AlphaTrak 3 code strip

[JessandRocky]

Hello,
I'm here to BEG to see if someone who uses the AlphaTrak 3 might be willing to let me buy or even just borrow and return their "Code Strip" from the kit.

I just got a used kit through eBay and didn't know this tiny piece of plastic was needed, and not included, to program the meter for a cat (the seller also didn't disclose that it was already set up for a dog, and without that code strip piece, you can then only use the meter accurately for another dog).

The longer story is that one of my former cats was diabetic and used the AlphaTrak 2. (Which did NOT need a special piece of plastic to format it for a new animal.) I no longer have it. I gave the whole kit away free, as well as his insulin and a bag of diabetic supplies, after he passed away.

Now I have a new, recently adopted adult cat who is starting to show signs of heading in that direction. The vet doesn't think there's anything wrong because he had bloodwork in June at the shelter that didn't show anything. But 6 months later, I'm not convinced he isn't experiencing early symptoms. I ordered this used kit to be able to run a glucose curve on him myself, because the vet doesn't think it's necessary to retest him until next June. I would feel better if I had some readings to put my mind at ease NOW. Unfortunately, I don't think the seller is going to find the code strip, nor return & refund me for this now being a meter I can't use on a cat, because he put in the listing "includes everything pictured." And that piece wasn't pictured; but I also didn't know it existed in the first place.

So anyway, I know it's a long shot, but I just need that plastic code strip (the little white plastic thing shown the lower right in the photo below) to use for like 5 minutes to reprogram the meter for a cat instead of a dog. Since my cat is not currently diagnosed diabetic and this is just for pre-screening purposes myself, I was trying to save a little money by buying a used kit with a partial supply of test strips and lancets. If I'd known the meter would be no good to me, I'd never have bought it from this seller. Just hoping to avoid spending any more larger amounts, since I'm currently otherwise already out $35 on it.

 

[JessandRocky]

I forgot to add that I'm in Wisconsin, but I will absolutely pay for shipping and to ship it back too!

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

If no one replies back you can go buy a human meter ,almost all of us use one
Here is the link for the meter and test strips so you don't have to search for them
Relion Premier Classic Meter at Walmart for 9 dollars
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ReliOn-Premier-CLASSIC-Blood-Glucose-Monitoring-System/552134103

The tests strips are 17.88 for 100
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ReliOn-Premier-Blood-Glucose-Test-Strips-100-Count/575088197

They also sell 25 test strips for 5.24. And 50 for 9.24

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

I agree with Diane. There is nothing particularly special about using a pet-specific meter. When this site came online 25 years ago, no one used pet meters. In fact, the research publications for treating feline diabetes with Lantus used a human meter. Recently, with the availability of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) like the Freestyle Libre (these are the monitoring devices where a sensor is attached and readings are taken with your phone), human monitors are being used with cats. You will save a fortune in strips by using a human meter compared to an AlphaTrack.

 

[CORKY]

I agree with Diane. There is nothing particularly special about using a pet-specific meter. When this site came online 25 years ago, no one used pet meters. In fact, the research publications for treating feline diabetes with Lantus used a human meter. Recently, with the availability of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) like the Freestyle Libre (these are the monitoring devices where a sensor is attached and readings are taken with your phone), human monitors are being used with cats. You will save a fortune in strips by using a human meter compared to an AlphaTrack.

Hi, I too had lots of trouble when my Corky was diagnosed, thanks to this Forum I was able to learn what and how to do things, helpful in everything. I have a Free Libre2 Monitor I do not use but again their strips cost $82.00 waty too expensive at Walmart. I would be more than happy to purchase for you a ReliOn monitor and a pkg of 100 strips to start you off I will be going to Walmart tomorrow for supplies and food for my babies. I too had help from one member of this Forum by doing the same when Corky was hospitalized for almost a week at first, I was financially bankrupt, the members here where overwhelmingly supportive . There's no need for you to send for shipping you can send me a private message with your email and we will communicate address and details. I hope this works for you, I am in Miami FL my Forum page is called Corky, best to you

 

[Snickers and Chrissy]

Hello,
I'm here to BEG to see if someone who uses the AlphaTrak 3 might be willing to let me buy or even just borrow and return their "Code Strip" from the kit.

