For your convenience, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about Bayer’s CONTOUR® USB meter and Bayer’s GLUCOFACTS® DELUXE diabetes management software.
Navigate to the FAQ section that interests you using the Table of Contents on the right, or scroll through them all for a more complete look at how to get the most out of using the CONTOUR USB meter from Bayer.
If you have a problem and none of the FAQs or problem solving messages on the meter help, please do not hesitate to call Bayer Diabetes Support. We use our professional expertise and experience to offer advice and information you can trust. No query is too trivial. When in doubt, just ask. Call us on 0845 600 6030 (UK) or 1 890 920 111 (Ireland) from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
Q: Some screens have a “Done” button. If I do not press “Done”, are my changes still accepted by the meter?
A: Yes, even if you do not press “Done”, the changes are accepted. However, using this feature will help preserve battery charge.
Q: On some screens, there is a “Go Back” button. Is this different from using the Menu to go back?
A: No, on most screens the menu button does function as a Go Back button, except in the case where there is not a prior screen, such as the Apply Blood screen.
Q: I pressed the Menu button but nothing happened. I thought I could use the Menu button as a “Go Back” button.
A: On most screens, the Menu button does function as a “Go Back” button. However, it does not function on the Apply Blood screen, Reminder Countdown, Big Number animation, transient screens and AutoLog screen.
Q: How do I turn the meter on/off?
A: To turn the meter on, press and hold the Menu button until the meter turns on or insert a test strip. To turn the meter off, press and hold the Menu button for approximately 2 seconds.
Q: Can I use my CONTOUR® USB meter for storing other diabetes information?
A: Yes, Bayer’s CONTOUR® USB meter contains approximately 500 MB of extra memory you can use to store personal diabetes files and information. It appears on your computer as a removable disk named “CONTOUR USB” when you insert your meter into the USB port. You can use this memory while your battery is charging. When you read or write to the memory, the strip port light flashes quickly.
Q: Do I need to use the USB cable?
A: The USB extension cable is included for your convenience when charging your meter or connecting to a computer. If you wish to test immediately after disconnecting from your computer, please use the USB cable.
Q: How do I get Bayer's CONTOUR Test Strips?
A:
Bayer’s CONTOUR® test strips are available on prescription. Simply ask your GP to update your prescription to Bayer’s CONTOUR® test strips, PIP code 304-0279, GMS code 81537.
Q: How do I get to the main menu after performing a test?
A: Simply pull the strip out and press and hold the menu button.
Q: Can I re-use the test strips?
A: No, you should not re-use the test strips. The test strip is designed for one time use only. You should always discard a test strip after use.
Q: Do I have to close the bottle every time I remove a test strip?
A: Yes, the bottle is designed to keep the test strips dry. Exposure to room humidity from leaving the bottle open or not storing them in the original bottle can damage your test strips.
Q: How do I turn the test strip port light on?
A: When the meter is off, press the Menu button twice with one second between each press. Now you can see the test strip port to insert the test strip which will turn the meter on. Press the Menu button twice to turn the light off.
Q: I do not see the battery status indicator displayed on every screen. Is this correct?
A: Yes, the battery status indicator is only displayed on the Menu and Apply Blood screens.
Q: How long will my fully charged battery last?
A: A fully charged battery should last for at least one month (5 tests each day).
Q: How do I know when I need to charge my meter?
A:
As the battery is used, the battery symbol on the screen gradually shows less fill colour. The colour of the battery fill turns yellow when the battery is low and then red when your battery is almost out of charge.
A series of low battery alerts will tell you that the battery is low and to charge soon.
If you do not charge the battery, a display will alert you: “Shutting down, Battery is dead”. Charge immediately.
Q: Can I check the progress as my meter charges?
A: Yes, if you press the Menu button while the meter is plugged in, it will display the charging status.
Q: How do I charge my meter?
A: A USB cable has been provided for your convenience. It is recommended to use a high-power USB port to charge Bayer’s CONTOUR® USB meter. If the charging status displays “Low Power Charging,” try a different USB port on your computer or use the optional wall charger. Please be aware that USB ports in some computers and self-powered USB hubs can become much warmer than the room. A USB cable has been provided for your convenience. If you wish to test immediately after disconnecting your meter from your computer, please use the USB cable to charge your meter so your meter will not get too hot.
Q: How long does the meter take to fully charge?
A: Normal charging is expected to take up to 2 hours in a high-power USB port. When charging is finished, the test strip port light will turn off.
Q: Can I perform a test while the battery is charging?
A: No, but as as soon as rapid charge is completed you can disconnect the meter at any time to perform a test. Rapid charge takes about one minute.
Q: How often should I charge the meter?
A: The battery status will be displayed with a battery symbol on the Apply Blood screen and the Main Menu screen. It shows how much battery is left. As the battery is used, the battery symbol on the screen gradually shows less fill color. The colour of the battery turns yellow when the battery is low and then red when your battery is almost out of charge. A series of low battery alerts will tell you that the battery is low and to charge soon.
