After I finished reading the manual in my blood sugar tester, I was ready to start the testing.

According to the manual, the first thing that I needed to do was to insert the code key from the box of test strips into the meter. I guess this tells the meter the batch number of the test strips. So, I inserted the key into the meter and turned it on. Yes!, the meter liked it.

Next, I needed check the time and date on the meter. They were correct.

Moving right along, I next needed to load the lancet gun. The lancet gun isn’t really a gun at all. It is more like a pen light. I call it a gun because holds a six shot carousel of lancets. So, with the gun loaded, I was ready to begin.

“Turn meter on.” Check. “Insert test strip.” Check. “Apply test solution.” Test solution?!! What test solution?

I had test strips, lancets, alcohol wipes and the meter, but I did not have any test solution. So, back to the store for some test solution.

As I searched the shelves at the store, I see lancets, test strips, meters and alcohol wipes but no test solution. When I asked at the counter, they told me that the solution is a special order and that they could have it the next day. Rats! I was headed out of town so the testing would have to wait until I got back.

Since the test solution is vital to the operation of the meter, you would think that they would tell you that on the outside of the box. After all, they told me that the battery was included. But, there was nothing about the test solution. I hope it is not expensive.