The ACCU-CHEK Aviva Plus Blood Glucose Meter positions itself as the most accurate and least painful option for users. The other cool aspect of the Aviva Plus is that it is the first meter/lancet/test strip combo to receive an “Ease of Use” award from the Arthritis Foundation. Other individual meters, etc., have received this award, but not for the entire package of items you will need to test your blood.
How does the Aviva Plus do all this? Let’s find out.
But first, one quick notation. The Aviva Plus used to be the Aviva. According to my telephone call with Roche customer service, The recent name change has to do with the test strips not the meter. The meter has remained the same(although they put the new name on it), but the meter now uses Aviva Plus Test Strips rather than the old Aviva test strips. The entire system is now referred to as the Aviva Plus System. However, you will note from the picture that they still bill the meter as the “Aviva”.
Key Advantages
- Accuracy. The Aviva Plus glucose meter uses what Roche calls “Right Technology” to help it achieve its superior accuracy. First, the test strip is wider than normal, which makes using it easier for users to place the proper amount of blood on the strip. Getting this right amount of blood on the strip helps the meter be more accurate. Second, the meter performs almost 200 separate accuracy checks.
- Lancing Device. Although this is a glucose meter review, the lancing devise for the Aviva Plus gets a lot of attention. The meter uses the Multiclix lancing devise and it is the only device that uses six preloaded lancet drum. Thus, there is no need to change out the lancet for each test. Further, the Multiclix is billed as the least painful lancet device on the market.
- Alternative Site Testing. The Aviva Plus allows you to test on the finger, palm, forearm, upper arm, thigh and calf.
- Ease of Use. The Aviva Plus is the only meter, lancet and test strip solution that ALL received the Arthritis Foundation’s Ease of Use Commendation.
Disadvantages
The main complaint with the Accu-Chek Aviva Plus glucose meter is that it is a bit large and is not conducive for discrete testing. In fact, this is generally a complaint with the two main Accu-Chek meters from Roche.
Test Strips
The Aviva glucose meter uses Accu-Chek Aviva Plus Test Strips. The Plus test strips were recently introduced to help deliver more accurate results when elevated maltose levels are present. Often elevated maltose levels (which can skew results) are present when someone is undergoing dialysis or other therapies. Pricing for these test strips varies per retailer, so make sure you shop around.
To Compare the BEST prices on strips, check out our Diabetic Test Strip Price Comparison page.
Bottom Line
Users of the meter rave about the test strips and accuracy of the meter. They also overwhelmingly endorse the Multiclix lancet device as being less painful than others. If you do not need a very small meter, this is a good choice. It works great and provides the needed accuracy users crave.
Other Considerations
The technical material for the Aviva has vastly improved since I initially reviewed this meter 3 or 4 years ago. The online manual still refers to a “test strip insert” for many key pieces of information, but this insert was not available online.
Some of the missing information could be found, after some effort, on the Roche website. However, we also had to call customer support for some of the missing information.
This may seem like a minor inconvenience. However, we believe the consumer should not have to look so hard for meter specifications when trying to make an informed purchase. After all, how many people keep track of all their user manuals? You should be able to get them online with little difficulty.
That being said, Roche is one of the leading manufacturers of diabetes glucose meters in the world. Their customer service is available 24/7 and was knowledgeable and helpful when we called.
The Accu-Chek 360 Diabetes Management Software is available for users. The cost is approximately $35 and includes the necessary data cable. As of 2012, the software has been significantly updated. You can track not only glucose readings, but also such data as cholesterol, ketone, and blood pressure results. The software also comes in up to 12 different languages.
They also offer two other choices called Smart Pix Device Reader and Diabetes Assistant Program. The device reader allows you to download data from the meter wirelessly. It cost approximately $99. Their customer assistant program is actually a partnership with DLife, a leading diabetes community resource.
Technical Information
Model | Aviva |
---|---|
Auto. Shut Off | 2 minutes |
Battery Type | One CR2032 |
Battery Life | 2,000 Test |
Alternative Site Testing | Yes |
Memory Capacity | 500 Tests |
Storage Temp. | -13 to 158 F |
Operating Temp. | 43 to 111 F |
Result Range | 10 to 600 mg/dL |
Sample Size | 0.6 microliter |
Test Time | 5 seconds |
Weight (battery) | 2.1 oz. (yes)(lancet incl.) |
Size (Inches) | 3.7 x 2.0 x 0.9 |
Backlit Display | No |
Warranty | Lifetime |
Coding Required | Yes |
Software Available | Yes |