Alpha Trak showing inconsistent numbers??

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Shana Martin

Shana Martin

Member Since 2017
Alrighty guys! I did a curve on Abby today. Things got a little weird at +8...

When I tested at +8, the first test I took said 312, (i tested again bc i was conerned about the big spike) second 449, third 228 (new ear and new spot), fourth 336, fifth 413. Can't believe how many numbers it read. went with 228...

Then I also tested for PM shot and the first test said 417.... I didn't believe that so I tested again, 286. Do you think something is wrong with my meter???
 
I don't use alpha trak but I think maybe you should call their customer service. I know human meters have control test liquid. Maybe they do too?
Those numbers are definitely outside of the 20% variance. (Some of the 5 test series are close to or within it)
I've seen others comment about how you can't put a strip in, remove it, then put it back in... Were any of these tests done after doing that?
I'm sure experienced AT2 meter users will help you out more than I can.
 
Shana Martin said:
Alrighty guys! I did a curve on Abby today. Things got a little weird at +8...

When I tested at +8, the first test I took said 312, (i tested again bc i was conerned about the big spike) second 449, third 228 (new ear and new spot), fourth 336, fifth 413. Can't believe how many numbers it read. went with 228...

Then I also tested for PM shot and the first test said 417.... I didn't believe that so I tested again, 286. Do you think something is wrong with my meter???
Click to expand...
I've never had weird numbers like that with alphatrak. Id contact customer service.
 
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My alphatrak was doing the same thing, well outside of the range of error that is allowed on meters. That's why I switched to a human meter (and the strips were cheaper). FYI since alphatrak is a pet-only meter, it does not have to comply with the FDA tolerances (+- 15-20%) and quality control standards for the readings. Since in reality it is a rebranded human meter (freestyle) it probably was tested to comply, but this still freaks me out.
 
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I agree with Sandi. When my AlphaTrack gave me strange readings, replacing the battery solved the problem. Good luck
 
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The AlphaTrak customer service is excellent. When I had a lot of failed strips a few months back, they asked for samples and sent me a new vial of strips. I had been pushing the strips in and backing them out, anxiously checking that I had the right number coded and making sure the strip seemed good. They told me that a strip should only be inserted once.

Why not call them and report back to us what they say about such a broad range of numbers? I am curious to hear their answer. I have not suffered from this particular problem yet, in my 3+ months of testing. (Wow! Seems like so much longer than 3 months!). I do keep spare batteries in my test kit, and a spare meter close by.
 
I too experienced some strange numbers when the battery was getting low but a change of battery and all seemed fine again. Even if the meter is relatively new, it's possible the battery could be defective so I'd recommend replacing it to see if that doesn't remedy the problem.
 
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