UK - Alphatrak2 Meter with Freestyle Lite test strips

[Schmill]

We have (recently purchased) the Alphatrak2 meter, and been doing a couple of curves with our Dusty.
Between the curves, the initial 'control' tests, and the occasional 'wasted' strip due to not enough blood, we have now gone through quite a bit of the 'starter kit' supply of strips.
I was going to order some more AT2 strips, and then saw the posts on this forum of people using the (significantly cheaper) Freestyle Lite test strips instead.

Obviously this appeals, but all the threads I looked at were dated around 2015, so I just wanted to check whether people were still using these strips, or whether anything had changed, before I order our next batch of strips (of whichever kind!).

Also I noticed that on Amazon the Freestyle strips are about £25 for 50, whereas on eBay they are closer to £15 for 50; where do people generally buy from, and has anyone had any troubles from either?

Thanks!

 

[Diana&Tom]

Hi there!
Yes, the cost of strips is a major issue when caring for a diabetic cat. Most people here use a human meter for which strips are considerably cheaper, but if you prefer a pet meter you will probably have to find a way to reduce costs and not bankrupt yourself

There is or was a brand of strips that are compatible with the Alphatrak, yes, not 100% sure which ones they are but the ones you've mentioned sound right... hopefully someone else will be along soon to confirm this.

As for buying from Amazon v ebay - the key really is to be sure you're buying from a reputable seller. Human diabetics sometimes sell their strips on ebay and for this reason alone, I'd tend to favour ebay as you cam check out other buyers' feedback and ask questions before buying. The main questions to ask are the expiry date of the strips (should be printed on the tub) and also is the tub brand-new and unopened.

You'll soon get the hang of it and be dreaming of bargain strips from ebay in your sleep!!!!

 

[Tuxedo Mom]

I use the AT2 meter and have used the Freestyle Lite strips for almost 4 years with two kitties. When I started I did a lot of side by side comparisons with AT2 meter/AT2 strips VS AT2 meter/FS Lite strips and found the variance to be very close ...3-5% difference. I also did comparison with my readings against vet machine glucose readings and again had a close reading. I leave the AT2 meter set to a cat code..in my case I use code 37 which was code on my last AT2 strips. There are a number of different cat codes and it appears that any of them will work with the FS Lite strips. I do like to periodically do a control solution test when opening a new vial of strips. Also if you can get a reasonably priced FS Lite meter ( in Canada they are free with purchase of strips) then you will have a back up meter handy if needed.

Other users on here have been successful with another Freestyle strip as well..I think it is the Freestyle InsuLinx but I personally have not used this type. If changing to a different strip I would suggest doing some side by side comparisons so that you are comfortable and confident that the readings are acceptable.

 

[Beck and Philly]

The Freestyle InsulinX strips are exactly like the AT2 strips. If you put them side by side, you can't see any difference. That's all I use now in my AT2 meters.

 

[MrWorfMen's Mom]

The InsuLinx meter uses the same strips as the Freestyle Lite meters. They seem to be marketed in different packaging in the US for whatever reason but I have been unable to even find the InsuLinx labelled strips in my area, on Cdn. online pharmacies or on the Abbott Canadian website. I have to wonder if the InsuLinx strips that folks are ordering in the States are clearouts and eventually they too will be relegated to the same packaging as the Freestyle Lite too.

 

[Sylvie]

i always keep a vial of AT2 strips but, i use freestyle lite strips 99% of the time (the institutional version). i go through 2-3 vials a mth so i buy mine in bulk on ebay, i wait for a decent size auction and end up paying no more than $18 per box, often closer to $14. I don't do so often but, if i see a 'huge' bulk auction with the freestyle lite strips version that i prefer to use but, they are close to expiration date, i will grab them anyways if it's from a regular FS strip seller because the freestyle lite strips (at least version i like) are good and still just as accurate for at least 6mths after expiration date so you can get a great deal on them that way, i paid $11.25 per box for tons of them recently buying them this way..

have had no issues with buying strips on ebay but, i am picky about who i buy them from. make sure to look at sellers pics and avoid ones that show too much wear damage to boxes, especially ones with stains on the boxes, they may have been exposed to water/moisture and that can make the strips go bad.. as for Amazon, i don't see point of buying them on there (other than when needed asap) when they can be found for less on ebay from decent sellers.. have bought AT2 strips from Amazon with no strip problems though.

 

[jayla-n-Drevon]

I use them all but also keep a AT bottle in case he is super bouncy. I use the others 99% of the time too

 

[JanetNJ]

I use insulinx strips most of the time in my meter but always have alphatrak strips to test accuracy. As you can see below they are very close

 

[Schmill]

Cheers all, re-ordered a pack of 50 AT strips to replenish our stock, and also a pack of 50 Freestyle Lite strips to give them a go. Assuming both work well for us we'll do as above and primarily use the FSL, keeping the AT as a backup / cross-reference.