Alpha Trak 3 Problems | Feline Diabetes Message Board - FDMB

Alpha Trak 3 Problems

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CandB

CandB

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Does anybody use the Alpha Trak 3 or tried it?

I have been using the Alpha Trak 2 for 3 years now, no problems still works like a dream. But hey turns out its being phased out and the 2 test strips are now EVEN more expensive. So I tried the Alpha Trak 3 meter... and so far all the strips I've tried 4, have Errored out for not enough Blood. They require soo so sooooo much more blood its insane. I can't get them to work. And as you all know trying to get even more blood from your cat when they are like "actually this botched test that usually takes a few seconds and now you are trying to get blood from me for minutes? Well I'm done and angry"

I guess I'll try again tomorrow but god damn.. if this is what I am going to deal with, making my cat bleed to an insane degree just to get these damn strips that are being forced on me to work... I'm so angry.
 
I haven't seen anyone else use it yet, but am curious to see what response you get. I'm surprised it needs a larger blood drop, it is advertised to need the same size as the AT2. What does it say on the kit?

What do you mean the strips are being forced on you?
 
Wendy&Neko said:
I haven't seen anyone else use it yet, but am curious to see what response you get. I'm surprised it needs a larger blood drop, it is advertised to need the same size as the AT2. What does it say on the kit?

What do you mean the strips are being forced on you?
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They are discontinuing the Alpha Trak 2 Strips.. so if someone likes using them the prices have already risen 20-30 dollars. I understand people are using Human Meters which are much cheaper, which maybe I will switch to, but when its been part of your routine and what works, you want to keep it going you know. One less area of stress.

It doesn't come with full instructions... finally found some online and the error I'm getting is saying not enough blood. The Alpha Trak 2 can use barely any blood... this one needs like... a full huge drop and more apparently, so much so that for 3 attempted tests, the tiny amount that works for the AT2 meter, doesn't even come close to filling up the test and registering as enough for the AT3. I've been doing this for nearly 3 years now, I've become pretty good at getting a minimal amount of blood and its better on my cats ears, but for these strips I will have to make her BLEED. As you have to get enough blood all in one shot or it will error out.
 
I used one last Saturday. I was helping someone attach a Libre and she had an Alpha Trak 3. She had trouble line described of taking many strips to get test. I had no problem. Got BG on first try/strip. What is nice is that it has bluetooth and you can download dat to your phone. It can create graphs of BG and other reports.
 
I've been transitioning slowly to the AT3. It is quicker than my AT2, uses a tiny bit of blood, hasn't errored on me... However, it will consistently read 40 points lower than the AT2. I understand there will be meter variance, and to watch trends in glucose levels, but it is interesting to me it's nearly exact 40 points lower, ever single darn time. I appreciate the consistency in this variance though (haha).
 
Johann_marcel said:
I've been transitioning slowly to the AT3. It is quicker than my AT2, uses a tiny bit of blood, hasn't errored on me... However, it will consistently read 40 points lower than the AT2. I understand there will be meter variance, and to watch trends in glucose levels, but it is interesting to me it's nearly exact 40 points lower, ever single darn time. I appreciate the consistency in this variance though (haha).
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That is really interesting. I guess the amount of blood is hard to gage because what I view as tiny vs someone else is going to be different. I just know the Alpha Trak 2, in my personal use and use a much much smaller amount and drop of blood, where with the Alpha Trak 3 I need a big drop of blood for it to work at all.

My readings though are usually 10 points to 20 points off, it hasnt been outside of that range, so I've found it to be very close.

The app is cool... but it keeps losing my data everytime I go a new reading, so I have to manually make it take ALL the results again which takes forever, I wish when you put a reading into the app it would keep it no matter what, dunno why they thought it constantly wiping would be good.
 
Thanks for your response. I also am having difficulty with the Bluetooth feature (and I'm pretty good with techie stuff). I'll have to call the company today or Monday, and will also mention my larger variance. I am using the same sample/same prick on both meters. The more I'm reading other people's experiences will the variance, it's not as big as what I'm finding. I did do the calibration test and that was within range. Thanks for your details.
 
Johann_marcel said:
Thanks for your response. I also am having difficulty with the Bluetooth feature (and I'm pretty good with techie stuff). I'll have to call the company today or Monday, and will also mention my larger variance. I am using the same sample/same prick on both meters. The more I'm reading other people's experiences will the variance, it's not as big as what I'm finding. I did do the calibration test and that was within range. Thanks for your details.
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Happy to help and share! It's odd that you have a bigger difference, but its still consistent. And its for sure doing the Cat setting right? This one I find trickier to set with the Dog/Cat settings.

The bluetooth is really wonky, one other annoying thing it does is if I have other bluetooth devices connect, it hard disconnects them while using this app, which I've never ran into before with any other device.
 
