BG meter switch - Finetest Lite

[danielmg]

Hi All,

I've just had my prescription switched to Finetest lite (Neon Diagnostics) BG test strips. I had just recently switched to FS Optium from Contour Next, however, these test strips, unbeknown to me, cost significantly more than Finetest or Contour. I, therefore, didn't have much choice in being prescribed the more financially sensible option. As I have started with FS Libre last September, I am ok with this, however, I've never used products from this manufacturer, so unsure of accuracy and reliability.

Does anyone have experience with Finetest lite test strips - what are your thoughts in comparison to other devices you've used?

Thank you for any support as always.

 

[grovesy]

Never heard of it or seen it mentioned.

 

[Bruce Stephens]

I'm sure the test strips conform to the current ISO accuracy standard. Don't know anything else about it (whether the machine is convenient to use or whatever).

Might be worth pushing back a bit on FS Optium: presuming you use the FS Reader to upload your results, that'll include test strip results so you and your team can see them on the same graphs. (Those test strips are also required if you want to use the Reader's bolus calculator, so you might be able to use that as an argument too.)

 

[danielmg]

I'm sure the test strips conform to the current ISO accuracy standard. Don't know anything else about it (whether the machine is convenient to use or whatever).

Might be worth pushing back a bit on FS Optium: presuming you use the FS Reader to upload your results, that'll include test strip results so you and your team can see them on the same graphs. (Those test strips are also required if you want to use the Reader's bolus calculator, so you might be able to use that as an argument too.)

Thank you Bruce. Yes hopefully BG results are within the required +/- 0.83mmol/l range. I think initially they were trying to stop either the test strips or Libre, so I felt unable to persuade (at that stage) on the positive of FS Optium using the same reader as Libre, and as you mentioned, viewing all results on the same graphs via Libreview.

I have a follow-up appt. with the Diabetes Consultant late next month, so will ask for advice on best solution going forward. I think I may be able to reduce the amount of BG tests per day, but only if the Libre continues working correctly. I had almost a week without last week due to a sensor failure, so would certainly need some test strips at the very least as a back up.

 

[danielmg]

Never heard of it or seen it mentioned.

I had to search for it whilst on the phone, as initially, I thought they said 'Freestyle Lite'. Checked my online NHS prescription however and shows as Freestyle Lite.

 

[Bruce Stephens]

so would certainly need some test strips at the very least as a back up.

Yes! Must always have test strips at some times (even the Libre manual says that).

Finetest Lite certainly exists. I guess it's just not that widely prescribed, or maybe it works OK so people don't mention it. (Kind of like the various Accu-Chek meters: they work fine so there's not normally anything much to say. The Accu-Chek FastClix lancet devices on the other hand are really good: definitely worth trying if anyone hasn't.)

 

[danielmg]

I wonder if the Accu-chek FastClix lancets are similar to the cost of 'regular' lancets via prescription? I currently have 'Greenlan' lancets, which I suspect are quite inexpensive as each individual lancet differs in size - some are absolutely huge and others are literally just a blunt piece of plastic.

 

[grovesy]

I wonder if the Accu-chek FastClix lancets are similar to the cost of 'regular' lancets via prescription? I currently have 'Greenlan' lancets, which I suspect are quite inexpensive as each individual lancet differs in size - some are absolutely huge and others are literally just a blunt piece of plastic.

I don' know about them on prescription as I self fund them and buy when Boots have them on offer! They do cost alot more than other lancets over the counter.

 

[danielmg]

I don' know about them on prescription as I self fund them and buy when Boots have them on offer! They do cost alot more than other lancets over the counter.

May ask about Freestyle lancets at next appt. I'm certainly in favour of NHS and local surgeries monitoring costs strictly, especially at times such as these, although I think per person costs try to get balanced by offering, shall we say, less well-known or reputable items.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

I only ever use Roche/Accu-chek lancing devices whichever meter I use. Mind you I don’t think my level of new lancet use will be troubling the bean counters any time soon!

It sounds like your meter isn’t being changed then? IMO meters and strips should ONLY be changes after a thorough conversation with the person about the new meter. Meters aren’t all the same, and some have functions or facilities that make them more suitable for individuals.

 

[helli]

I use the Freestyle Optimum meter and have argued to keep it because it does ketone tests as well as BG. If I had a separate meter for ketones, I would not carry it with me.
I also have the Libre reader which uses the same strips. Another argument for keeping the Freestyle Optimum is that I have a spare meter that uses the same strips in case my main one fails.
It has been hammered into me that I need back up incase my pen/pump fails but it was only when I asked that it was agreedI should have a back up meter.

 

[danielmg]

I only ever use Roche/Accu-chek lancing devices whichever meter I use. Mind you I don’t think my level of new lancet use will be troubling the bean counters any time soon!

It sounds like your meter isn’t being changed then? IMO meters and strips should ONLY be changes after a thorough conversation with the person about the new meter. Meters aren’t all the same, and some have functions or facilities that make them more suitable for individuals.

