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5. Performing a test

Test procedure

IMPORTANT: 

Remove a test strip from the container and quickly 

reseal it. The cap contains a drying agent that will be exhausted if 

the cap is not quickly replaced.

Step 1:

 

Insert a test strip

Note:

 A test strip may be inserted either before or after turning 

the meter on. If you turn the meter on using the button and have 
not inserted a test strip, the meter will prompt you by flashing the 
test strip icon:

The meter will display the code number and
flash the word code. Check the code number
matches the code number printed on the test 
strip label. 

 

Step 3:

 

Apply blood with the strip in the meter

A small drop is all that is needed to 
quickly cover the test zone.

WARNING: 

The test zone must be 

completely covered, otherwise you 
may obtain a false reading. 

Apply the drop to the centre of 
the test zone. It is OK to touch the 
mesh. 

 

When a blood drop has been applied, the meter will give a beep and 
commence measuring. Do not move the test strip as this will lead to an 
incorrect result. The hourglass icon will flash until a result is displayed.

The meter will display the result with time and date. 
The result will automatically be saved to the meter 
and card memory.

The test is underway, await the result. 

Was enough blood applied?

Remove the test strip from the meter and check that the circular 
window on the back of the strip is even in colour. If it is not even, then 
you have not applied enough blood. You will need to repeat the test.

Double Checking the Result 

Comparing colour

Does the meter result match the colour chart?

On the test strip container label, you will find a range of colours, each 
corresponding to a glucose concentration.
1. Match the colour in the circular window to the nearest colour on 

the chart.

2. Compare the value from the chart to the value you obtained from 

the meter.

This should be done between 30 and 60 seconds after applying 
blood to the test strip.

If the two values approximately agree then the result is confirmed.  If 
they do not agree then repeat the test.  If the problem persists you 
should perform a control test and see the 

Meter maintenance

 

section 

of this manual.

Disposal

As blood is potentially infectious, please dispose of the used 
test strip and lancet in a contaminated waste container or in 
another suitable way.  

Measurement range

The G5 meter measures blood glucose between 10-500mg/dL
(0.6 – 27.7mmol/L) . Values outside this range are reported as ‘Lo’ 
or ‘Hi’.

Results greater than 500mg/dL (27.7mmol/L).

Results less than 10mg/dL (0.6mmol/L).

Caring for the G5 meter

The meter must be kept clean and stored safely away from water, 
moisture (<85% humidity), extremes of heat or cold and dust. Avoid 
getting blood on the meter.  If you do, clean it immediately.

Cleaning the strip guide

The black area where the strip is inserted may be removed for 
cleaning. Slide it off and rinse it with cold soapy water. Check it is 
clean on both sides and then dry it.

The optics area under the strip guide can be cleaned using a cotton 
tip or soft damp cloth. Be careful not to get water into the meter!

Do not scratch the optics area as this will lead to incorrect 
readings.

6. Meter maintenance

Changing the batteries

When the battery warning symbol appears, it is time to replace your 
batteries. Approximately 50 tests may still be conducted before the 
batteries completely fail.

Battery types

 

2 button batteries LR44 (Panasonic) or 

 

A76 (Ucar) or

 

V13GA (Varta) or 

 

G13 (Toshiba)

alternatively; 

 

2 batteries type CR1/3N (Varta) or 

 

DL1/3N (Duracell)

Note 

Results stored in the meter’s memory will not be lost if the batteries 
are removed, however time and date will need to be reset.

Problem solving

Error message

If the meter displays an error message or warning symbol, consult 
the section, 

Key to symbols and error messages

 for an explanation. 

Implausible results

If a result which has been obtained is not plausible, then repeat the 
test. If the problem persists then check through the following list:

 

Does the code number on the screen match the one on the test strips?

 

Was enough blood put on the strip? 

 

Is the circular window on the back of the test strip even in colour?

 

Are the test strips within their expiry date?

 

Is the optical area under the strip guide clean?

