If you’re searching for an easy method to measure your blood glucose at home, you might have heard about the CONTOUR NEXT blood glucose monitoring system. However, what exactly is it, how does it function and why is the CONTOUR NEXT family different from other blood glucose meters?
CONTOUR NEXT blood glucose monitoring system is an Ascensia Diabetes Care blood glucose testing system. The system may consist of a CONTOUR NEXT meter, CONTOUR NEXT blood glucose test strips and include Bluetooth and the CONTOUR Diabetes app depending on the specific model. The FDA has approved several OTC blood glucose testing devices called CONTOUR NEXT systems.
Frequent blood sugar measurement can be helpful for people who have diabetes to know how blood sugar levels are fluctuating and to adhere to a diabetes-care plan they have been supplied from their healthcare provider.
At Alfa Healthcare Supply Inc. we know that selecting diabetes supplies can sometimes be confusing. It provides a description of the CONTOUR NEXT system in plain language, helping to better understand what it is, what you need, and how it can fit into your daily blood glucose monitoring routine.
What is CONTOUR NEXT Blood Glucose Monitoring System?
So, what is CONTOUR NEXT blood glucose monitoring system?
CONTOUR NEXT blood glucose monitoring system is a series of blood glucose monitoring systems for measurement of glucose in a blood sample for people with diabetes. A system typically includes a blood sample (usually from a single fingerstick) and a compatible CONTOUR NEXT blood glucose test strip.
The exact features depend on the model. The latest CONTOUR NEXT models are the CONTOUR NEXT GEN, CONTOUR NEXT ONE and CONTOUR NEXT EZ. According to Ascensia’s comparison information, these meters utilize No Coding technology and CONTOUR NEXT test strips; some even have Bluetooth connectivity, smartLIGHT feedback and larger memory capacity.
What is important to note is that the CONTOUR NEXT name is not referring to a single meter, but rather a product family.
How Does the CONTOUR NEXT System Work?
Understanding what is CONTOUR NEXT blood glucose monitoring system becomes easier when you look at the basic testing process.
A typical blood glucose test involves:
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Prepare your lancing device according to its instructions.
- Insert a compatible CONTOUR NEXT test strip into the meter.
- Wait for the meter to indicate that it is ready for blood.
- Obtain a small blood sample according to the meter instructions.
- Apply the blood to the test strip.
- Wait for the meter to display the glucose result.
- Record or review the result as appropriate for your diabetes-care plan.
CONTOUR NEXT test strip has been designed to draw the blood sample into the test strip through capillary action. According to FDA documentation, the system is a blood glucose testing system for self-testing by a person with diabetes “for in-vitro use.”
Be sure to consult the user’s guide for respective meter as test procedures and features may differ from one meter to another.
What Comes With a CONTOUR NEXT Blood Glucose Monitoring System?
The exact contents depend on the model and package you purchase.
A CONTOUR NEXT system can include:
- CONTOUR NEXT blood glucose meter
- CONTOUR NEXT blood glucose test strips
- Lancing device
- Lancets
- Batteries
- User instructions
- Control solution, depending on the package
- Access to the CONTOUR diabetes app with compatible meters
For instance, the CONTOUR NEXT ONE system is composed of the meter, CONTOUR NEXT test strips and the CONTOUR Diabetes app.
When ordering replacement parts, make sure to verify the meter model. It is important to use a compatible CONTOUR NEXT test strip with your CONTOUR NEXT meter.
CONTOUR NEXT Meter Models
When researching what is CONTOUR NEXT blood glucose monitoring system, it is important to know that several models are available.
CONTOUR NEXT GEN
The CONTOUR NEXT GEN includes features such as:
- No Coding technology
- Second-Chance Sampling
- smartLIGHT target-range indicator
- Bluetooth connectivity
- CONTOUR Diabetes app compatibility
- Storage for up to 800 results
Ascensia states that the CONTOUR NEXT GEN uses CONTOUR NEXT test strips and provides on-screen messages in multiple languages.
