RECALL OF BLOOD GLUCOSE METERS

The Department of Health has been informed of an urgent recall on certain SureStep Consumer Blood Glucose Meters, manufactured by LifeScan Incorporation, a Johnsons and Johnsons Company.

SureStep Consumer Meters  made before August 1997 may give an “Er 1” (Error 1) message if a patient’s blood glucose (sugar) is very high - 500 mg/dL or greater.  Failure to recognize a seriously high blood glucose level could cause serious health consequences.

LifeScan is asking all patients who use the SureStep Consumer Blood Glucose Meters made before August 1997, to contact the person from where such meter was purchased for further information.

In the meantime patients should continue to test their blood glucose.  If they get an “Er 1” message with the SureStep Consumer Meter, patients should be aware that they may have very high blood glucose.  Therefore, it is important for them to compare the blue color chart on the test strip bottle.  If the dot on the strip is as dark or darker than the darkest oval on the bottle’s color chart, it is likely they have a very high blood glucose.  They should then call their doctor immediately.