Caution on Abbott Blood Glucose Meters (Nov. 2007)

Abbott Laboratories is warning that the display screens on some of the company's blood glucose meters can malfunction if the meter is dropped onto a hard surface which can interfere with proper glucose readings. The affected meters were manufactured after January 31, 2007 under these trade names: -- Precision -- Xtra -- Optium -- ReliOn Ultima -- Rite Aid -- Kroger The company says practitioners should advise their patients to keep the meters in the wallet provided with the unit, which offers some protection. If the meter is dropped, the patient should perform a display check, which is described in the User's Guide. During the display check, if the screen is functioning properly, it will show no missing or blank sections. If the screen is malfunctioning, either the entire screen or some sections of it will be blank. In this case, patients should stop using the device and call Abbott at 1-877-844-4404 to get a free new meter. Additional Information: FDA MedWatch Safety Alert. Abbott Blood Glucose Meters. September 11, 2007. http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2007/safety07.htm#Glucose Abbott Website. Urgent: Abbott Notifies Users of Precision Xtra, Optium, ReliOn Ultima, Rite Aid, and Kroger Blood Glucose Meters to Check Display Screens. August 31, 2007. http://www.abbottdiabetescare.com/adc_dotcom/url/content/en_US/30.50:50/general_content/General_Content_0000285.htm