CONTOUR NEXT ONE
The CONTOUR NEXT ONE is another model of the CONTOUR NEXT family. It is compatible with Bluetooth with mobile devices and is compatible with the CONTOUR Diabetes app.
It’s also packed with smartLIGHT technology that gives color-coded feedback on the meter’s set target range.
CONTOUR NEXT EZ
The CONTOUR NEXT EZ is designed to emphasize simple blood sugar measurement. It features No Coding technology and CONTOUR NEXT test strips. Ascensia’s user guide states that the meter automatically codes itself when a compatible test strip is inserted.)
It is important to remember that the new connected models of the CONTOUR NEXT have different functions than older connected models, so do not assume that all CONTOUR NEXT meters will have the same functions.
What is No Coding Technology?
Understanding the No Coding technology of the CONTOUR NEXT blood glucose monitoring system is one of its useful features.
Some blood sugar meters might need a coding or calibration process for each new strip container. Designed to remove the manual coding step, CONTOUR NEXT models with No Coding technology feature a unique design that provides users with an advanced alternative to the traditional coding method.
The CONTOUR NEXT portfolio, Ascensia says, features No Coding technology in all three of its models – CONTOUR NEXT GEN, CONTOUR NEXT ONE and CONTOUR NEXT EZ.
Less set up, easier testing every day, especially for a person who tests his or her glucose regularly.
What is Second-Chance Sampling?
Some CONTOUR NEXT meters also have the capability of Second-Chance Sampling.
A meter sometimes may not have enough blood in the sample to perform a test. Second-Chance Sampling: Using compatible CONTOUR NEXT meters, blood can be added to the same test strip within a set time, rather than discarding the strip right away.
According to the current CONTOUR NEXT GEN user guide, this feature enables a larger sample volume to be added to the same strip if the initial sample is too small.
This can be useful as it does not mean you have to begin the test anew with a new strip if there is not enough of the first sample.
What is smartLIGHT?
Some CONTOUR NEXT meters, including the CONTOUR NEXT GEN and CONTOUR NEXT ONE, include smartLIGHT.
The feature provides a color-based indication of whether a result is within, above, or below the meter’s configured target range.
For example, the CONTOUR NEXT ONE documentation describes:
- Green: within target
- Amber: above target
- Red: below target
These indicators are intended to make the displayed result easier to understand at a glance.
Remember that a target range is personal. Your healthcare professional may recommend a different range depending on your circumstances.
Can CONTOUR NEXT Connect to a Smartphone?
Some CONTOUR NEXT models can connect with a compatible smartphone through Bluetooth.
For example, the CONTOUR NEXT ONE can communicate with the CONTOUR Diabetes app. Blood glucose results can be transferred to a compatible mobile device for viewing and management.
The CONTOUR Diabetes app can help users review and organize glucose information. However, smartphone compatibility can change, so it is wise to check the current compatibility requirements before relying on app connectivity.
How Accurate Is the CONTOUR NEXT System?
Accuracy is one of the most important questions people ask when researching what is CONTOUR NEXT blood glucose monitoring system.
Ascensia describes its CONTOUR NEXT meters as providing highly accurate results, and the FDA has reviewed the relevant devices through its medical-device clearance process.
However, no home glucose meter should be treated as a replacement for professional medical care.
Several factors can affect a blood glucose reading, including:
- Incorrect testing technique
- Contaminated or wet hands
- Damaged test strips
- Improperly stored test strips
- Expired test strips
- Environmental temperature or humidity
- An inadequate blood sample
- Problems with the meter or test strip
For example, the CONTOUR NEXT EZ instructions emphasize keeping test strips in their original container, closing the container promptly, and not using expired or damaged strips.
Why Proper Test Strip Storage Matters
The meter is only one part of the blood glucose monitoring system. The test strips are equally important.
CONTOUR NEXT test strips should be handled according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep them protected from environmental exposure and close the test-strip container immediately after removing a strip.
Never use a test strip that appears damaged or is past its expiration date.
This is a small daily habit that can help support reliable testing.
Is CONTOUR NEXT the Same as a Continuous Glucose Monitor?
No.