I swear it's set for cat, but I'll triple check this when I get home. Thanks for that advice. The larger variance for every single reading has me skeptical about this meter. 40 pts can be a lot, it can maybe a difference between skipping doses and giving the insulin. Thanks again for your help!
 
Johann_marcel said:
I swear it's set for cat, but I'll triple check this when I get home. Thanks for that advice. The larger variance for every single reading has me skeptical about this meter. 40 pts can be a lot, it can maybe a difference between skipping doses and giving the insulin. Thanks again for your help!
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For sure, that was my big worry too. I've treated my cat based on that meter and its readings for such a long time, to switch meters is a very big deal and you dont want to make a mistake every and hurt your cat, so the numbers are very nerve wracking want to make sure they are accurate and can work them into your normal routine.
 
I just ordered an AlphaTrak 3 because of the same issue trying to find strips for the 2... only place I could find sells 50 for $75 and will take a week to ship. But after reading this, I'm worried!
We've been sticking to the AlphaTrak because our vet recommended it so that we could compare numbers with what they get there - but I'm so tempted to drive to the closest Walmart and pick a Relion now x_x
 
RedCedar said:
I just ordered an AlphaTrak 3 because of the same issue trying to find strips for the 2... only place I could find sells 50 for $75 and will take a week to ship. But after reading this, I'm worried!
We've been sticking to the AlphaTrak because our vet recommended it so that we could compare numbers with what they get there - but I'm so tempted to drive to the closest Walmart and pick a Relion now x_x
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I wouldn't be worried. After sorting out my problems with it I think it works great and the testing results seem to be right in line with the Alpha Trak 2. The biggest issue for me was learning the new timing for the meter (since im SO used to alpha trak 2) and that in my circumstance I need to let more blood pool up. But otherwise its great.

Still going to be expensive though so if folks are using Relion and they work... probably a good option
 
CandB said:
I wouldn't be worried. After sorting out my problems with it I think it works great and the testing results seem to be right in line with the Alpha Trak 2. The biggest issue for me was learning the new timing for the meter (since im SO used to alpha trak 2) and that in my circumstance I need to let more blood pool up. But otherwise its great.

Still going to be expensive though so if folks are using Relion and they work... probably a good option
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Thank you for the reassurance :)! I have already thrown away way too many AlphaTrak 2 strips for not having enough blood on it so if this one is pickier I am a bit worried, but it's good to know in advance. I am tempted by the human meter path but it might make communication with the vet a bit harder, so I will try the AlphaTrak 3 and hopefully it works for us.
Thanks again!
 
I know I'm venting myself into the ether here, because I have to find the time Monday to call zoetis, but my AT3 today has been 60 points lower than our AT2. The calibration dye is in range (tested it tonight), and it is set to the cat code. So frustrating because 60 points difference is a bit much. I just had to vent this, bc I know to resolve this is to call zoetis. Thanks everyone for listening and fun the previous suggestions.
 
RedCedar said:
Thank you for the reassurance :)! I have already thrown away way too many AlphaTrak 2 strips for not having enough blood on it so if this one is pickier I am a bit worried, but it's good to know in advance. I am tempted by the human meter path but it might make communication with the vet a bit harder, so I will try the AlphaTrak 3 and hopefully it works for us.
Thanks again!
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Yup, I just make sure I have a big drop of blood. You can see on the strip the little area that gets filled with blood, that area has to fill up all the way the first time you touch it to blood (you cant go back and get it to fill more in my experience or it errors out) compared to the alpha 2 where you can keep touching it to blood to eventually get enough and I've found the results to still be accurate. So in my case it is more blood, than I'm used to but in reality its just a decent sized drop. If you look at the strip area as its filling with blood youll see what I mean and then youll know how much blood will do it and can just make sure that is what you have each time.


Johann_marcel said:
I know I'm venting myself into the ether here, because I have to find the time Monday to call zoetis, but my AT3 today has been 60 points lower than our AT2. The calibration dye is in range (tested it tonight), and it is set to the cat code. So frustrating because 60 points difference is a bit much. I just had to vent this, bc I know to resolve this is to call zoetis. Thanks everyone for listening and fun the previous suggestions.
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That is a pretty big difference! I would be pretty mad myself about that. I would never expect the results to be EXACT but 60 seems way too much of a difference.
 
It is! I finally was able to get the bluetooth feature working. I have to still call tomorrow to ask about the variance. It was 60 pts difference again this morning, and everything is properly set-up. I definitely don't expect the results to be exact, but yes, as you said 60pts is not acceptable. Maybe something is off with this specific one. Thanks everyone for hearing me out :)
 
Johann_marcel said:
The calibration dye is in range (tested it tonight), and it is set to the cat code.
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You used control solution for both meters? Was the control system within its use date? There are two use date. The date on the container is for unopened container and there is another expiration "date" of so many days/months after container is opened. And verified cat for both meters? And you used real AlphaTrak strips for the AT2?
What were BGs for the 60 point difference? If one meter was 50 and the other 110 that is not good but if one was 510 and other 570 no big deal.
 