 

Are your hands clean and dry?

 

Was the strip inserted fully and was it straight and flat in the guide?

 

Was the blood sample capillary blood (obtained from a finger prick)?

 

Have the strips been stored and handled in accordance with the test

strip instructions? e.g. in the container and away from heat  or cold?

If you answered no to any of the above then repeat the test after 
addressing the problem. See the section 

Checking the meter’s 

accuracy

 if you continue to obtain implausible results.

Meter not turning on

Check the following:

 

Are batteries in the meter?

 

Are they facing the correct way?

 

Is contact being made with the terminals (they may have been 

bent when the batteries were inserted)?

 

Has the meter been dropped? If so it will need to be returned for repair.

Key to symbols 

Insert strip

When this symbol flashes, insert a test strip into the 
meter.

Low battery warning

 When this symbol appears the meter will still perform 
another 50 tests. You should replace the batteries.

Ambient temperature

The ambient temperature is/was outside the 
recommended range 10-40˚C (50-104˚F). The result 
will be stored in memory with this symbol. Do not make 
treatment decisions  based on this result.

Apply blood

Apply blood to the test strip.

Testing underway

Test is underway, await result.

Memory recall

Memory result recalled.

7. Troubleshooting

Key to error messages

EMC error

EMC error (electromagnetic field) move away from 
possible source e.g. mobile phone, microwave.

Flat battery

Flat battery, no test may be performed.

Calibration error

Out of calibration, return to supplier.

Check test strip

Damaged or used test strip or strip not fully inserted or 
the measurement optics are dirty. See section 

Caring 

for the meter - Cleaning

.

Too much light

Too much ambient light or strip removed during test. 
Move out of direct sunlight.

Memory card full

Replace with a new memory card from a fresh pack of 
test strips.

Note:

 

Some models will sound a warning chime  instead 

of E-4. 

Key to error messages

Faulty test strip

Faulty test strip. Check that you have stored and handled 
the test strips as instructed in the package insert.

Check memory card

Memory card not properly inserted or has a fault.

Memory card failure

Memory card cannot be read. Remove your card and 
reinsert. If the problem persists, you cannot use the card 
or test strips.

Incorrect temperature

Temperature outside permissable range. Tests cannot be 
performed outside permitted limits 5-45˚C (41 - 113˚F).

Test strip removed

Test strip removed during testing, repeat the test and 
leave test strip in the meter until the test is completed.

Strip inserted incorrectly 

Review test procedures or try inserting the strip BEFORE 
turning the meter on.

OR Blood applied too early

Blood applied too early, repeat the test and wait for the 
blood drop icon.

 

•  Use fresh test strip if drop of Control Solution has not completely wet test pad.
•  If the drop applied contained air bubbles, repeat the test.  

Storage and handling of control solution

•  Store the Control Solution between 4 and 30ºC (39 and 85ºF). 
•  Do not refrigerate.
•  Use before the expiration date shown on the label. 
•  Wipe the bottle tip and reseal tightly after each use.

Procedure:

 

To perform a Control Solution test, follow the same test 

procedure that is used for a blood glucose test, substituting Control 
Solution for a drop of blood. Refer to 

Performing a test

• Discard the first drop of Control Solution.
• If large bubbles are present at the tip of bottle, wipe off the bubbles with
   a clean tissue before applying a drop of Control Solution to the test strip.
• Apply one drop to the test strip.
• To avoid contaminating the Control Solution with enzyme, DO NOT 
   touch the test strip with the tip of the Control Solution bottle.

Expected results:

 

See Memory/Code card for the acceptable range of 

values. If result is within the stated range, the meter and test strips are 
performing correctly. If control result is outside the stated range, check 
that you have followed the correct procedures (see 

Sources of error

). After 

eliminating all potential sources of error, repeat the control test. If control 
result is still outside stated range after the second test, please call your NDP 
representative.

