Thoughts on switching to Relion Prime?

[Skunky's Mom]

Hi all.
I need to switch to the Relion Prime from my current Confirm, I think. As much as I am testing, I'm going to put myself in the poor house buying the Confirm strips. And heck, I know they are still pretty cheap.

I wanted to get some thoughts on the Prime. I have certainly heard some people complain about it. I know it takes a little bit more blood. But my cat bleeds pretty well. I would say, of all the times I stick her, less than 10% of the time - maybe around 5%? I'm worried I won't have enough blood. So I may have to use a few more strips, but that's ok since they're less than half the price!

I've also seen people say if you get too much blood on the Prime it can cause problems. I don't know if it was error messages or incorrect readings. Flooding it will be more of a problem than not having enough blood, I think.

Anyway. . . thoughts?
thanks
sarah

 

[BJM]

You may want to do a couple of paired tests when you're checking the nadir, especially if you're getting values under 100 mg/dL. They may read a little bit different from each other.

 

[cindyh]

I switched from the Confirm to the Prime and am very happy with the switch. When I was first moving to the Prime, I tested with both meters and got very similar readings. I've had no issues with the Prime at all. My cat also bleeds easily so I have no trouble getting the drop of blood. Good luck!

 

[Skunky's Mom]

Thanks y'all.

We that means I need to hurry up and buy the Prime before I run out of Confirm strips.

Today is payday so I guess that settles it :?

 

[Skunky's Mom]

I think my Confirm may be having problems anyway. Which could be related to how much my 2 year old likes to stick strips in it and hear it beep.

yesterday I got a 31. I knew it wasn't right so I retested and got something like 256. A third test was 259 or so

then a few hours later I got a 40 something. Probably not enough blood. Retested and she was in the 200s.

Spooky. And 5 strips for two readings! :shock:

 

[Deb & Wink]

Since your Confirm meter is acting up, I'd suggest you call the customer service number and get them to send you a new meter. Just don't tell them you are using it for a cat, since it's not made specifically for pets. Test yourself and then you can truthfully tell them a human is using it.

 

[Skunky's Mom]

Thanks Deb, a great idea and something I didn't think of.

If I ever locate it I will do that!

So far the switch to the Prime is going great. No problems. It cuts off quickly, and it annoys the heck out of me how it keeps showing the averages (which i couldn't care less about) when I want to run through the tests, but it seems to work well. I like that it doesn't beep - therefore it doesn't draw the little one's attention!
The numbers look good. I had 2 low blood errors but I think I've figured that out.
One time I got blood everywhere and ended up using 3 strips. But it was OK since them suckers are so cheap!
I haven't had a chance to try paired tests since the Confirm has vanished. I think my little one got ahold of it and it's in a bag or basket or playhouse somewhere. I need to look harder!

I was kind of bummed it didn't come with a lancing device. I wanted one I could use on myself. . I always worry about developing diabetes. My dad got it.

 

[BJM]

For both your kitty & you, pick up some KetoDiaStix, or generic equivalent. Those show what has happened since the previous void. No glucose and no ketones is a good result.

See my signature link Secondary Monitoring Tools for some ideas on how to use them as well as other assessments you may make to evaluate your cat.