Blood Glucose Meter for use by NHS Tayside Staff
The Ascencia Contour, will be issued to, and solely used by, all staff in both Acute and Primary Care Divisions.
Blood Glucose Meters for use by Patients
A balance needs to be maintained which restricts the number of different meters recommended or issued to patients but still allows for provision of a meter that is suitable for individual patient need in relation to user acceptability and ease of use.
At present, six meters are on the Network Formulary as suitable alternatives:
First Line Meters:
- Ascencia Contour - Meter of choice for Type 2 Diabetes Patients.
- Optium Exceed - Meter of choice for adults with Type 1 Diabetes (can test for blood glucose and ketones).
- The Lifescan Range - all of which use the same sticks (One Touch Ultra, Ultra Smart) - Meter of choice for children.
Second Line Meters:
- Accucheck Compact - Good for patients with poor dexterity and sight problems.
- Freestyle Lite - replaces the Freestyle Mini, Multi-site testing and small sample size.
- Aviva - Has a retractable lancet device, which is much safer for relatives who assist with blood sugar testing.
It is recognised that there is a balance to be reached between allowing for continuity of meter use, for ease of test stick prescribing, and the benefits of changing recommendation when new and improved meters are developed.