Active Forward Contour Next EZ Diabetes Testing Kit, Contour Next EZ Blood Glucose Meter, 100 Contour Next Blood Glucose Test Strips, 100 Lancets, Lancing Device, Log Book and Carry Case

This is the second blood sugar unit I have ever purchased. The first, a OneTouch brand is nearly ten years old by now and it still functions. This unit, however, has several big advantages over that unit: 1) The supplies are cheaper. The strips cost about $.25 each compared to almost $1.00 each in the old unit 2) The strips operate with a little less blood. Furthermore, if one makes a stick that produces too little for these strips the unit will sometimes wait patiently until one completes a second stick. This reduces the cost of the strips even further. 3) I find the display to be higher contrast and therefore easier to read. 4) There is no 'calibration' number to enter. The OneTouch requires one to enter a calibration number at least one strip in 25. Furthermore, it requires one to tell it that the calibration number displayed corresponds to that of the strip. Trouble is, the button on my unit that does this is either very slow or far less than 100% reliable. So I have an ongoing problem of starting the measurement before the unit has decided to accept it. This inevitably wastes a strip. I cannot say how many times I've had to resist the impulse to throw the unit against a brick wall because of this problem, but I can say that while thinking about this I'm a little surprised that the unit has lasted nearly a decade. As we've just explained, a big advantage to this unit is that it requires no calibration. Consumers Reports rates its accuracy to be among the best in the units it reviewed. If one is trying to make a large number of minor changes of diet and lifestyle to adapt well to diabetes, great accuracy and repeatability are of utmost importance. So, too, is low test-strip cost. I have two quibbles with this unit. I find that when I use it, the display is always upside down. I have no difficulty reading it when it's upside down, I just wish the engineers who designed the unit had tested it more broadly. Once those orientation devices used in iPhones and iPads become really cheap, this will be an easy problem to fix. As it is, this is a minor inconvenience, at most. The second is that the lance unit requires one to replace the lance with every use. And this is not a trivially easy thing to do. I find myself using the lance unit from my old kit instead. I understand the reason for making users change lances with each use: I just think that this 'feature' has not been implemented very thoughtfully. Despite these minor drawbacks, I can recommend this kit without reservation.

So, I was told by a health screen person at work that my blood glucose was higher than normal, and that my sedentary habit is the likely cause. I was told to be more active, exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, and cut down on sugar/carbs. To help me understand what affects blood glucose, I decided to buy a testing kit. After looking at a few options on Amazon, I purchased the Bayer Contour NEXT test kit, because it appeared to have everything one needs to do the test. I was leery because there was no review for this product, but it was a great deal with a name brand manufacturer. This kit didn't come with directions, which is not a big deal, since I was able to find it online easily. However, if you never used a blood glucose test kit, then you will probably need more instructions. You will find some good instructions on Youtube. All the components appear to be top quality and fits neatly into a zippered case that came with the kit. The electronic meter is well designed and simple to operate. The meter keeps a record of all tests with time stamp, displays the average value in mg/dL and number of tests performed. The test strips have an expiration date of about 1 year. Pros: This kit does not require the user to enter a code for different batches of test strips. Repeated tests done immediately give fairly reproducible numbers (within +\- 8). Comes with everything you need to run 100 tests. Nice zippered pack that can hold enough for 50 tests. Very economical at less than $40. Cons: You have to lance your finger every time you want to check your glucose level (same with all other kits, so maybe not really a con). No directions came with the kit. No reference glucose solution came with the kit (you can buy one separately), but the meter is accurate so you may not need one. Here is the sequence of running a test: Sterilize a finger tip with an alcohol pad (best to use your ring finger, since you don't use this finger that much). Insert a new lance into the spring loaded lancing device, twist off the cap of the lance, close the device and set puncture depth (I use almost the maximum setting). Insert a new test strip into the meter to turn it on. Your finger should be dry by now, so put the loaded lance device on the sterilized area and push the button to produce a small drop of blood. Touch the blood port of the test strip with the drop of blood on your finger to load the test strip and automatically start the test. Wait 5 seconds for the result to be displayed (normal is about 100mg/dL). Wipe your finger tip with the alcohol pad you used before the test, stick the sharp tip of the used lance into the center of the cap/disk before discarding with the used test strip. Over all, I'm very happy with this kit. Now I can test how different food or activity changes my blood glucose.

When I received my glucose metering kit from Bayer it looked like so many others I have had or had seen. Consequently, I took a rather mundane approach towards my new meter. The shape, the strips, the case all were of the standard fare, but then again why change something that works, right? It is always good to read the manual, which I did, so new surprises crop up without some kind of preparedness. However, what I wasn't prepared for was the ease of use that that the Contour Next afforded. I doesn't seem as it could be any different that so many others, but it was. Those "standard fare" items (except for the case of which I am not a fan ... More on that later) proved to be quite a pleasant surprise. It was very nice to see a small bottle of control solution packaged in the kit. That was something that was missing from my previous meters. Thank you Bayer. The finger pricker (call it what you may, it is what it is) was very nice to use,especially the dished out cupped portion of the business end. It nestled over my finger for a secure contact and the depth of puncture was very adjustable and very accurate. The strips, oh yes the strips, easily collected the droplet of blood with out hesitation or fuss. It was amazing and it also meant that one did not need a large droplet in order to acquire a reading. It was so smooth. No fiddling around trying to get the strip to suck up the blood sample. A true vampire. Also, the strips are reasonably priced which was one of the two attributes I was looking for in a glucose meter. The other being accuracy. I have not tested the accuracy to that taken in a professional setting, but the readings are consistent and the control solution registered at 120, so I am confident in its ability to give excellent feedback. The case? I have never been happy with these type of cases especially the slick nylon that is used, but I understand the economic and durability issues so I'll endure it or find a replacement. It is nothing to quibble over, just a personal preference. So there it is, a very nice product that does what it does and does it well at a good price making it an excellent value. I am extremely glad that I purchased the Bayer Contour Next Complete Diabetes Kit. It is always a pleasure to find something that meets both your expectations and needs and will around for a long time. I hope this review helps you in your quest. I wasn't sure when I ordered it, but I am sure now.

