Labs
Accu-Chek Active vs Instant Strips
Compare Accu-Chek Active and Instant strips, learn how to use them correctly, and get tips for accurate at-home blood sugar testing.



The Accu-Chek Active blood glucose meter offers reliable features in a compact design. It requires no coding, making it easy to use. You can view average readings for up to 90 days, get alerts for expired strips or low dosing, and even add more blood within 10 seconds if needed. Plus, it lets you set reminders to test before and after meals making daily monitoring simpler and more accurate.
Instant strips are easy-to-use glucose test strips made for devices like the Accu-Chek Instant meter. They help check your blood sugar levels quickly with just a small drop of blood and give results in seconds. There’s no need to enter any code just insert the accu chek instant strip, apply blood, and you’re done. Some even show if you’ve added enough blood for an accurate reading. They’re a simple, reliable tool for people who need to monitor their sugar levels regularly at home or while on the move.
Differences Between Accu-Chek Active and Instant Strips
| Feature | Accu-Chek Active Strips | Accu-Chek Instant Strips |
| Device Compatibility | Accu chek active strips are only compatible with Accu-Chek Activemeter | Only compatible with Accu-Chek Instant meter |
| Blood Sample Size | Requires about 1–2 µL of blood | Requires a smaller sample — around 0.6 µL |
| Design | More traditional design, black and green strip look | Modern look, white strip with a yellow test pad |
| Visual Fill Window | No visual cue for sample sufficiency | Built-in target range indicator shows blood fill level |
| Coding Required | No manual coding required | No coding – strips auto-calibrate with meter |
| Re-dosing Time | Allows re-dosing within 5 seconds | Allows re-dosing within 10 seconds |
| Feedback on Blood Volume | Doesn’t give feedback on underdosing | Alerts user if not enough blood is applied |
| Usage Environment | Best for basic monitoring | Better for users needing quick and more intuitive feedback |
How to Use Accu-Chek Instant Strips Effectively
- Start by washing your hands with warm, soapy water and drying them well. This helps ensure an accurate reading.
- Insert the metallic end of the strip into the meter. The meter will turn on automatically. When you see the flashing drop symbol on the screen, it’s time to collect your sample.
- Use the lancing device to prick your fingertip. Gently touch the yellow edge of the strip to the drop of blood. Once the meter detects enough blood, an hourglass symbol will appear.
- In just a few seconds, your result will show on the screen. An arrow will indicate whether your blood sugar is below, within, or above your target range—based on your personal health goals.
How to Insert a Strip in Accu-Chek Active Glucometer
- Open the test strip container and remove one strip. Close the container tightly to protect the remaining strips from moisture.
- Hold the strip with the green square (test area) facing up and the metallic end pointed toward the meter.
- Insert the metallic end into the glucometer’s slot. The device will turn on automatically.
- Once the strip is inserted, a flashing drop symbol appears on the screen—this tells you the meter is ready for the blood sample.
- Use the lancing device to prick your fingertip. Gently place the drop of blood on the green square (test area) of the strip.
- The meter will beep or show an hourglass symbol once it detects enough blood.
- Within 5 seconds, your blood glucose reading will appear on the display. The screen may also show an arrow to indicate if your result is above, below, or within the target range.
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