Contour Meters Use Universal Lancets Compatible with Most Lancing Devices
Contour blood glucose meters do not require specific proprietary lancets and are compatible with standard universal lancets used in most lancing devices.
Lancet Compatibility for Contour Meters
Contour blood glucose monitoring systems are designed with user convenience in mind, allowing flexibility in lancet choice. Here's what you need to know:
- Contour meters typically come with their own lancing device, but the lancet itself is a standard universal design
- The meters use a traditional finger-stick method for blood sample collection 1
- Any standard universal lancet that fits most lancing devices will work with Contour meters
Understanding Contour Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems
Contour meters are part of the blood glucose monitoring (BGM) ecosystem that includes:
- The meter device itself
- Test strips (which are proprietary to Contour)
- Lancing device (comes with the meter)
- Lancets (universal compatibility)
The Contour system uses glucose dehydrogenase/flavin dinucleotide chemistry with automatic test strip calibration 2. Various models include:
- Contour TS
- Contour XT (called Contour NEXT EZ in the US)
- Contour NEXT LINK
- Contour NEXT USB
- Contour NEXT LINK 2.4 (which can wirelessly connect with insulin pumps) 3, 4
Performance and Accuracy
Contour meters have demonstrated excellent accuracy in clinical studies:
- The Contour NEXT LINK 2.4 fulfilled 100% of ISO 15197:2013 accuracy criteria in Japanese individuals 3
- The Contour TS system achieved 97.9% accuracy when used by patients and 98.6% when used by healthcare professionals 2
- The newer Contour NEXT platform has shown improved accuracy compared to prior-generation blood glucose meter systems 5
Important Considerations When Using Lancets
When using lancets with your Contour meter, keep these points in mind:
- Always use a new, sterile lancet for each test to prevent infection
- Never share lancets or lancing devices with others 1
- Dispose of used lancets properly in a sharps container
- Adjust the depth setting on your lancing device based on your skin thickness and sensitivity
- Replace lancets regularly as they become dull after repeated use
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
To ensure accurate readings with your Contour meter:
- Only use unexpired test strips (not lancets) as expired strips may give incorrect results 1
- Ensure your hands are clean and dry before testing
- Apply sufficient blood to the test strip
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific Contour model
- Be aware that certain medications and conditions can affect readings 6
- Remember that portable glucose meters should not be used for diagnosing diabetes 6
By understanding the universal compatibility of lancets with Contour meters, you can focus on maintaining good glycemic control while having flexibility in your choice of lancets.