Frequently Asked Questions
What differentiates the Assure Platinum BGM System from toher systems already on the market?
How do I code the Assure Platinum Meter?
What is the sample size of the Assure Platinum Meter?
Can you add a second drop of blood to the Assure Platinum Test Strips?
What types of batteries are used in the Assure Platinum?
Is the Assure Platinum Blood Glucose Meter whole blood or plasma referenced?
What is the operating range of the Assure Platinum Meter and how should I store it?
What is the operating range for the Assure Platinum Test Strips and how should I store them?
How do I clean the meter and how often?
Can you scroll backwards in set-up mode?
What range can you set the hypo warning to?
When you remove the battery, does it affect the meter settings?
Is the Assure Platinum system cleared for alternate site testing?
Why do I get an E01 when I apply blood to the test strip?
How do you turn the meter on?
What color of control solution bottle caps correspond to Normal and High control solutions?
What is the test strip shelf-life?
Is the Assure Platinum system affected by maltose and/or icodextrin?
Q: What differentiates the Assure Platinum BGM System from other systems already on the market
A: Assure Platinum is specifically designed for multi-resident use in long-term care facilities. Auto coding reduces the number of steps for testing and errors. qcProGuard® is a 24-hour reminder to conduct daily control solution testing. A "Hypo" warning alerts users of low blood glucose readings. Test strips requrie a small 0.5 µL sample size. To test, simply insert the test strip in the convenient top-of-the-meter port. A strip release button for strip disposal eliminates the need to touch a used strip, reducing the risk of exposure to infectious materials. For additional security, ProGrip® provides a secure hold on the meter and reduce slipping on surfaces.
Q: How do I code the Assure Platinum Meter?
A: The Assure Platinum Meter does not need to be manually coded by the user, thus preventing user-associated errors due to lack of coding. Coding is automatically accomplished by inserting the test strip into the meter.
Q: What is the sample size of the Assure Platinum Meter?
A: The minimum sample volume is 0.5 µL.
Q: Can you add a second drop of blood to the Assure Platinum Test Strips?
A: No, if the meter does not start to count down after blood is applied to the test strip, user must remove the strip from the meter and insert a new one.
Q: What types of batteries are used in Assure Platinum?
A: The Assure Platinum 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: Is the Assure Platinum Blood Glucose Meter whole blood or plasma referenced?
A: Assure Platinum is plasma referenced.
Q: What is the operating range of the Assure Platinum Meter and how should I store it?
A: Operating range: 50°F-104°F (10°C - 40°C), 20% - 80% 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 operating range for the Assure Platinum Test Strips and how should I store them?
A: Operating range: 39°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 isopyopyl 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 or test strip port. In accordance to CDC guidelines, we recommend that the Assure Platinum meter be cleaned between resident tests in a multi-resident setting.
Q: Can you scroll backwards in set-up mode?
A: No, you cannot. Continue to press the M button to move through the options until to you get to the one to want to reset.
Q: What range can you set the hypo warning to?
A: You can set the hypo warning to go off between 20 and 80 mg/dL.
Q: When you remove the battery, does it affect the meter settings?
A: The meter will retain all the settings for approximately one minute. If it takes longer than a minute to replace the batteries, the time and date may be affected. Check meter settings to verify that the time and date were not affected.
Q: Is the Assure Platinum system cleared for alternate site testing?
A: It is our reccomendation that Healthcare Professionals NOT obtain blood samples from an alternate site because of AST limitations, the recommended lancing device for AST, and the additional training needed for AST.
Q: Why do I get an E01 when I apply blood to the test strip?
A: You will receive and E01 error when blood is applied to the test strip prior to the apply blood symbol appearing on the screen. Retest and wait for the apply blood icon to appear before applying blood to the test strip.
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 M button.
Q: What color of control solution bottle caps correspond to Normal and High control solutions?
A: The Assure Platinum uses Assure Dose Control Solution. The Assure Dose Control Solution Normal has a blue cap and High has a green cap.
Q: What is the test strip shelf-life
A: Test strips have a 21-month shelf-life expiration, and are good for up to three months after opening. It is recommended that users denote date opened on the test strip bottle in the space provided.
Q: Is the Assure Platinum system affected by maltos and/or icodextrin?
A: No, the system is not affected by maltose and/or icodextrin.