The CareSens Dual is a 2-in-1 meter that measures blood glucose and ketones at home, with no coding required and results in just a few seconds. In this guide we explain, step by step, how to use it correctly to get reliable readings.
What you need before you start
- The CareSens Dual meter.
- CareSens Pro strips to measure glucose, or KetoSens strips to measure ketones.
- A CareSens 30G lancet and the lancing device.
- Clean, dry hands.
If you are starting from scratch, the meter + strips bundle works out cheaper than buying them separately.
How to measure blood glucose step by step
- Wash your hands with warm water and dry them thoroughly (this improves blood flow and avoids residue that could affect the reading).
- Insert a CareSens Pro strip into the meter; it switches on automatically and the blood drop symbol appears.
- Prick the side of your fingertip with the lancing device (it hurts less than the centre).
- Touch the tip of the strip to the drop of blood. The meter absorbs it on its own: a minimum sample of 0.4 µL is enough.
- Wait for the 5-second countdown and read the result. It is saved automatically in the memory.
How to measure ketones (β-ketone)
To measure ketones, use a KetoSens strip instead of the glucose one. The process is identical; the result takes 8 seconds. Measuring ketones is useful for people with diabetes (to monitor the risk of ketoacidosis) and on ketogenic diets, to confirm that you are in ketosis.
Tips for a reliable reading
- Keep the strips in their tightly closed vial, between 4 and 30 °C, and do not touch the reactive area.
- Use each strip immediately after taking it out.
- Rotate fingers so you do not always irritate the same one.
- Discard the first drop if your finger was damp or had cream on it.
- Do not reuse lancets: they lose their sharpness and hurt more.
Common mistakes
- Insufficient sample: if the strip does not fill, the meter will warn you. Repeat with a larger drop.
- Expired or poorly stored strips: these give incorrect readings. Check the date.
- Using the wrong strip: glucose strips (CareSens Pro) and ketone strips (KetoSens) are not interchangeable.
Frequently asked questions
Does the CareSens Dual need coding?
No. It is a no-coding meter: you insert the strip and it is ready to measure.
Can I use the same strips for glucose and ketones?
No. Use CareSens Pro strips for glucose and KetoSens strips for ketones. The meter automatically detects which one you have inserted.
How much blood do I need?
Very little: 0.4 µL for glucose and 0.5 µL for ketones, roughly the size of a pinhead.
Where do I buy refills?
You will find CareSens strips, lancets and bundles available in our shop, with fast delivery.