The CONTOUR NEXT system is a blood glucose meter system that uses a blood sample for individual glucose measurements.
A continuous glucose monitor, or CGM, uses a sensor worn on the body to measure glucose continuously or at frequent intervals.
For example, a person using a CONTOUR NEXT meter typically performs a test when they need a blood glucose reading. A CGM provides glucose information from its sensor according to that system’s design.
Neither type should automatically be considered appropriate for every person. The right monitoring method depends on the individual’s diabetes-management plan and healthcare professional’s recommendations.
Who May Use a CONTOUR NEXT Blood Glucose Monitoring System?
The specific intended use depends on the model.
FDA documentation for CONTOUR NEXT systems describes them as over-the-counter blood glucose testing devices for people with diabetes to perform self-testing and monitor the effectiveness of a diabetes-control program.
The devices are not intended to independently diagnose diabetes. For example, FDA documentation for CONTOUR NEXT ONE states that the system is not intended for diagnosis or screening of diabetes.
If you are concerned about your blood glucose level or have symptoms that worry you, speak with a healthcare professional rather than relying on a home meter alone.
CONTOUR NEXT Blood Glucose Monitoring System at Alfa Healthcare Supply Inc.
At Alfa Healthcare Supply Inc., our goal is to make everyday healthcare supplies easier to understand and access.
We provide diabetes-related supplies as part of our broader medical supply offerings. When selecting a blood glucose meter or replacement test strips, it is important to check the exact model and strip compatibility before ordering.
If you are searching for what is CONTOUR NEXT blood glucose monitoring system, remember that the system is more than just the meter. The meter, compatible test strips, testing technique, proper storage, and regular monitoring habits all work together.
Final Thoughts
Understanding what is CONTOUR NEXT blood glucose monitoring system does not have to be complicated. In simple terms, it is a family of blood glucose testing systems designed to help people with diabetes measure and track glucose using compatible test strips.
Different models offer different features. CONTOUR NEXT GEN and CONTOUR NEXT ONE add features such as smartLIGHT and Bluetooth connectivity, while CONTOUR NEXT EZ emphasizes straightforward testing. Across the family, No Coding technology and CONTOUR NEXT test-strip compatibility are important features.
For the best experience, use the meter and test strips according to their instructions, store your supplies properly, check expiration dates, and discuss your glucose results with your healthcare professional when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CONTOUR NEXT blood glucose monitoring system?
The CONTOUR NEXT blood glucose monitoring system is a family of blood glucose meters and compatible CONTOUR NEXT test strips designed for self-testing by people with diabetes. Depending on the model, features may include No Coding, Second-Chance Sampling, smartLIGHT, Bluetooth, and app connectivity.
What test strips does CONTOUR NEXT use?
Compatible CONTOUR NEXT meters use CONTOUR NEXT blood glucose test strips. Always verify the exact meter and strip compatibility before purchasing.
Does CONTOUR NEXT require coding?
The CONTOUR NEXT GEN, CONTOUR NEXT ONE, and CONTOUR NEXT EZ include No Coding technology according to Ascensia’s product comparison information.
Can CONTOUR NEXT connect to a phone?
Some models, including CONTOUR NEXT ONE and CONTOUR NEXT GEN, support Bluetooth connectivity and work with the CONTOUR Diabetes app on compatible devices.
What is Second-Chance Sampling?
Second-Chance Sampling allows additional blood to be applied to the same test strip when the initial blood sample is insufficient, subject to the meter’s instructions and timing requirements.
Is CONTOUR NEXT a CGM?
No. CONTOUR NEXT is a blood glucose meter system that measures glucose from a blood sample. It is different from a continuous glucose monitoring system.
Can I use expired CONTOUR NEXT test strips?
No. The manufacturer’s instructions say not to use expired test strips. Proper storage and handling are also important.
Can I share my CONTOUR NEXT meter?
The applicable FDA documentation describes these systems for single-person use. Do not share a blood glucose meter between people.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Follow the instructions supplied with your specific CONTOUR NEXT meter and speak with your healthcare professional about your individual blood glucose targets and treatment plan.