free when there is a problem. My mum is using a different brand but they also recently replaced her meter for free when it started having problems (they also know the meter is for her cat). They really want to keep you buying their strips so are generally very good about these things.
Click to expand...
Good to know. I'm not sure if I was touching the strip or not..

I'm taking Whiskey to the vet at 2. I might try to test him now-I have ONE STRIP LEFT, and I'll be careful not to touch it. just in case lol
 
Woodsywife said:
Freestyle strips have ports on the side of strip NOT on the end. If your using the end an error will show up.
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I don't know what you mean. I'm putting the strips in correctly, I know this, because sometimes I am able to get a reading.

do you mean, you're supposed to collect the blood on the SIDE? Which side?
 
whiskeysmom said:
I don't know what you mean. I'm putting the strips in correctly, I know this, because sometimes I am able to get a reading.

do you mean, you're supposed to collect the blood on the SIDE? Which side?
Click to expand...
If your Freestyle Strips are like my Freestyle Lite strips, there are two tiny projections marked by a black half circle at either side of the square end of the strip. You can touch either projection to the blood drop and the meter should give a reading. If touching one projection doesn't work for some reason - eg., not enough blood - you can't redo the test with the other projection. You'd need a new strip.
 
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