Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Assure^® 4 Blood Glucose Meter whole blood or plasma referenced?

What is the difference between whole blood and plasma referenced results?

How do I code the Assure 4 Meter?

What is the sample size of the Assure 4 Meter?

Can you add a second drop of blood to the Assure 4 Test Strips?

What types of batteries are used in Assure 4?

What is the operating range of the Assure 4 Meter and how should I store it?

What is the storage range for the Assure 4 Test Strips?

How do I clean the meter and how often?

Does the code chip need to be in the meter to perform a test?

Is the Assure 4 system cleared for alternate site testing?

How do you turn the meter on?

What color of control solution bottle caps correspond to Level 1 and Level 2?

How do I perform a control solution test?

Q: Is the Assure^® 4 Blood Glucose Meter whole blood or plasma referenced?

A: Assure 4 is plasma referenced.

Q: What is the difference between whole blood and plasma referenced results?

A: While all blood glucose meters use whole blood to measure glucose, lab equipment uses only the plasma portion of blood. Some meters display blood glucose results as a plasma measurement to make it easier to compare with lab results. Neither a whole blood measurement or a plasma measurement is more accurate than the other; they are just different methods of measuring the same thing. But because of the difference in sample types, plasma referenced test results are about 12 percent higher than whole blood test results.

Q: How do I code the Assure 4 Meter?

A: Each new bottle of test strips comes with a code chip. Make sure that the meter is off and insert the code chip into the code chip port located on the top of the meter.

Q: What is the sample size of the Assure 4 Meter?

A: The minimum sample volume is 1.5 µL.

Q: Can you add a second drop of blood to the Assure 4 Test Strips?

A: No, you cannot apply a second drop of blood to the Assure 4 Test Strip.

Q: What types of batteries are used in Assure 4?

A: The Assure 4 uses two AAA alkaline batteries. These may be purchased in most drug stores, mass merchandise stores, discount retail stores, and in some convenience stores and supermarkets.

Q: What is the operating range of the Assure 4 Meter and how should I store it?

A: Operating range: 57°F-104°F (14°C - 40°C), < 85% relative humidity Avoid leaving your meter in extremely hot or cold places, such as near a heat source or in an extremely hot or cold car. Do not store or use your meter or test strips where they may be exposed to high humidity levels, such as in a bathroom or kitchen. Never immerse or hold the meter under running water.

Q: What is the storage range for the Assure 4 Test Strips?

A: Storage range: 40°F-86°F (4°C - 30°C) Use within 90 days of first opening. Do not freeze or refrigerate. Do not use beyond expiration date.

Q: How do I clean the meter and how often?

A: Clean the outside of the meter with a lint-free cloth. Dampen with soapy water or alcohol (70%-85%). To disinfect the meter, dilute 1 mL of household bleach (5-6% sodium hypochlorite solution) in 9 mL of water. This is a 1:10 dilution. The final concentration is 0.5-0.6% sodium hypochlorite. Do not clean inside the battery compartment, code chip port, or test strip port. In accordance to CDC guidelines, we recommend that the Assure 4 meter be cleaned between resident tests in a multi-resident setting.

Q: Does the code chip need to be in the meter to perform a test?

A: No.

Q: Is the Assure 4 system cleared for alternate site testing?

A: No.

Q: How do you turn the meter on?

A: To perform a test, insert a test strip. This automatically turns the meter on. Remove the test strip to turn the meter off. To view the memory, press the Main Button.

Q: What color of control solution bottle caps correspond to Level 1 and Level 2?

A: The Assure 4 Control Solution Level 1 has a green cap and Level 2 has a blue cap. This is the same as the Assure 3 System.

Q: How do I perform a control solution test?

A: Step 1: Insert a test strip. The meter will turn on automatically. The full screen will come on for a moment. Make sure all symbols appear on the screen. Then the code number will display. Make sure that the code number on the display matches the code number on the test strip bottle.
Step 2: To enter cotrol solution mode, press the Main Button ONCE for Level 1 or TWICE for Level 2. L1 or L2 will be displayed on the screen. If you do not enter the control solution mode, the control solution result will NOT be valid.
Step 3: Mix control solution by inverting bottle several times. Remove the cap from the control solution bottle. Place cap on flat surface. Squeeze the bottle and discard the first drop. Apply the second drop to the top of the cap.
Step 4: Bring meter and the reaction zone on the side of the test strip to the drop of solution. Test strip will draw up the solution. The meter will show result in 1- seconds. The result will alternately flash with L1 or L2.
Step 5: Compare the result to the range printed on the test strip bottle. Make sure the result is within the acceptable range. If the result falls within this range, the meter and the test strip are working correctly.