Sources of error:

 If test results fall outside the acceptable range, the test 

should be repeated. Results which fall outside the acceptable range may 
indicate user error, Control Solution or test strip expiration, Control Solution 
contamination, test strip deterioration, meter malfunction, or extremes in 
testing temperature. Refer to 

Troubleshooting

 for assistance. Ensure;

• That the test strip guide is clean (see 

Caring for the G5 meter

),

• That the test strips and Control Solution you used were correctly stored 
   (expiry date, storage conditions),
• That the meter, test strips and Control Solution were at the correct
    temperature during the control test. 

Betachek G5 Control Solutions

Checking the meter’s accuracy 

Special solutions of glucose are available as a quality check to verify 

the accuracy of your Betachek G5 blood glucose system.
BETACHEK

®

 G5 Control Solutions are water based solutions containing 

a known amount of glucose which when used in place of blood will 

react with BETACHEK

®

 G5 Test Strips. The Control Solution should 

give results within the expected range printed on the memory/coding 

card. Obtaining a result within the expected range is sufficient to verify 

system performance. 

When to carry out a control test:

 

• If you obtain unexpected results.

• After opening a new pack of test strips 

• After you have replaced the batteries.

•  After you have cleaned your meter.

• Whenever you suspect the meter or test strips may not be 

functioning properly.

Use of Control Solution is also recommended for teaching or learning 

how to use the system. 

Also required:

 BETACHEK

®

 G5 Meter and BETACHEK

®

 G5 Test Strips.

Chemical composition

1

Glucose

0.03

Buffer

0.70

Preservative

0.40

Non reactive constituents

18.00

Water

80.87

1

Values are expressed as a percentage by weight and vary depending on the control 

level.  Figures given are for control 1.

Precautions and limitations 

•  Do not allow Control Solution to enter the meter, use only on test strips.
•  Discard any unused Control Solution 3 months after opening. Note 
    the discard date on the Control Solution label.

Materials needed

Betachek G5 Meter

Test strips and the memory card supplied with the test strips

Lancing device with lancet

Preparation

Check test strips have not past the expiry date printed on the label. 

Inserting a lancet

Wash hands with warm soapy water. 
This removes traces of glucose from 
your hands that may contaminate 
the test sample. Warm water 
increases blood flow to your fingers 
to make it easier to obtain a blood 
drop without excessive squeezing.

Twist off protective lancet cover.

Firmly hold body, twist off head 

to expose lancet holder.

Gently pull out lancet holder.

Replace the head.

Select skin penetration depth 

by twisting selector until arrow 

points to desired number. 

1 = minimum  ;   5 = maximum

Note: After use, remove used lancet and replace the protective lancet cover onto 

the lancet tip. Dispose of lancet in a suitable sharps container

.

 

 

1

2

3

Arrow

Protective 

lancet cover

Lancet

enjector

Cocking

mechanism

Body

Head

Penetration

depth

selector

Lancet

holder

Release 

button

   

   

3

   

Lancing Pen

IMPORTANT: 

The lancing device is intended for personal use only.  It may 

only be used by one person for obtaining blood. If used by other people, 

there is a risk of infection being transmitted. 

Note:

•  

Hold the strip close to the middle 

AS SHOWN. DO NOT hold strip 

at the end, as you may kink or 

bend strip while inserting it.

Caution:

• Carefully insert the strip as far 

as it will go into the meter. 

• DO NOT bend or kink the strip 

as this will damage it.

• To avoid insertion errors (E7), 

insert strip before turning the 

meter on.

Example Only:

Step 2:

 

Obtain Blood Sample

 

When you are ready to perform  

a test, pull back cocking 

mechanism.

Push lancing device firmly 

against fingertip and press the 

release button to obtain blood 

sample.

Insert a new sterile lancet.

For safe removal of used lancet 

from lancing pen, twist of head 

to expose lancet holder.  Push 

the lancet ejector with thumb and 

simlutaneously pull back cocking 
mechansism.

BG5UM-ENG-JUL12

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