Due to its convenient, all-in-one design, I favour this meter for my daily testing.
Excessive strip handling can cause errors due to contamination of test strips and individual strips can be somewhat tedious to handle. This is particularly true if you are elderly or handicapped which is the case for many diabetics.
The Compact Plus eliminates the fuss and makes readings less error prone by using preloaded, factory-sealed drums of 17 test strips. This means you don't have to handle the strips every single time you use the meter.
Changing drums is as simple as flipping the lid, pressing the release button, dumping the old drum and inserting a new one. Fast and simple.
The only thing I don't like about the arrangement is that the motor that operates the drum is a little noisy. But I'm guessing that it shouldn't be a problem for most people and the automated aspect of the strips more than offsets the minor annoyance.
The meter also keeps track of the strips and indicates how many are left at any given moment and the display tells you when it's time to reload a new drum.
Kudos to Roche for creating a meter that makes life a little easier for people living with diabetes.
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2. Integrated Lancet Device
This is another innovative feature of this meter. The "Softclix Plus" lancet device clips to the side of the meter so it's always there.
To test you simply press the top of the lancet, press the "M" button on the meter to produce a strip, prick your finger by depressing the top of the lancet again and then applying your blood drop to the strip. 5 seconds later, your reading is displayed.
The Softclix lancet device is one of the most gentle units I've ever used and I've never experienced any pain during testing.
3. Small blood sample needed
The strips will test with only 1.5 micro-litres of blood. That's about 1 micro-litre more than the Aviva, also by Roche, but I have never had an error due to an insufficient blood sample so it shouldn't be a problem for most people.
4. Speedy results
The meter requires only 5 seconds for the results to appear and also detects if insufficient blood has been applied . This can save unnecessary delays and reduce frustration.
5. Uses Standard Batteries
I'm not a fan of button cells because they can sometimes be hard to find and their life is not that great if you test a lot.
The Compact Plus uses standard "AAA" batteries that power many TV remote controls making them easy to replace and giving you good battery life.
They're cheap too, which is always good.
It's a small point, but really a nice added convenience.
5. Roche Customer Service
Roche customer care has been very attentive and and co-operative during times I've had to use them.
Cons:
1. High Cost of Test Strips
Cost for me is $87 to $97 Canadian for 102 test strips. American prices are comparable. This is a huge negative because the cost of the strips is the "hidden" cost of blood sugar testing. This is why Roche can afford so-called "Free" meter promotions and provide unpaid customer service. You've already paid for it by paying many times what it costs Roche to make test strips.
Expect to pay easily over $120/month when doing 5 or more tests per day with this meter. That's a pretty stiff fee if you don't have medical insurance.
2. Dim LCD Display
Actually, the display is fairly large and easy to read in a well lit room. However, the new Compact Plus now comes with a brighter LED display that makes reading much easier under adverse lighting conditions. If vision is a problem for you, you probably need the updated meter.
3. Skimpy Data Storage
The 300-test memory stores only around 2 months readings (based on 5 tests per day) along with date and time. A minimum amount of readings should be 3 months which is usually the same time period as an HbA1c test. This has been solved in the updated meter.
4. Data Connectivity and Software Costs Extra
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.
Considering the importance of charts and graphs for a proper diabetic care program, this should be provided either free or at very low cost in my opinion
Bottom Line:
Rating: 8/10
The Accu-Chek Compact Plus is my second favourite meter design at the moment only being outdone by its newer counterpart, the Compact Plus II. I'm constantly looking for products that will work better for me and this meter really delivers on simplified design and operation.
The integrated, removable Softclix finger pricker is convenient to use and helps keep everything in one place.
The display is big and easy to read but has been upgraded to an LED version in the newer meter. The newer meter also has an expanded memory of 500 readings which is a great enhancement.
Accessory-wise, I like the nice leatherette case that comes with it and a free cellular style leather case is currently available on the Roche website.
The price of the test strips is high at around $87 per 100 (at the time of writing) and I feel bad that I can't recommend this great glucose meter for anyone on a tight budget.
If Roche lowered the cost of the strips to a more reasonable price I would give it an 9/10.
It uses the same 17 strip drum so supplies will not cost you more.
One of the little niggles I found about this meter is that the lid for the test drum can be difficult to open. However, there's a simple solution. Instead of trying to lift from the case, just use your thumbnail and insert it into the crack near the testing area. Press in and gently lift up. The case should now open easily.