Hi Larry,
Yes to most of your questions. I use AT2 strips for the AT2, AT3 strips for the AT3. Nothing is expired. I ran calibration for both on two separate days, calibrations were in range according to the bottles. some BGs were 253 vs 191; 266 vs 207 just to rattle off the last two. I know that these aren't dangerous numbers, but Chuckie is back on insulin after being off for awhile, and he has SCL, so he has malabsorption issues, a weird appetite, just to name some of his chronic issues. So, the number difference is a bit of a deal. I mean, once we have to switch over, I'm fine with that I'll look for the trends. But for now, I'd like to ask zoetis about this, just in case something is up.

Oh and both verified cat and the correct codes, and using the same blood sample.
 
True.. the values are slight out of the range actually, just by a few points which may be negligible. It's kind of pushing it with the acceptable meter variance. Thanks for pointing this out :)
 
CandB said:
Yup, I just make sure I have a big drop of blood. You can see on the strip the little area that gets filled with blood, that area has to fill up all the way the first time you touch it to blood (you cant go back and get it to fill more in my experience or it errors out) compared to the alpha 2 where you can keep touching it to blood to eventually get enough and I've found the results to still be accurate. So in my case it is more blood, than I'm used to but in reality its just a decent sized drop. If you look at the strip area as its filling with blood youll see what I mean and then youll know how much blood will do it and can just make sure that is what you have each time.
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Understood, thank you again! I did the same thing with the 2 with touching it to blood multiple times if it wasn't enough so it's good to know it will not work anymore.
New meter arrived today so we will be setting it up soon.
 
RedCedar said:
Understood, thank you again! I did the same thing with the 2 with touching it to blood multiple times if it wasn't enough so it's good to know it will not work anymore.
New meter arrived today so we will be setting it up soon.
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Always happy to share my experiences and possibly help out. Very interested to see what you think of it and how it works out for you!
 
Today, my AT3 was 110 pts lower than the AT2. AT2 was 336 and the AT3 was 226. I called Zoetis, spoke to customer service. They explained to me that the AT3 goes through more rigorous testing and that the calibration range window is much closer, leading to the AT3 being much more accurate. They gave me a glitter analogy, about how if you have glitter and water in a jar and collect two samples of that, they will not be the same. I get that, but that's why you repeat the same experiments in science (researcher, here) to confirm your results are accurate. By the end of our conversation, she decided to send me a new starter kit and meter.
 
We started using the AT3 today. In our first attempt, AT3 was 276 and AT2 265, so they were very close. We will try a few more times (although I'm almost out of AT2 test strips...).

I have to say that I really dislike the way it works. If you get the blood on the strip too early, the strip will error and needs to be thrown away? That seems so wasteful...
 
RedCedar said:
If you get the blood on the strip too early, the strip will error and needs to be thrown away? That seems so wasteful...
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What do you mean? All meters I have used (human) equire that the strip be inserted into the meter and meter indicate the striops is ready to receive blood. If meter is not reader and you get blood in the strip the meter will give an error and you need a new strip.
 
Here's my update - I received a new AT3 from zoetis and so far it is only approximately 30pts lower than the AT2 every time. This variance I am confident with :)
 
Larry and Kitties said:
What do you mean? All meters I have used (human) equire that the strip be inserted into the meter and meter indicate the striops is ready to receive blood. If meter is not reader and you get blood in the strip the meter will give an error and you need a new strip.
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Sorry for the confusion! The AlphaTrak 2 also required inserting the strip before taking the sample, but was much faster afterwards. This one goes through several screens after and that was confusing both my husband and I. We never had issues with getting blood on it too early with the other one. Anyway... just took a bit to get used to :)
 
I have only used the 3 and I do like it. It used alway less blood than the human one I got. (Freestyle neo not a fan of that one so I ordered AT3) once you get the Bluetooth to connect once it will auto connect when your app is on. I turn my app on when I’m doing my test if my phone turns off I have a few minutes before AT3 turns off so I can get it connected right away., I’ve had issues once the meter is off after I tested. I was going to buy the 2 when I read that they are phasing it out to the 3. I hate that they upped the price of the strips to 55 instead of just 50 that they used to sell the 2s test strips at. But my routine is get everything ready.. then get kitty.. push the strip in ( since it takes a moment for the actual test screen) then I will poke my kitty get my bead of blood then it’s usually ready for the blood by then… then use my tissue after my collection to apply pressure… turn on my app it connects then I hit the last test option and all done!! Give kitty loves and treats and tell him how good he did…. I find my kitty likes me telling him everything I’m doing.. and he tends to jerk away right when I am trying to poke him (I free hand so I can see exactly where I’m poking,) I’m still working on the correct pressure.. to not pierce him. Like I have a few times.

but over all I like the AT3. The app is a little buggy it has crashed a few times.
 
