The Ascensia DEX meter from Bayer Diagnostics was the first blood glucose monitor to store multiple test strips inside the meter. The DEX2 is the latest version. In the case of the DEX2, strips are stored in a disk-shaped cartridge about 2.5 inches across that holds ten test strips. With each test strip held safely inside the meter, there's less to carry and less chance of losing or dropping the test strip.



The Ascensia DEX2 uses similar technology to the highly-rated Ascensia Elite and, like the Ascensia Elite, the Ascensia DEX2 test strip sucks the drop of blood (2.5 to 3.5 microliters) up into the test strip but without the difficulties of opening and inserting a test strip into the meter. This means that there is no aiming of the drop--just touch the end of the test strip to the finger and the test strip does the rest. Tests results are displayed in 30 seconds. While the DEX2 and its predescessor the DEX were highly rated when they first came to market, there are meters today that offer less blood volume and substantially shorter test times.

Testing with the Ascensia DEX2 is exceptionally easy and can be done with one hand. Our tester used the following procedure:

1. Perform a finger stick to obtain a blood drop from a finger on one hand.
2. Holding the meter in the other hand, use the thumb to move the blue slide over and up to expose a test strip.
3. When the blood drop symbol appears on the meter, touch the test strip to the blood drop. Testing begins automatically.

While the DEX2 is cleared for alternate site testing, the blood volume requirement of at least 2.5 microliters will be challenging to meet for many people.

Key features of the Ascensia DEX2 include:

• 10-strip cartridge that is held within the meter
• Automatic calibration for each test strip cartridge
• Capillary action test strip that sucks the blood into the strip automatically
• Blood volume of between 2.5 and 3.5 microliters
• Test results in 30 seconds
• 100 memories for storing blood sugar readings
• Two week average, plus average at 6:00 AM, 12:00 noon, 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM
• Computer interface
• Uses two standard watch batteries (rated for approximately 1,000 tests)
• Displays blood sugar readings in mg/dL or mmol/L
• Five year warranty