I just got a used kit through eBay and didn't know this tiny piece of plastic was needed, and not included, to program the meter for a cat (the seller also didn't disclose that it was already set up for a dog, and without that code strip piece, you can then only use the meter accurately for another dog).

The longer story is that one of my former cats was diabetic and used the AlphaTrak 2. (Which did NOT need a special piece of plastic to format it for a new animal.) I no longer have it. I gave the whole kit away free, as well as his insulin and a bag of diabetic supplies, after he passed away.

Now I have a new, recently adopted adult cat who is starting to show signs of heading in that direction. The vet doesn't think there's anything wrong because he had bloodwork in June at the shelter that didn't show anything. But 6 months later, I'm not convinced he isn't experiencing early symptoms. I ordered this used kit to be able to run a glucose curve on him myself, because the vet doesn't think it's necessary to retest him until next June. I would feel better if I had some readings to put my mind at ease NOW. Unfortunately, I don't think the seller is going to find the code strip, nor return & refund me for this now being a meter I can't use on a cat, because he put in the listing "includes everything pictured." And that piece wasn't pictured; but I also didn't know it existed in the first place.

So anyway, I know it's a long shot, but I just need that plastic code strip (the little white plastic thing shown the lower right in the photo below) to use for like 5 minutes to reprogram the meter for a cat instead of a dog. Since my cat is not currently diagnosed diabetic and this is just for pre-screening purposes myself, I was trying to save a little money by buying a used kit with a partial supply of test strips and lancets. If I'd known the meter would be no good to me, I'd never have bought it from this seller. Just hoping to avoid spending any more larger amounts, since I'm currently otherwise already out $35 on it.

View attachment 68118

Hi, do you still need this? I have an Alpha Trak 3 that is already coded, plus I have an extra vial with another code. While I agree with the others that have recommended you get a human meter (which I have as well), I'm happy to send you the plastic code strip. I don't even need it back. And I live in Chicago, so I'm not that far. It probably won't take long to get to you. Just let me know.

 

[JessandRocky]

Oh my goodness, that would be AMAZING!! I'm new here and still figuring it out, but I will message you my information! Thank you SO much!

 

[Snickers and Chrissy]

Oh my goodness, that would be AMAZING!! I'm new here and still figuring it out, but I will message you my information! Thank you SO much!

Sure thing. No problem.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Per the User Guide the code srips is used to enter the code for for the vial of test strips you have. The code strip coes with every vial of test strips. The code strips autojatically enters the code for the vial of test strip0s vice the old way the user have to manually enter the code printed on the vial of test strips. Changing from dog-cat us just pushing buttons.
https://www2.zoetis.ca/content/_assets/images/Alphatrak/AlphaTrak-3-User-Guide_EN.pdf

 

[Snickers and Chrissy]

Per the User Guide the code srips is used to enter the code for for the vial of test strips you have. The code strip coes with every vial of test strips. The code strips autojatically enters the code for the vial of test strip0s vice the old way the user have to manually enter the code printed on the vial of test strips. Changing from dog-cat us just pushing buttons.
https://www2.zoetis.ca/content/_assets/images/Alphatrak/AlphaTrak-3-User-Guide_EN.pdf

The AT3 instructions are honestly so frustrating. I found them so confusing when I first started, because not everything is clearly outlined there. Although it's been a couple months since I set mine up, I believe that JessandRocky are right and that you need the plastic code strip to change from cat to dog. Per the instructions you linked:

If you are using the AlphaTrak 3 meter or a new strip vial for the first time,
it will ask to confirm the Lot Code (for dog or cat). To do so, insert the Code Strip
attached to the test strip vial.