Thank you @everydayupsandowns. I had spoken with the pharmacist who works at my GP surgery, and I do believe I've had my BG test strips switch already, and will be asked to collect a new compatible meter from the surgery soon. As my previous test strips (Contour Next) were approximately the same cost, I thought It would have made more economic sense to stay on these if anything, given I already have 2 meters for these strips. I've also used Contour Next since diagnosis, so I am already used to the correlation between this and Livre readings. I do remember the surgery trying to prescribe me the same meter when I was first diagnosed, however, there was some push back from the DSN/Consutlant about this.

@helli This is my exact thinking also. It would be much more manageable, for me personally at least, to have 1 reader which can monitor fluid and blood glucose, as well as blood ketones. I understand that the strips cost more for the surgery, however, If I were to reduce my reliance on BG over time, I should be able to cut down my monthly requirement (currently approx. 200), and therefore the overall cost of my prescription.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

If you don’t want to switch, haven’t asked to switch and see no benefit for you in the switch I would ask to remain on the meter that suits you best.

these sorts of blanket changes really shouldn’t happen.

 

[danielmg]

If you don’t want to switch, haven’t asked to switch and see no benefit for you in the switch I would ask to remain on the meter that suits you best.

these sorts of blanket changes really shouldn’t happen.

Yes, it seems strange that when speaking with the Diabetes Clinic, it makes perfect sense, for my own monitoring at least, to have 1 device that I can use to upload all results remotely for upcoming appointments/reviews. This change just seems to have no positive benefit (a downgrade if anything) and purely a cost-saving measure.

The surgery had 'accidentally' issued a prescription for FS Optium test strips, of which I have 4-5 boxes at the moment. I may see if these, along with my remaining Contour Next strips, will last until my follow-up appt. next month, and avoid using the Finetest lite. I don't wish to collect a new meter that I may only use for a short while, when it is not possible to return, be thrown out, and could be used by another patient instead.

 

[Ljc]

I wouldn’t wait if I were you I suggest you phone your DSN or Consultant to let them know about this unwanted change of meter.
I self find my Libre and the strips atm I also have a spare meter that uses the same strips .
To me it makes sense to be able to use the Libre reader to its fullest extent, bolus calculation, downloading results . I doubt if your diabetes team will be very happy about this change either

Gp practices shouldn’t be doing blanket changes like this .
Mine changed my needles once, I did give the a try but the bruises weren’t worth it so I am back with my good ones again

 

[danielmg]

I wouldn’t wait if I were you I suggest you phone your DSN or Consultant to let them know about this unwanted change of meter.
I self find my Libre and the strips atm I also have a spare meter that uses the same strips .
To me it makes sense to be able to use the Libre reader to its fullest extent, bolus calculation I doubt if your diabetes team will be very happy about this change either

Gp practices shouldn’t be doing blanket changes like this .
Mine changed my needles once, I did give the a try but the bruises weren’t worth it so I am back with my good ones again

Thank you @Ljc. I may call up the clinic today - I suppose it's better to 'nip in the bud' earlier than wait and presume that the change is ok with everyone. I don't see it as a 'massive' issue, I'm grateful to get the items and medication I do on prescription, but as you say, it makes sense to use Libre to the fullest extent.

 

[danielmg]

Update: Just spoke to Diabetes Clinic - apparently the Finetest Lite device/test strips aren't suitable for monitoring of T1D. It's a little annoying that I would be prescribed this just because it is the cheapest option, with no consideration for result validity or reliability. I'll have to call the GP surgery to switch to a more suitable device (Glucomen Areo 2K was recommended).

 

[Ljc]

Update: Just spoke to Diabetes Clinic - apparently the Finetest Lite device/test strips aren't suitable for monitoring of T1D. It's a little annoying that I would be prescribed this just because it is the cheapest option, with no consideration for result validity or reliability. I'll have to call the GP surgery to switch to a more suitable device (Glucomen Areo 2K was recommended).

That’s why I suggested you contact your clinic, I’ve seen the same thing happen many times in here.
The trouble is most Gp staff don’t understand T1 mind you LADA foxes them too lol
I trust they are going to contact your Gp ractice to put them right.

 

[grovesy]

Update: Just spoke to Diabetes Clinic - apparently the Finetest Lite device/test strips aren't suitable for monitoring of T1D. It's a little annoying that I would be prescribed this just because it is the cheapest option, with no consideration for result validity or reliability. I'll have to call the GP surgery to switch to a more suitable device (Glucomen Areo 2K was recommended).

I did think when I looked at on the web at that it looked old fashioned and very basic to me.

 

[danielmg]

That’s why I suggested you contact your clinic, I’ve seen the same thing happen many times in here.
The trouble is most Gp staff don’t understand T1 mind you LADA foxes them too lol
I trust they are going to contact your Gp ractice to put them right.

Thank you for recommending this. Yes I believe the DSN is going to contact the surgery to let them know. I just have to wait for this before requesting to switch 'officially'.
I am going to try only BG testing pre-meals or before injections, as I am quite pleased with the overall result correlations from the Libre. This may, in the future, make sense to prescribe the FS Optium test strips if I only use 100/month instead of 200 (less costly to the surgery).