Freestyle Flash Error Codes

It is important for a person with diabetes to monitor his blood glucose on a regular basis. The FreeStyle Flash is a blood glucose meter made by TheraSense. It uses 0.3 microliters of blood to measure the amount of blood glucose present. There are issues that will cause the meter to give incorrect readings. Specific error codes help the user determine and correct the problem.

Error Code 1

Error code 1, displayed as “Er1,” could mean that the blood sample is too small, the test strip is defective, the blood glucose is below 20 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or the meter is malfunctioning. Use the control solution to test the meter before retesting with blood. If the test results are correct, conduct a new test with a fresh blood sample.

Error Code 2

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“Er2,” or Error Code 2, could mean that there is a problem with the test strip or meter. It could also mean that the blood glucose is above 500 mg/dL. If you apply the control solution labeled “High” when the meter is below its normal operating temperature, you will receive this error. Use the control solution to test the meter. Perform a new test with a fresh blood sample.

Error Code 3

Error code 3 is displayed as “Er3.” Failing to follow the test procedure, a faulty test strip or meter malfunction can cause this error. Test the meter with the control solution, and then retest with a fresh blood sample. Do not apply blood to the strip before it is inserted in the meter or before the blood droplet appears on the screen.

Error Code 4

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Error code 4, or “Er4,” means there is a problem with the strip or the meter. Test the meter with the control solution. If the test results are within the correct range for the solution, retest with a new strip and fresh blood sample.

Error Code 6

There is no error code 5. Error code 6 is displayed as “Er6.” This error means that the strip code number was changed while the blood sample was applied. Repeat the test with a new strip and avoid touching the “m” or “c” buttons during testing.

Persistent Error Codes and Incorrect Readings

If the meter displays an error code, test the meter with a new strip and the control solution. If the meter does not measure the glucose in the control solution correctly or continues to give an error code, contact the manufacturer for assistance.