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The Ascensia Elite has a unique test strip design that actually sucks the blood into the test chamber. Bayer calls this Sip-in Sampling and it makes getting a sample as easy as possible. The Elite set the standard for test strip wicking, and it is still among the very best.
The Elite test strips use 2 microliters of blood, which is less than one hanging drop of blood. Such a small sample size is important when testing little kids, or anyone who has a hard time getting a drop of blood. There are meters that take less blood -- some as little as 0.3 microliters -- but the Elite test strip wicks blood the best. Since Elite test strips can be handled, even little kids can use the Elite.
Summary
While the Elite's test strip was once competetive, it is no longer (September 2007). The Ascensia Contour, for those interested in the Ascensia product line, is vastly superior. We can no longer recommend the Ascensia Elite or Elite Xl for use by children with diabetes.
- Ease of use: 10 (exceptional capillary action strip)
- Features: 5 (20 memories, batteries, small blood volume)
- Speed of results: 4 (30 seconds)
- Suitability for use by children under ten years old: 0 (test time, blood volume - there are simply better products)
- Suitability for use by children over ten years old: 0 (test time - there are simply better products)
- Cost: 1 (about $90 per 100; $1,970/year at 6 tests/day)
- Overall Rating: 20
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Ascensia
Bayer Diagnostics
511 Benedict Avenue
Tarrytown, NY 10591-5097
(800) 445-5901 Toll Free in the USA
(914) 631-8000 Phone
(914) 524-2132 Fax
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The Ascensia Elite. Click for a large image.
The Ascensia Elite (left) and Elite XL (right). Click for a large image.
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