I'd been feeling "funny" and thought my symptoms might be caused by Type II diabetes. I decided that before my annual physical I would chart some preprandial and postprandial numbers to take to the appointment. After making sure that the calibration was correct using the test solution - it was with the value being exactly in the center of the range - I got started. The process became very easy after I became familiar with the equipment, which took the first day. I have never had a glucometer before so I didn't know what to expect when I bought this one. I'm very pleased with it because it's simple to use. If you're interested in using a computer to help track your glucose levels apparently there's an accessory cable to connect to the computer with that can be ordered from Bayer and a software download. I just write it down. Several months later: Well, something has happened that I think might be important to mention. After receiving my kit I followed my blood glucose numbers carefully for a couple of weeks and there was nothing to suggest that my feeling “funny” had a thing to do with that. All the numbers were in range at all times. The problem turned out to be something else. But three days ago I was sure that I had to be hypoglycemic so I got out the kit and started measuring again. The numbers were not low, but high, and that persisted throughout the next day. Just on a hunch, I opened the new container of test strips and did comparative testing between the “old” and “new” strips. The old strips were consistently higher by as much as 12. So… Both old and new strips were from the same lot. Both tested correctly – near the center of the range – using the test solution, although the new were 4 higher than the old. They had been stored in the same dry, cool place during the 4 months that I did not use the meter. The only difference was, of course, that one container had been opened. I don’t know what to think. The strips are supposed to be good until the expiration date, which in this case is August, 2017. Anyway, I had a few hours of apprehension, apparently over nothing but unreliable test strips.

I gave up my OneTouch Ultra2 for the Bayer Contour Next EZ and so far I'm glad I did. I was getting some very high fluctuations with the OneTouch. Yes, It was calibrated to the strips correctly. I did control tests and I made sure I used it correctly. I was going through very expensive OneTouch tests strips like crazy (often 2 or 3 per test). I finally decided to pack it in and bought the Contour Next based on reviews and claims of accuracy. The unit showed up right on time and in pristine condition with all items in tow. The first thing I noticed was the really good tactile feedback you get when inserting a test strip. There is a little resistance and a little click so you know you're set and then the audible that tells you it's ready for the blood sample. Lancet pen worked fine and painless and the unit appeared to need very little blood for testing. Results showed on a nice large screen in about 5 seconds or so and you can save results in the device. So far I have not had any weird readings and have not had to use more than one strip per test. A nice benefit that I discovered was the price of the Contour's test strips. They are about half the price of the OneTouch. Another nice feature is in the event you screw up and don't get enough blood the device will signal you and give you time to try again with the same strip. However, the device does have an audible signal when the strip sucks up enough blood so I don't know how you can screw that up. The storage bag is kind of cheese but I understand that when you register the device you can get a better one for free from the manufacturer (according to literature that cam with it). I've only had it for about a week so I don't know how the durability is. Like everything else these days, it's an all plastic gadget so I wouldn't drop it to often. So far I am more than pleased with this purchase and the performance, and the lower cost of strips.

My husband is diabetic and we use it multiple times a week to double check his blood sugar and mine as well, and it works great! It is easy to use, works quickly, and is very straight forward. Would highly recommend, especially for beginners.

I have never had blood sugar issues but after losing my father in law to pancreatic cancer and reading more about how important blood sugar is in relation to inflammation and over all health I decided I should start checking it more often as I’m not in my young anymore. I initially bought the caretouch unit because it was cheaper and had good reviews. For the first time in my life that machine was telling me I had high blood sugar on the verge of diabetic. My fasting levels would be as high or higher than my 2 hour post meal checks. As my worry grew I decided to buy this unit before checking with my doctor. My fasting glucose and post meal checks are all in line with where they should be and I will test this unit and the caretouch at the same exact time and caretouch will be 20-30 mg/dL higher in the morning. This unit is in align with the numbers I have gotten from my blood labs in recent years. The lancet and test strips for this one are also much better and I only have to prick myself once to get enough blood. Highly recommend spending a little extra for this one

arrived with all bits shown (sticker, strips, stickers, control solution, device) and the manual. i recently had a high fasting sugar and thought this would be a good way to monitor. if you don't feel like reading the manual (but you should), here's an idea of how it works: wash your hands, push metal end of a strip into device and it turns on and blinks that it wants your blood. Just the first time you use it, put a drop of control solution on a hard surface, like a clean plate, touch the other end of the strip to the solution and watch it wick up the faux blood. read the result, read the canister of strips to see if the control measurement was in range. assuming it is, pull out that strip. get the lancet ready. this was the hardest part because it was new, it was very hard to snap apart the front from the back. loosen, but don't remove the round cap from a lancet and press it into the tool until it clicks. twist off the cap and save it. put the front half on top. the round knob adjusts how deep the prick goes. try the middle unless you are super calloused. put a fresh strip in the reader, press the tool against a finger, press the button. i can barely feel it. a drop of blood appears, make sure it is big enough. touch the strip to the blood and it gets wicked up and 5 seconds later, a measurement appears. Dispose of the strip and lancet as medical waste. SUPER EASY.