@CandB

Hi there!

I just got the AlphaTrak 3 today and also tested it against the AlphaTrak 2. I’ve been using the AlphaTrak 2 for 7 months now. So I was a little shocked, the reading on the AlphaTrak 3 was 30 points lower. I’m going to use both again in the morning and see what happens, but thanks for posting this. I’m glad I’m not the only one.

If you have any updates - I’d love to hear…thanks!
 
@CandB
@Larry and Kitties

My readings have had a 40 point difference, then 30 point difference.

just called Zoetis, they were super helpful. She told me that they expect the 3 to be more accurate. She also walked me through a test with the control solution. My AlphaTrak 3 meter tested right on point - exactly in the middle of the range indicated. The good news is the new control solution is now good for 6 months.

she also said that there could be a variation due to the glucose being “released” from the first ear prick. So that could slightly alter the number from one meter to the next. When you pull blood for the first reading, there’s a slight difference between that and the second reading. I hope that makes sense.

Zoetis was very helpful so I feel good about using the new meter. I hope that’s helpful!
 
CandB said:
Does anybody use the Alpha Trak 3 or tried it?

I have been using the Alpha Trak 2 for 3 years now, no problems still works like a dream. But hey turns out its being phased out and the 2 test strips are now EVEN more expensive. So I tried the Alpha Trak 3 meter... and so far all the strips I've tried 4, have Errored out for not enough Blood. They require soo so sooooo much more blood its insane. I can't get them to work. And as you all know trying to get even more blood from your cat when they are like "actually this botched test that usually takes a few seconds and now you are trying to get blood from me for minutes? Well I'm done and angry"

I guess I'll try again tomorrow but god damn.. if this is what I am going to deal with, making my cat bleed to an insane degree just to get these damn strips that are being forced on me to work... I'm so angry.
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I'm going through the same thing. First time no problem anytime after we are drawing so much blood and it's just not working. The vet has not seen the alpha track 3 before either so it is all new to us. We're her first clients using this type.
 
Hi, I'm new here after searching AlphaTrak 3 issues... Used 2 for several years with no issue. Bought 3 when I realized they had discontinued 2. My first meter would only show a HI sign which meant over 700 blood sugar. My cat has never been that high and I still had strips for the 2 so used that while Zoetis replace the meter. Now on 2nd 3 meter and showing high again. I used one of remaining 2 strips to compare reading and the 3 meter was 300 points higher than the 2 meter. I will call Zoetis again next week but wondering if they have a poorly developed meter. Is there anything else meter wise for pets?
 
There are a number of pet meters on the market. I did a Google search on "blood glucose meters for pets" and there are several on Amazon. I would take a look at the reviews.

FWIW, most of the people here use a human meter. The strips for the pet meters are very expensive compared to the cost for human meter strips. Many people here use the Walmart Relion brand -- about $17 for 50 strips vs $50 for the same number of AlphaTrack strips.
 
Hi all, I'm new to the forum and the feline diabetes world (including using Alphatrak 3).

Since AT strips are pretty expensive, I'm wondering if anyone here has switched from AT to a human meter, and if that caused problems?

I'm thinking about switching to a human meter for regular testing, and only using AT to verify low numbers. Since I'm new to this issue, however, I'm not sure and wanted to know what others think.

Thanks!
 
Sienne and Gabby (GA) said:
There are a number of pet meters on the market. I did a Google search on "blood glucose meters for pets" and there are several on Amazon. I would take a look at the reviews.

FWIW, most of the people here use a human meter. The strips for the pet meters are very expensive compared to the cost for human meter strips. Many people here use the Walmart Relion brand -- about $17 for 50 strips vs $50 for the same number of AlphaTrack strips.
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I have a question. You mention folks are using the Relion brand strips. Are the Relion brand strips able to be used in the Alpha 2 glucose monitor?
 
Shelly_F said:
I have a question. You mention folks are using the Relion brand strips. Are the Relion brand strips able to be used in the Alpha 2 glucose monitor?
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No, you can’t use the ReliOn test strips with the Alpha 2 meter. Only use the alpha 2meter strips OR if they are too expensive, look at buying a ReliOn meter which is much cheaper to run
 
Shelly_F said:
What is odd is that the Freestyle Libre strips look just like the alphatrak 2 strips.
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Some people do use them but they are not recommended and I would not run the risk of not knowing if the BGs I am getting are in fact correct. Much better to just get a human meter.
 
I discovered the test strips suck blood in from very end edge - touch blood slightly angled toward underside and very end of strip. Works every time with tiny drop! Blood only on top just sits or makes the test fail.
 
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