It's her first time setting it up. That's why she needs the code strip. I'm sending my code strip plus a few extra test strips that came with that vial. It should work fine after that, I believe.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

If you are using the AlphaTrak 3 meter or a new strip vial for the first time,
it will ask to confirm the Lot Code (for dog or cat). To do so, insert the Code Strip
attached to the test strip vial.

Right but each vial of test strips comes with its own code strip abd it ppears that nthe codes str4ips codes the meter for that lot of test strips. The code strips you send heremay have a different code since it was from a dfferent vial and that vial may not be from some lot as as her strips.

"Set Lot Code (using the Code Strip) • Insert Code Strip • Press “c” to set the correct code (match the code on the strip vial) • Press “m” to save"
.\
Te next step sets the species after inserting a test strip:
Set Species • Change the species on the meter after inserting the test strip • Press and hold “c” and at the same time press “m” to switch between the species

Thus one can switch between species w/o the code strip.

 

[Snickers and Chrissy]

Right but each vial of test strips comes with its own code strip abd it ppears that nthe codes str4ips codes the meter for that lot of test strips. The code strips you send heremay have a different code since it was from a dfferent vial and that vial may not be from some lot as as her strips.

"Set Lot Code (using the Code Strip) • Insert Code Strip • Press “c” to set the correct code (match the code on the strip vial) • Press “m” to save"
.\
Te next step sets the species after inserting a test strip:
Set Species • Change the species on the meter after inserting the test strip • Press and hold “c” and at the same time press “m” to switch between the species

Thus one can switch between species w/o the code strip.

You're absolutely right, and thanks for pointing that out. Each vial comes with its own code strip. However, I've gone through three vials and I think they all had the same lot numbers, and the code strips all have the same number. I've got two vials now and compared them, and they have the same numbers on everything. It may very well be that JessandRocky's are different, but I'm sending extra test strips also. The same test strips that came in the vial with the code strip. So if the numbers don't match up on hers, she'll still have my extra ones to use until she can get some more.

Plus, she can't even change it to cat mode, it's stuck on dog. So even if she has a different lot number, the code strip will still allow her to at least switch from dog to cat. I'm pretty sure that the b6f code for felines is the same across vials. If you watch youtube videos for the AT3, they all seem to be using the same code for cats. Anyway, if I'm wrong, then it won't hurt anything. I'll have wasted a few dollars on postage. But I think it should work out okay.

 

[Snickers and Chrissy]

Right but each vial of test strips comes with its own code strip abd it ppears that nthe codes str4ips codes the meter for that lot of test strips. The code strips you send heremay have a different code since it was from a dfferent vial and that vial may not be from some lot as as her strips.

"Set Lot Code (using the Code Strip) • Insert Code Strip • Press “c” to set the correct code (match the code on the strip vial) • Press “m” to save"
.\
Te next step sets the species after inserting a test strip:
Set Species • Change the species on the meter after inserting the test strip • Press and hold “c” and at the same time press “m” to switch between the species

Thus one can switch between species w/o the code strip.

I just reread what you wrote about being able to switch using a test strip and not the code strip. Let me go break out my AT3 and give it a try. Maybe you're right about that and I'm misremembering. I think I mentioned in a previous post that it's been a a month or two since I set mine up. I don't usually use mine, I use my Relion. I'll report back

 

[Snickers and Chrissy]

Right but each vial of test strips comes with its own code strip abd it ppears that nthe codes str4ips codes the meter for that lot of test strips. The code strips you send heremay have a different code since it was from a dfferent vial and that vial may not be from some lot as as her strips.

"Set Lot Code (using the Code Strip) • Insert Code Strip • Press “c” to set the correct code (match the code on the strip vial) • Press “m” to save"
.\
Te next step sets the species after inserting a test strip:
Set Species • Change the species on the meter after inserting the test strip • Press and hold “c” and at the same time press “m” to switch between the species

Thus one can switch between species w/o the code strip.

