What happened to the Accu-chek Guide and its strip ejector?
Accu-chek Guide is being replaced by the Accu-chek Guide Me in many markets.
Roche Diabetes Care introduced the Accu-Chek Guide Me meter as a simpler and more affordable alternative to the original Accu-Chek Guide. However, a key difference is the absence of a strip ejection button in the Guide Me meter, which many users appreciated in the original Guide for hygienic strip disposal. In many countries Accu-chek Guide is no longer available.
The Guide Me still uses the same SmartPack vial system, which reduces strip spillage, but the lack of strip ejection may be seen as a drawback for users accustomed to the feature. The change likely reflects a trade-off between simplifying the device and reducing production costs.
The absence of a strip ejection feature in the Guide Me meter makes it challenging to remove the test strip without risking contact with blood. To maintain hygiene, it is advisable to use a tissue to remove the used test strip.
Unfortunately, the decision to prioritize lower-priced meters with fewer features, driven by market demands, has resulted in a step backward in terms of convenience.
For those seeking an alternative, the BETACHEK C50 blood glucose meter offers a unique solution by using a test cassette instead of traditional test strips. This design completely eliminates the need for test strip handling and disposal, providing a more convenient and hygienic option.