Active Forward Contour Next EZ Diabetes Testing Kit, Contour Next EZ Blood Glucose Meter, 100 Contour Next Blood Glucose Test Strips, 100 Lancets, Lancing Device, Log Book and Carry Case

So, I was told by a health screen person at work that my blood glucose was higher than normal, and that my sedentary habit is the likely cause. I was told to be more active, exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, and cut down on sugar/carbs. To help me understand what affects blood glucose, I decided to buy a testing kit. After looking at a few options on Amazon, I purchased the Bayer Contour NEXT test kit, because it appeared to have everything one needs to do the test. I was leery because there was no review for this product, but it was a great deal with a name brand manufacturer.This kit didn't come with directions, which is not a big deal, since I was able to find it online easily. However, if you never used a blood glucose test kit, then you will probably need more instructions. You will find some good instructions on Youtube.All the components appear to be top quality and fits neatly into a zippered case that came with the kit. The electronic meter is well designed and simple to operate. The meter keeps a record of all tests with time stamp, displays the average value in mg/dL and number of tests performed. The test strips have an expiration date of about 1 year.Pros:This kit does not require the user to enter a code for different batches of test strips.Repeated tests done immediately give fairly reproducible numbers (within +\- 8).Comes with everything you need to run 100 tests.Nice zippered pack that can hold enough for 50 tests.Very economical at less than $40.Cons:You have to lance your finger every time you want to check your glucose level (same with all other kits, so maybe not really a con).No directions came with the kit.No reference glucose solution came with the kit (you can buy one separately), but the meter is accurate so you may not need one.Here is the sequence of running a test:Sterilize a finger tip with an alcohol pad (best to use your ring finger, since you don't use this finger that much).Insert a new lance into the spring loaded lancing device, twist off the cap of the lance, close the device and set puncture depth (I use almost the maximum setting).Insert a new test strip into the meter to turn it on.Your finger should be dry by now, so put the loaded lance device on the sterilized area and push the button to produce a small drop of blood.Touch the blood port of the test strip with the drop of blood on your finger to load the test strip and automatically start the test.Wait 5 seconds for the result to be displayed (normal is about 100mg/dL).Wipe your finger tip with the alcohol pad you used before the test, stick the sharp tip of the used lance into the center of the cap/disk before discarding with the used test strip.Over all, I'm very happy with this kit. Now I can test how different food or activity changes my blood glucose.

When I received my glucose metering kit from Bayer it looked like so many others I have had or had seen. Consequently, I took a rather mundane approach towards my new meter. The shape, the strips, the case all were of the standard fare, but then again why change something that works, right? It is always good to read the manual, which I did, so new surprises crop up without some kind of preparedness. However, what I wasn't prepared for was the ease of use that that the Contour Next afforded. I doesn't seem as it could be any different that so many others, but it was. Those "standard fare" items (except for the case of which I am not a fan ... More on that later) proved to be quite a pleasant surprise. It was very nice to see a small bottle of control solution packaged in the kit. That was something that was missing from my previous meters. Thank you Bayer. The finger pricker (call it what you may, it is what it is) was very nice to use,especially the dished out cupped portion of the business end. It nestled over my finger for a secure contact and the depth of puncture was very adjustable and very accurate. The strips, oh yes the strips, easily collected the droplet of blood with out hesitation or fuss. It was amazing and it also meant that one did not need a large droplet in order to acquire a reading. It was so smooth. No fiddling around trying to get the strip to suck up the blood sample. A true vampire. Also, the strips are reasonably priced which was one of the two attributes I was looking for in a glucose meter. The other being accuracy. I have not tested the accuracy to that taken in a professional setting, but the readings are consistent and the control solution registered at 120, so I am confident in its ability to give excellent feedback. The case? I have never been happy with these type of cases especially the slick nylon that is used, but I understand the economic and durability issues so I'll endure it or find a replacement. It is nothing to quibble over, just a personal preference.So there it is, a very nice product that does what it does and does it well at a good price making it an excellent value. I am extremely glad that I purchased the Bayer Contour Next Complete Diabetes Kit. It is always a pleasure to find something that meets both your expectations and needs and will around for a long time. I hope this review helps you in your quest. I wasn't sure when I ordered it, but I am sure now.