The Accu-Check Aviva glucose meter is a popular measuring device made by Roche Diagnostics.
I've used this meter for over 2 years, so I'm very familiar with its pros and cons.
It features a compact profile that fits easily into the palm of any sized hand and sure grip that's important, especially for people with less nimble hands like the elderly.
Flash Product Tour (opens in a new window)
Aviva User Manual (*requires Adobe Acrobat)
Features:
Pros:
1. Small blood sample needed
Over many tests, measuring blood sugar can become painful if you need to test frequently. Anything that will reduce the amount of finger poking necessary to get an accurate reading will help to reduce wear and tear on your finger-tips and eliminate pain.
The Accu-Check Aviva monitor requires much less blood than many other glucose meters and the wide, user-friendly test strip only needs a tiny 0.6 micro-litre drop of blood which helps make testing quick and nearly pain free.
... 2. Speedy results The advanced, accurate system technology takes only 5 seconds for the results to appear and also detects if insufficient blood has been applied . This saves unnecessary delays. 3. Excellent Lancet Device The lancet that comes with the Aviva is a high-quality, innovative Multiclix finger pricker that allows for almost pain-free test samples. I like it so much I use it with all the other meters I own instead of the ones that come with other meters. There's no lancet handling, and it's easily disposed of in household waste. 4. Ample Data Storage The large 500-test memory stores more than 3 months readings (based on 5 tests per day) along with date and time. Because of this, it can be used as a reliable data backup when used in conjunction with diabetes management software. 5. Wireless Infrared Data Connectivity Data management via infra-red (compatible with Accu-Chek software) which is a separate purchase of $39.95 plus you'll need the $19.95 Infrared cable. 6. Roche Customer Service In my experience, Roche customer service is very attentive and and co-operative. They really strive to solve your problems in a speedy and effective way. They've been good both times that I had to use them. Cons: 1. High Cost of Test Strips Cost for me is $85 to $90 Canadian for 100 strips. U.S. prices are comparable. This is a big negative because the cost of the strips is really the true cost of doing blood sugar tests. This is why they can afford "Free" meter promotions and have great customer service. Expect to pay easily over $100/month when doing 5 or more tests per day. 2. Individual Strips Are a Pain When I first got this meter, I spilled the strips all over the floor and had to pick them up. They're a little clumsy in my opinion. Not really ideal for someone that might be impaired. Excess strip handling can also affect your results due to fingertip residue if you accidentally touch the test end of the strip. If you have any concerns about this, try a meter like the Accu-Chek Compact which uses strips that come in drums of 17 strips each. It makes strip handling a breeze and avoids any possibility of contamination of the strips due to handling. 3. Dim LCD Display Actually, the display is fairly large and easy to read in a well lit room. However, some meters are now coming with brighter LED displays that make reading much easier in a variety of lighting conditions. I'd like to see some improvement in this area. Bottom Line: Rating: 7/10 I like the Accu-Chek Aviva because of it's small size and fast, accurate testing. The Multiclix finger pricker is top of the line and I wish other companies would come out with similar units of their own. The price of the test strips is high at around $85 per 100 (at the time of writing) and I wouldn't recommend this glucose meter for anyone having financial problems. If Roche lowered the cost of the strips to a more reasonable price I would give it an 8/10.
