Alpha Trak2 question

S

Sapphire Skye

Member Since 2019
As most of you know the cost of testing strips can add up quickly. I decided to try using a compatible test strip with Alpha Trak 2 and bought 2 boxes and saved $70. Per research done if I am to use freestyle test strips its a matter of not changing the code on the glucometer. Well...to be sure I was getting accurate readings I took 2 samples last night and today. One with Alpha trak strip and 2nd with Freestyle strip.
Last night- 502/469. 33pt difference
Today - 450/410. 40 pt difference

For those of you who are using Alpha trak2, have you tried using Freestyle? Seems like some have done this successfully and just want to know if it is safe to assume it will generally be 40pt lower w/ Freestyle.
 
Since there are various “cat” codes for AT strips the Freestyle strips need to be on the right code for best accuracy.

For instance the AT current strips and meter setting may be on 37 or any of the 5 or 6 numbers they use.

The Freestyle strips are produced in the same place as the AT strips, just may be a different code needed for closest BG accuracy. FS “human strips” don’t give a cat code on the vial, so it is a matter of investigating to find the proper “cat” code for the FS vial.

30-40 is a larger difference than I have seen with proper coding, so I would think you need to try another code for the FS strips and compare same blood sample to the AT strip with proper code for AT until you find a close match ( think 5-10 points difference between the two). There can also be a variance from strip to strip in same vial of any kind of strips, but since you did 2 tests with FS and results had similar variance from AT strips, likely you just need the right code.

Save some AT strips so you can use them as a control to get the accurate coding for FS strips.

I will look for more info on this and post back, I know this may sound a little confusing, but once you figure the right code, you are good for the whole vial of FS strips. If you are then lucky enough to have the next FS vial with same lot number, you will already have the right code set in the meter.
 
These are the current cat code for AT strips: There are 7 cat codes that we know of here which are 07, 08, 22, 37, 38, 92, 93.

Disregard any number code on FS vial if there is one (don’t think there is one), because any number on those are not for cats!

Just remember you will need to change code on meter in between AT test strip and FS test strip, here is an example:

Let’s say your current vial of AT strips is 37 and meter is set at 37. Get a blood drop (if you have something to put it on, say a small piece of plastic wrap) and test blood. Now you need to pull that strip, recode the meter with another code from above numbers, test the same blood sample with FS strip. If it is close to number you got with AT strip, use that code for FS strips. You may want to practice changing meter code before you do with blood, so you know how to do it and don’t waste strips. You will go through a few strips doing this testing. Don’t let blood sample sit more than a minute or two or results may not be accurate between the two. Hopefully you get lucky with the first code you try.


I saw a thread recently in Feb or March on this, but could not find it. If you search you may find it.

I too have an AT meter. Some people are just switching to the FS meter. One of them is actually the same as AT model so would function similarly and then the FS strips would go with that and no coding.
 
Julie and Honey said:
These are the current cat code for AT strips: There are 7 cat codes that we know of here which are 07, 08, 22, 37, 38, 92, 93.

Disregard any number code on FS vial if there is one (don’t think there is one), because any number on those are not for cats!

Just remember you will need to change code on meter in between AT test strip and FS test strip, here is an example:

Let’s say your current vial of AT strips is 37 and meter is set at 37. Get a blood drop (if you have something to put it on, say a small piece of plastic wrap) and test blood. Now you need to pull that strip, recode the meter with another code from above numbers, test the same blood sample with FS strip. If it is close to number you got with AT strip, use that code for FS strips. You may want to practice changing meter code before you do with blood, so you know how to do it and don’t waste strips. You will go through a few strips doing this testing. Don’t let blood sample sit more than a minute or two or results may not be accurate between the two. Hopefully you get lucky with the first code you try.


I saw a thread recently in Feb or March on this, but could not find it. If you search you may find it.

I too have an AT meter. Some people are just switching to the FS meter. One of them is actually the same as AT model so would function similarly and then the FS strips would go with that and no coding.
Click to expand...


Thank you, the 2 boxed of FS I bought ate the same lot number and expire in July, I am sure they will be gone by then. :) . I do have 2 boxes of AT too. I if I can use the calibration fluid that come with the AT instead of blood. I would hate to prick her ear more than need. SHe comes willingly but ducks when she knows the prick is coming :(
 
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