Simply put, Roche glucose meter systems are number one in the market. In 2007, the company held approximately a 32% glucose meter market share, according to a Boston Biomedical Consultants survey. Not surprisingly, Roche has been a longtime player in the diabetes care field.
While the company traces its roots to 1896, it has been a leader in diabetes care since 1974 when it entered the market.
The company is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland and employs over 80,000 people worldwide.
Roche’s diabetes care division employs over 5,000 people, with key regional offices in Mannheim, Germany, Burgdorf, Switzerland and Indianapolis, Indiana.
ACCU-CHECK FAMILY OF METERS – Current Models
With such a storied company history, it is not surprising that Roche has some of the most well known glucose meters on the market. The Accu-Chek family of glucose monitors has four current meters.
Accu-Chek Nano The Nano was introduced in April 2012. It is the newest offering from Roche. Very small, but has some great advanced features as well. I give a very positive review.
Accu-Chek Compact Plus. The compact Plus is one of Roche’s newest offerings. It is super fast, 5 second test results, and requires no coding. The Compact Plus test strip was awarded the “Ease of Use Commendation” from the Arthritis Foundation.
Accu-Chek Aviva Plus. Another newer model, the Aviva offers a small testing sample, quick results and alternative site testing. Originally, this meter was called the Aviva and used Aviva Test Strips. In 2012, the meter stayed the same but they are migrating people to the Aviva Plus Test Strips. They now call the entire system the Aviva Plus System, however, the meter stayed the same. The newer test strips are more accurate and use newer technology. You can still use the old Aviva Test Strips, but they will eventually be phasing out these strips in favor of the newer Aviva Plus Strips. The Aviva Plus System is the first meter, lancet and test strip combination to be awarded the “Ease of Use Commendation” from the Arthritis Foundation.
COMPARISON CHART
Model | Nano | Aviva Plus | Compact Plus |
---|---|---|---|
Auto. Shut Off | 2 min. | 2 min. | 1-5 min. |
Battery Type | 2 CR2032 | 1 CR2032 | 2 AAA |
Battery Life | NA | 2,000 Tests | 1,000 Tests |
Alternative Site Testing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Memory Capacity | 500 Tests | 500 Tests | 500 Tests |
Storage Temp. | -13° - 158° F | -13° - 158° F | 36° - 86° F |
Operating Temp. | NA | 43° - 111° F | 50° - 104° F |
Result Range | 20 to 600 mg/dL | 10 to 600 mg/dL | 20 to 600 mg/dL |
Sample Size | 0.6 microliter | 0.6 microliter | 1.5 microliter |
Test Time | 5 seconds | 5 seconds | 5 seconds |
Weight (battery) | 1.41 oz. (yes) | 2.1 oz. (yes) | 4.2 oz. (yes) |
Size (Inches) | 2.7" x 1.7 x 0.8 | 3.7" x 2.0 x 0.9 | 4.9" x 2.5 x 1.3 |
Backlit Display | Yes | No | Yes |
Warranty | 3 year | 3 year | 3 year |
Coding Required | No | Yes | No |
Software Available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Like most glucose meter companies, Roche does have a software management system to help track and analyze your testing data. Unlike some of the others, however, Roche charges a $35 fee for the software, which includes the required data cable.
The system is called the Accu-Chek 360 software. This software has been significantly updated and has some great charts and graph capabilities. It also allows you to take a more holistic approach to tracking your health, much more so than other data management software. For example, you can include your weight, exercise, cholesterol, ketone, and blood pressure readings, etc. Unfortunately, the software is not MAC compatible.
The software is a available in English, French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Swedish, Turkish, Norwegian, and Danish.
The company also recently added the Accu-Chek Smart Pix Device Reader. This devise allows you to download the data from your meter without the need for the cable. This devise cost approximately, $99 (in addition to the 360 software).
Roche’s diabetes related website can be Found Here. If you are looking for Roche glucose meter manuals, they can be Found Here.
RECENTLY DISCONTINUED
Accu-Chek Advantage. (discontinued) Test strips are still available, but the company suggest you upgrade to the Aviva.
Accu-Chek Active. (discontinued) The Active is touted as a small economical meter. It does require coding.
Accu-Chek Complete. (discontinued) This is a good comprehensive meter that requires coding. Stores up to 1,000 test results.
Accu-Chek Voicemate. (discontinued) This meter is specifically designed for the seeing impaired. It provides step by step verbal instructions and even identifies compatible insulin vials.
Accu-Chek Compact. The Compact is designed to offer less painful testing through an improved lancet device. It also has a 17 test “Drum”, which means you don’t have to use individual test strips for each test. You only have to refill the meter after 17 tests.
Roche still provides support, including test strips, for these models.