Accu-Chek Softclix - Blood Glucose Meter User Manual

Overview

Instructions for Use

The ACCU‑CHEK Softclix lancing device uses ACCU‑CHEK Softclix lancets to obtain a drop of blood from the fingertip. The penetration depth can be selected to match any type of skin.

This cap is for fingertip testing only.

The clear cap is for testing on sites other than the fingertip (AST). Do not use the clear cap for fingertip testing.

Note: The ACCU-CHEK Softclix cap was not designed to be replaced after each use. The ACCU-CHEK Softclix lancing device is intended for use by a single person and is not suitable for testing different persons with the same device as this may lead to infections.

Selecting the Depth

The depth on the ACCU‑CHEK Softclix lancing device may be adjusted by turning the Comfort Dial. The current depth selection is shown in the center of the depth indicator window. You can find the depth indicator window as a semicircular cutout on the ejector.

The ACCU‑CHEK Softclix lancing device offers 11 depth settings. The settings are shown in the depth indicator window by the numbers 1 to 5 with additional levels marked with dots to enable you to precisely adjust to your individual skin type. The higher the number visible in the depth indicator window, the greater the depth setting.

Note: If you are using the ACCU‑CHEK Softclix lancing device for the first time, select 1 or 2 to see if the amount of blood obtained is enough to perform a test. If your skin is calloused or thick, you may need to try a higher setting.

1. To select the desired depth setting, turn the Comfort Dial so that the desired setting is in the center of the depth indicator window.
2. Select a new depth setting by turning the Comfort Dial. The cap will snap into a new position, preventing any accidental change of the depth setting.
   

Performing a Fingerstick

1. Pull off the cap of the lancing device. If there is already a lancet in the device, remove it by sliding the ejector forward. Refer to the section called "Removing the Lancet."
   
2. Firmly insert a new ACCU‑CHEK Softclix lancet in the lancet holder until it snaps into place.
3. Twist the protective cap on the lancet several times and pull gently to remove it.
   
4. Snap on the cap after lining up the notches. The cap snaps easily into place.
   
5. Select the desired depth setting as instructed in the section "Selecting the Depth." Then, press the plunger on the end of the device all the way down, and you will hear a click. When the device is ready, you will see a yellow dot appear and remain in the center of the clear release button.
6. Now, wash your hands and dry them thoroughly. Also warm the fingers to increase blood flow. If you are using alcohol wipes, make sure your finger is completely dry before continuing.
7. Grasp your finger near the area to be pricked and gently massage for three seconds.
8. Hold the lancing device firmly against the side of your fingertip, then press the release button. Gently squeeze your fingertip to get a small drop of blood. The best place to test on the fingertip is the side, because it has the best blood supply, yet allows for the least painful fingerstick. Any finger may be used for a fingerstick.
   
9. Apply the drop to the test strip you are using.
10. Immediately remove used lancet. To avoid accidental injury, do not store lancet in device.

Removing the Lancet

1. To remove the lancet, pull off the cap of the ACCU‑CHEK Softclix lancing device.
2. Hold the lancing device so the lancet points downward. Slide the ejector forward to release the lancet into a puncture‑proof container.
   

For least painful testing and to avoid infection, use a new lancet each time you perform a fingerstick.

Getting Blood from a Site Other Than Your Fingertip

Testing on sites other than the fingertip is referred to as alternate site testing (AST). These sites may be any of the following – palm, forearm, upper arm, thigh, or calf. We suggest the palm as the nonfingertip test site.

Please refer to your test strip insert or your blood glucose meter's owner's booklet to see if your meter is designed to test blood glucose from sites other than your fingertip as well as for specific AST testing instructions.

There is a delay (lag time) in the delivery of blood glucose to nonfingertip sites when compared to fingertip. Therefore, there is a potential for a significant difference between fingertip and AST results. The length of delay (lag time) is strongly impacted by lifestyle, foods eaten, and any other event having impact on blood glucose levels. It is important that people considering nonfingertip testing understand the following:

• Talk to your doctor if you are considering testing from sites other than your fingertip.
• AST testing is not recommended during periods of rapid decreases or increases in blood glucose levels.
• AST testing is not recommended for people with a history of recurrent hypoglycemia, who suspect their blood glucose is extremely low, or who are unaware of hypoglycemic events.
• NEVER ignore symptoms of high or low blood sugar.
• Do not change your treatment based on one result.
• If the AST reading does not match how you feel, perform a fingertip test to confirm your results. If your blood glucose still does not reflect the way you feel, contact your doctor. For more information on AST testing, please contact the ACCU‑CHEK Customer Care Service Center at 1‑800‑858‑8072.

1. Wash the nonfingertip site with warm water.
2. Make sure that you are using the clear cap specially designed for AST testing with the ACCU‑CHEK Softclix lancing device.
3. Adjust the clear cap to the highest setting.
4. Press and hold the lancing device against a fleshy area on the AST site. Press the release button and continue to apply steady pressure to the site.

Don't be afraid to apply strong pressure to the area with the lancing device to get a good blood drop.

Caring for Your Lancing Device

• Your lancing device requires very little care.
• Keep it away from extreme temperatures.
• Clean the outside of the lancing device regularly with 70% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. Let it air‑dry.
• Do not dip the lancing device in liquid.
• Do not use bleach to clean the lancing device or caps.

Assistance Available

If you need assistance, please contact the ACCU‑CHEK Customer Care Service Center toll‑free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We offer assistance in Spanish and many other languages.

1-800-858-8072 phone
1-800-858-8074 TDD/TYY
(for the hearing impaired)

Also Available from Roche

ACCU-CHEK Softclix Lancets
Softclix 100/box
Softclix 200/box

Visit our Web site at www.accu-chek.com