Okay, I did go back and actually test it on my AT3. I don't see any way to switch between cat and dog without the code strip. If you just insert the test strip, it will show you what code you're on, but it does not let you change it. As soon as you insert the code strip, it automatically gives you the option to change it. I think you may be missing a step or two in what you're reading. I found this on the Zoetis site/PDF pamphlet.

1.Set Up
Insert a test strip into the meter. The meter will automatically turn on. Ensure appropriate pet type (species)is set.
To change species, follow instructions below.

Species setting for AlphaTrak 3 Meter:
Insert the included code strip.
Press C to change between pet type.
Press M to select pet type.

I strongly believe she needs the code strip. The instructions I have at home and have found online both seem to indicate the code strip is needed. Plus, after having tested it myself, I find that to be the case. I think the instructions are just unclear in several parts, so it can get really confusing. I know when I first set it up it took me forever and I had to watch a bunch of videos on how to do it, haha. They really could have clarified their instruction manual.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

OIt is correct that one can't change the lot code w/o the code strip.
However, the link and instructions I provided said yiu can change the species by just inserting a test strips and depressing both the M and C buttons at the same times. That makes sense since one markey for the meter is vet offucues and they would test different species. Having to did out the code strips for species change would be burdensome.
I can check ths when I go to a friend's home who has the AT3.

 

[Snickers and Chrissy]

OIt is correct that one can't change the lot code w/o the code strip.
However, the link and instructions I provided said yiu can change the species by just inserting a test strips and depressing both the M and C buttons at the same times. That makes sense since one markey for the meter is vet offucues and they would test different species. Having to did out the code strips for species change would be burdensome.
I can check ths when I go to a friend's home who has the AT3.

I tried that and couldn't do it. But if you get it to work for sure let me know.

 

[Snickers and Chrissy]

OIt is correct that one can't change the lot code w/o the code strip.
However, the link and instructions I provided said yiu can change the species by just inserting a test strips and depressing both the M and C buttons at the same times. That makes sense since one markey for the meter is vet offucues and they would test different species. Having to did out the code strips for species change would be burdensome.
I can check ths when I go to a friend's home who has the AT3.

Just to note that my instructions that came with the AT3 say something different. But this is part of what I mean about the AT3 being confusing.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

This YouTube video say you do not need code strip to change species

 

[Snickers and Chrissy]

This YouTube video say you do not need code strip to change species

Yes you're right it does. I see that. I also see in the link that you sent before where it says the same thing. I'm not denying that.

But did you look at the picture I included? The instructions that I have in my personal possession, that came with the Alpha Track which I have here at my house, say something different. I have tried doing what the video says and it doesn't work for me. Again, the instructions that I have here at my house say something different.

I don't know what to tell you. Perhaps the manufacturer changed how it's done at some point. I got my AT3 about 2 months ago. Maybe it's not that way anymore. Maybe now you can switch it with just a test strip. The one I have here at my house won't let me do that. You said you don't actually have an Alpha Track right? If you get one and it works, I would be curious to know. But I assure you that the one in my possession does not do that, nor do the instructions say it can be done that way.

I appreciate your input, but I do believe we have differing instructions that we're referring to. I can link YouTube videos showing it done the way I'm suggesting as well. So there must be more than over version floating around out there, which puts us at an impass.

 

[Snickers and Chrissy]

This YouTube video say you do not need code strip to change species

It does also occur to me that maybe mine is just broken. I mean I can't explain it other than that, or if there is a newer/older version somewhere. But I swear I've done it exact like what you said, and exactly like in the video, and it won't work. My husband tried it too and it just won't work for us.

My instructions say I need the code strip, which is why I'm inclined to think I just have an earlier or later edition. You can find posts where people are complaining about this very thing, so maybe Zoetis changed how it works. I really don't know.