E-1
OneTouch Blood Glucose Meter
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
E-1 on OneTouch meters means the test strip was not inserted correctly, is damaged, has expired, or is incompatible with the meter model. Eject the strip, discard it, and insert a new, in-date strip from the correct vial for your meter.
Affected Models
- OneTouch Verio
- OneTouch Verio Flex
- OneTouch Verio Reflect
- OneTouch Ultra 2
- OneTouch Select Plus
How to Fix It
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Remove the strip and inspect it
Eject the test strip. Check whether it is bent, damp, or has visible damage to the contact end. Damaged strips must be discarded — they cannot give accurate results.
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Insert a fresh strip correctly
Hold the strip by its sides and insert it contact-end first into the meter's test port, with the printed side facing up. Push it straight in until it clicks or the blood drop symbol appears. Inserting at an angle can trigger E-1.
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Confirm you are using the correct strips for your meter
OneTouch Verio strips are not compatible with OneTouch Ultra 2, and vice versa. Check the strip packaging matches your meter model exactly. Using the wrong strips always causes E-1 and does not give any reading.
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Check the strip expiry date
Look at the expiry date on the test strip vial. Do not use strips past expiry, or from a vial open for more than 3 months. Expired strips trigger E-1 because their reagent chemistry is degraded.
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Clean the test strip port
If new, correct, in-date strips still cause E-1, use a dry cotton bud to gently clean the inside of the strip port. Dust or dried blood on the contacts can block the strip's signal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does OneTouch replace meters that keep showing E-1?
Yes. Contact LifeScan OneTouch customer support — meters with persistent hardware faults are typically replaced free of charge under the product warranty. Have your meter's model number and purchase details ready.