Q: What is AutoLog?
A: Your meter comes with a simple AutoLog feature that lets you mark your test result as Before Meal or After Meal during the 5 second test countdown. You can select No Mark if you are testing at times other than before or after a meal. Your meter comes with AutoLog turned on.
Q: I have just performed a test. After the test my meter does not show a result. Why?
A: Bayer’s CONTOUR® USB meter comes preset with AutoLog turned on. When AutoLog is on you need to press either “Before Meal”, “After Meal” or “No Mark” to show a result.
Q: How many results can the Logbook hold?
A: The Logbook can hold a maximum of 2,000 test results. When the maximum number of results is reached, the oldest entry is deleted. So you always have the most recent test results stored.
Q: Can (how do) I delete a test result?
A: You cannot delete results from the meter memory.
Q: I changed the date/time format on my CONTOUR® USB meter from Bayer and now when I look at the Logbook, all of my entries are in the new format. Is this correct?
A: Yes, if you modify the date and/or time format in Setup and save it, this change is reflected in all of the past Logbook entries. Meter date/time format can also be changed using Bayer’s GLUCOFACTS® DELUXE diabetes management software.
Q: If AutoLog is On and I select “No Mark”, are these tests counted as part of my total number of tests in Trends?
A: Yes, these tests are included in the total number of tests.
Q: While looking at Trends, I only see a 14 Day Results screen. Why?
A: If you have had AutoLog set to Off, the only screen that will display is the 14 Day Results screen.
Q: How can I see my 14 Day Before Meal and After Meal result as well as my 7 and 30 Day results?
A: In order to see those results you need to have AutoLog turned on.
Q: I set the Reminder On, but the icon is not displaying on all screens. Is the Reminder really on?
A: Yes, the reminder is On; however, the Reminder icon only displays on the Menu, Setup, Reminder, Logbook screens.
Q: If I set the sound to Off and I have a reminder set, will the meter generate sound?
A: Yes, the meter will generate a series of beeps.
Q: If I set the sound to Off and I receive a High/Low result, will the meter generate sound?
A: Yes, the meter will generate a sound.
Q: Is there a minimum and/or maximum amount of time that a reminder can be set for?
A: Yes, the minimum amount of time that the reminder can be set is for 15 minutes; the maximum amount of time is 23 hours and 45 minutes.
Q: Can I set a next test reminder?
A: Yes, a reminder for your next test can be set after testing or from the Setup menu.
Q: Will the Reminder still sound when my meter is plugged into my computer?
A: No, if the reminder comes due when a meter is connected to your computer, it will not sound. But, if the reminder comes due when a meter is connected to your computer, and then you disconnect the meter from computer within 15 minutes of when the reminder is supposed to turn on, then the reminder will alert you as soon as the meter is disconnected. Otherwise, the reminder will be off.
Q: If I mark After Meal can I specify time?
A: Yes, with AutoLog turned on if you select After Meal, you can record Time After Meal. Simply press Notes in the Result screen and Time After Meal is an option. The default Time After Meal is 2 Hours. By scrolling up or down you can change the default to between 15 minutes and 3 hours.
Q: If I mark After Meal can I specify time?
A: Yes, with AutoLog turned on if you select After Meal, you can record Time After Meal. Simply press Notes in the Result screen and Time After Meal is an option. The default Time After Meal is 2 Hours. By scrolling up or down you can change the default to between 15 minutes and 3 hours.
Q: What are Notes for?
A: Notes may be added to your test result to help explain results. Your notes will be saved in the Logbook. You can add notes by pressing the Notes button from the test result screen and select from the drop-down menu.
Q: I forgot to add a Note that I was “Sick” and my test is now recorded in the Logbook. Is there any way I can add this note now to the test result?
A: No, once the test result is recorded in the Logbook on Bayer’s CONTOUR® USB meter, you cannot add a Note. However, Bayer’s GLUCOFACTS® DELUXE diabetes management software gives you the ability to manually add notes which are only visible in your Logbook Reports.
Q: Is there a maximum number of Notes that I can add to my test result?
A: You can add multiple notes to one test result. However, some Notes are mutually exclusive (Before Meal/ After Meal).
Q: Is there diabetes management software available for Bayer’s CONTOUR® USB meter?
A: Yes, GLUCOFACTS® DELUXE software is installed on Bayer’s CONTOUR® USB meter. Plug your meter into your computer for access to helpful reports of your stored data. Don't forget to check the Solutions Centre for details of the latest GLUCOFACTS DELUXE updates.
Q: Why is Bayer’s CONTOUR® USB meter showing my test result along with a notification of “High Blood Sugar” or “Low Blood Sugar”?
A: Your meter has been preset with default hypoglycemic (low blood glucose below 3.9 mmol/L) and hyperglycemic (high blood glucose above 13.9 mmol/L) values. These default values can be customised by you and/or your healthcare professional using the GLUCOFACTS® DELUXE software on your computer.