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today it is about one of my “blood-suckers” again. +grins+ Those of you who have read my report on diabetes are already aware of the matter: I suffer from type 1 diabetes and therefore have to check my blood-sugar level several times a day. As a measuring instrument for blood-sugar levels accompanies me day by day it should be to my liking and should be able to do everything I expect it to. Above all it should measure quickly as well as precisely. Furthermore, it should be small, light and of appealing design.

I got my AVIVA as a gift from Roche, since I have chatted with the guys of Roche during my stay at the Camp D (camp for diabetics, which took place in July 2006) and they were so kind to give me one of their testing instruments. :D I could choose between the COMPACT PLUS and the AVIVA and decided for the latter because of its size and short measure time. So I didn't pay anything. :)

Nevertheless, I of course have informed myself about how much I theoretically would have had to pay. At www.florian-mueller.de, an online shop for diabetics, which many diabetics I know have either already tested or are even ordering there regularly it is 40 EUR. One box with 50 test strips is 33,60 EUR. Control solution (in case one needs it at all) is 5,90 EUR.

Indeed, the prize is pretty high, however, similar to other measuring instruments. It's actually always the case that the test strips are almost as or even more expensive than the instrument itself, since the manufacturers make money out of the test strips as they have to be ordered regularly unlike the instruments. (Looking at those numbers I am extremely happy that I get my test strips prescribed. o_O)

A little hint aside: At Generation D (www.generation-d.de) you can test the instrument for free.

As regards current standards the AVIVA is quite small for a measuring instrument with a size of 9.4 x 5.3 x 2.2 cm (3.7 x 2.1 x 0.9 inch) (length – breadth – height). There are of course smaller instruments but the AVIVA has an extra large LCD. I don't necessarily need a large display but for elderly people, who cannot see properly any more or smaller children, who can deal better with larger numbers on the screen this is favourable. The AVIVA is designed in the Accu-Chek colours blue and silver, which to my mind looks good. Just as one is used to from Roche the workmanship is good as well. The screen is mar-resistant and apart from that my AVIVA has never fallen to pieces. (as it often happened to me with the ACCU CHEK SENSOR COMPLETE for instance ;) )

The AVIVA has 3 buttons: one right as well as a left button on the front and one on/off button at the upper part. If you press any button the measuring instrument is switched on and you can read back the saved blood-sugar values. By keeping the on/off button pressed you can change the settings:

● test reminder on/off: You can set up to 4 day times to be reminded of measuring the blood-sugar level. This function so far has been unknown to me, however, I think this is very convenient for younger children. This way the parents can adjust the times the child shall measure its blood-sugar level in school or kindergarten.

● hypoglycaemia warnings on/off: This function is new as well. You adjust a limit and get warned of hypoglycaemia whenever the value is lower. To my mind, this again is very convenient for small children, who don't really know what to make of the numbers on the screen.

Measuring the blood-sugar level with the AVIVA

● The only time-consuming action is the coding. There comes a code chip with every package of test strips, which you have to put into the intended place. The code chip has to be exchanged every time you use a new box of test strips. This is a bit annoying, however, it guarantees precise measuring results as the test strips are adjusted to their code chip.

● After you have pricked your finger (or other places for measuring) you touch the front rim of the test strip with it. The blood is sucked in automatically if you hold your finger correctly. I have often seen (for instance with nurses, who apparently are used to the really old instruments) that the drop of blood is applied on the test strip from above which isn't the case here. The AVIVA only needs the very small amount of 0.6 µl of blood. :)

Transfer of the Measured Values

You can also transfer the saved measured values to a computer or a hand-held to, for instance, draw up a profile of the day or week or to obtain a better general view of the development of the blood-sugar level. You need an infra-red interface and proper software at your computer or hand-held to transfer the data. Roche, for example, offers a software called Camit Pro, which is used by my diabetologist to analyse my measured blood-sugar values in the consultation hour. There is also a similar programme from Roche available for the hand-held, which I have already been able to test in the diabetics camp in 2003. :) Though, in those days there was no infra-red transfer possible. Unfortunately, I haven't tested the transfer of the measured values myself, yet, as I neither have the proper software nor does my computer have an infra-red interface. Since, however, my measured values are being read out at the diabetics outpatient department every time, I presume that the transfer works. ;)

... does the AVIVA get from me because the lighting is missing. :| Every time I want to measure in cinema or at night I have to take out my mobile to be able to see my value. High criticism for that!

4 out of 5 stars. I am very satisfied with the AVIVA: it suits all age groups, doesn't need a lot of blood, is small and measures in fabulous 5 seconds. However, to get 5 stars from me it should be able to glow. :( Furthermore, an automatic coding wouldn't be bad either.

Report of Experience with the Accu-Chek Aviva

Looks and Workmanship

Buttons and Menu

Measuring the blood-sugar level with the AVIVA

Transfer of the Measured Values

Criticism

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