Sensor error – repeat accuracy

[danielmg]

I would be surprised if you would get them on prescription when Abbott don't recommend using them.
I am also of the opinion that if you need over the counter stuff you should get it yourself rather than put extra strain on limited NHS funding.... but that is just my thoughts for my own situation. I appreciate that some people will be struggling to fund even basics so it is up to the individual to decide what they need the NHS to provide for them and then their GP/nurse to decide if they agree.

This was my thought as well. Just unsure if other users of libre have this on prescription. How well does the tape you use fare? Do you need to replace it often or does it last the same lifetime as the sensor? This tape seems more financially viable than Tegaderm, but then again you may only use 1/2 patches per sensor.

 

[rebrascora]

The Micropore tape for me, once it is applied, lasts until the sensor dies, so only one application of tape for each sensor if I put it on at day 7 and make sure my arm is dry and it goes on before bed so it has all night to warm up and adhere well. I haven't tried it for any longer than 7 days because I haven't felt it necessary.
I buy Micropore by the box of 12 or 24 because I use it on my hands all the time for cracked skin... I have really dry skin and I work outdoors so my skin is always breaking open. I once made the mistake of buying a cheaper alternative (Morrisons own brand I think) which was rubbish and wouldn't stick well at all, so always but branded Micropore now.

 

[mikeyB]

One adhesion problem for men is hair on the outside of the arm. If you don't shave the area first (with an electric rather than a blade shaver) it's more likely not to last. I also have to take care slipping the braces off when getting undressed or going to the loo. Not a common problem, but I find belts are uncomfortable in a wheelchair.

 

[rebrascora]

If you think braces are a threat, bra straps and sports tops are even worse.
I also have long hair and when I am washing my hair in the shower, a strand can get caught under a slightly raised edge on the sensor and act like a cheese wire, causing it to lift.

 

[danielmg]

The Micropore tape for me, once it is applied, lasts until the sensor dies, so only one application of tape for each sensor if I put it on at day 7 and make sure my arm is dry and it goes on before bed so it has all night to warm up and adhere well. I haven't tried it for any longer than 7 days because I haven't felt it necessary.
I buy Micropore by the box of 12 or 24 because I use it on my hands all the time for cracked skin... I have really dry skin and I work outdoors so my skin is always breaking open. I once made the mistake of buying a cheaper alternative (Morrisons own brand I think) which was rubbish and wouldn't stick well at all, so always but branded Micropore now.

Thank you for the recommendation. Just purchased 4 rolls of this tape, should hopefully last a long time. Is it best to place in a triangle around the sensor (without blocking the middle part of the sensor itself)?

 

[trophywench]

Why would lying on the back of your arm compress a sensor applied to the underside of your upper arm?

 

[danielmg]

Why would lying on the back of your arm compress a sensor applied to the underside of your upper arm?

Is the underside, in this case, not the back of the arm? In any case, when I sleep on my side, my arm (where the sensor is applied) compresses into the mattress. This may be either directly into the mattress or at a peculiar angle to cause some occasional discomfort. I've noticed this when I've had the sensor applied slightly lower down my arm than otherwise.

 

[rebrascora]

I find the triangle covers all the edges of the sensor well to keep it secure whilst leaving the centre hole exposed. You could try using just 2 pieces. I just find 3 in a triangle works well for me with my shape of arm.

 

[danielmg]

I find the triangle covers all the edges of the sensor well to keep it secure whilst leaving the centre hole exposed. You could try using just 2 pieces. I just find 3 in a triangle works well for me with my shape of arm.

Good idea. I'll certainly try this once the tape arrives. I bought the 1.25cm thickness, which should (?) be ok.

 

[rebrascora]

Unfortunately not. It is not wide enough to provide plenty of overlap You really want inch tape (2.5cm)

 

[danielmg]

Unfortunately not. It is not wide enough to provide plenty of overlap You really want inch tape (2.5cm)

Not actually sure why I thought it would be. Just got a couple of 2.5cm rolls, and i'll put the 1.25cm rolls in my first aid kit for use. I also get very dry hands at work so may be handy for this as well.

 

[rebrascora]

I use 1.25 for taping my finger ends when they split, so I am sure if you have similar problems you will use them up.

 

[Robin]

I use narrow micropore, if I think my sensor is lifting, I put two parallel strips, one either side of the hole in the sensor, and tape it to my arm with a couple of inches overlap, (stuck round my arm not up and down it). It keeps it in place so I don’t catch it on clothing (bra straps are the worst, if the sensor is lifting, they can 'slice' it off)) though I must say, at the end of the two weeks, it’s normally the micropore that’s peeling, and the sensor is still clinging like a limpet.

 

[danielmg]

I use narrow micropore, if I think my sensor is lifting, I put two parallel strips, one either side of the hole in the sensor, and tape it to my arm with a couple of inches overlap, (stuck round my arm not up and down it). It keeps it in place so I don’t catch it on clothing (bra straps are the worst, if the sensor is lifting, they can 'slice' it off)) though I must say, at the end of the two weeks, it’s normally the micropore that’s peeling, and the sensor is still clinging like a limpet.

I've got both sizes to try (once arrived), so I can hopefully test with both. I'm sure the tape will work well as it has done with you guys.

 

[danielmg]

Update: Just called Abbott and a replacement sensor is going to be sent in the next 1-5 days. Excellent customer support and service from Abbott. They did say to stop using the current sensor, so I'll probably take this off now. Quick question, If you can scan a sensor for the first time before the previous one had expired, will there just be a standard 60min calibration time, or has anyone had problems with this in the past?

 

[Robin]

Update: Just called Abbott and a replacement sensor is going to be sent in the next 1-5 days. Excellent customer support and service from Abbott. They did say to stop using the current sensor, so I'll probably take this off now. Quick question, If you can scan a sensor for the first time before the previous one had expired, will there just be a standard 60min calibration time, or has anyone had problems with this in the past?

Yes, it isn’t a problem, if the reader still thinks there’s a current sensor, and you scan a new one, it'll ask the question, 'new sensor detected. Scan new sensor?' Then if you click 'yes', it starts the new one with the normal 60 minute start up period.

 

[Fagor]

Replaced sensor one day early – 4 consecutive scans gave “sensor error” today, after several over previous days. Won't be contacting Abbott about the errors as near expiry.

All errors except one have occurred with sensor on left arm. I tend to lean on left arm, possibly putting pressure on the sensor. Shall continue to monitor.

 

[danielmg]

Replaced sensor one day early – 4 consecutive scans gave “sensor error” today, after several over previous days. Won't be contacting Abbott about the errors as near expiry.

All errors except one have occurred with sensor on left arm. I tend to lean on left arm, possibly putting pressure on the sensor. Shall continue to monitor.

This sounds similar to the error I experienced (also with sensor on my left arm). Abbott were really helpful in dealing with the replacement. I think it would still be worth contacting them @Fagor as they do provide packaging (with replacement sensor free of charge) to return the faulty sensor for further investigation.