The Precision Xtra Glucose Meter and Ketone Monitoring System is an all-inclusive meter offered by Abbott Diabetes Care. Since glucose meters are essential to diabetics monitoring their blood sugar level, it is important to choose a glucose meter suitable for one’s specific monitoring needs. For many, the Precision Xtra Glucose and Ketone Monitoring System is the perfect choice.
Product Characteristics
The Precision Xtra consists of a basic monitoring menu with easy to read components and quick results. In addition, this glucose meter plays double duty as it measures not only one’s glucose level but their ketone levels as well. The dual function can be performed with the same meter and the same testing strips which make for an extremely convenient and multi-tasking system. The blood glucose sample size for this model is 0.6 microliters and the test time is approximately 5 seconds. This glucose meter contains an automatic shut off function which helps to preserve the life of the battery.
Pros of the Precision Xtra Glucose Meter
One of the main pros associated with the Precision Xtra Blood Glucose and Ketone Monitoring System is its ability to perform two functions, glucose level and ketone level detections. This 2-in-1 feature makes for a great all-inclusive meter. The data which this monitor produces is an extremely positive attribute.
Also, the glucose test strip is constructed in a way to reduce interference from certain medications which the individual is taking at the moment. Medicines such as aspirin, vitamin C and acetaminophen will usually not interfere with the results produced due to the accuracy of the Precision testing strip.
The Precision Xtra also has a good memory on it. This particular meter can hold data from approximately 450 prior events. This is a beneficial aspect as it makes it less pertinent for the individual to transfer the information immediately after it is registered on the meter as there is enough storage space to hold the measurements for quite a while.
Cons of the Precision Xtra Glucose Meter
Although “con” is a pretty strong word to use to describe aspects of this meter, there are some less favorable aspects about the Precision Xtra which may make potential purchasers look at other possible glucose meters. The blood sample size is one aspect which may make the Precision Xtra be not as favorable to prospective purchasers as other glucose meters. The blood sample size of this meter is 0.6 microliters which is small however there are other meters on the market today which only require 0.3 microliters to register an accurate result. Although the difference is not very large between the two sample sizes, it may be enough to make glucose meter shoppers consider other meters.
Another con of the Precision Xtra glucose meter is that it doesn’t include the necessary cables to pull the information from the meter. These data cables have to be purchased separately in order to engage in data management of your test results.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that if you are looking for a dual-purpose meter, i.e. one which does both glucose and ketone level monitoring, the Precision Xtra is a good buy. This meter can be purchased for approximately $79 retail which is a bit more expensive than some of the other glucose meters on the consumer market but reasonable in that it performs two specific duties. If the difference in blood sample size between what the Precision Xtra Blood Glucose and Ketone Monitoring System and some other glucose meters require is not an issue for you, then buying this type of meter might just be a wise choice. This particular meter is available through various retailers such as pharmacies and online sellers as well as through Abbott Diabetes Care.