Aviva test strips

I have been using these test strips for several years. Over the last 4 or 5 months I have noticed the 3-figure code on each canister hasn't changed. It is consistently 111.
Before this I could guarantee that each different batch had a different code. Invariably when I got my regular 4 boxes from the pharmacist there would be different batches, and hence I would have different codes on my canisters. I would tend to ensure that each time I had to open a new canister I was choosing a different batch number, and therefore would have a new 3-figure code. Simple, I know, but this is the way I ensured that the strips were giving me accurate readings.
My method of rotation has gone to pot over the last 4-5 months
Has anyone else noticed this, or give me an explanation as to what may have happened, or why the change?

The same thing happened with the Freestyle Optium strips about 2 (?) years ago. Expiry date changes though. Helen

Just rung Freestyle (on another matter) and asked about the "non coding". Story is that you now no longer have to "code" the machine everytime you get a new pack of strips. The machine (meter) remembers when you insert the first strip that it has been coded for that number previously. Idea is to make it simpler and to do away with the need for the "coding bar". Expiry date and Lot number changes but the "code" does not. Helen

Thank you for contacting Accu-Chek.

Please find below some information regarding our new black code keys (code number 111):

· Once the black code key has been inserted into the meter it never needs to be changed again, unlike the previous white code key.

· The black code key works for all Accu-Chek Aviva test strips that have a green symbol on the box.

· After inserting the black code key, you can discard any future code keys you receive, including those from boxes of test strips containing white code keys with a different code number.

Kindly make sure to check the expiration date of your Accu-Chek Aviva test strips prior to using them, since the new universal black code chip no longer contains this information.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Kind regards,



Accu-Chek Customer Service Team

I noticed this today when I opened a new box of test strips. I thought oh that's funny, they've got the same code number - 111 - as my last lot. There was no code chip in the box so I thought it was missing. Then I remembered seeing something about the black chip from the last box. Being confused, I opened my other new box and there WAS a black code chip. So I rung Accucheck and they said the same as their message above, you don't need to ever change it.

So just to be sure, the code will ALWAYS be 111, and if you get a new box with a black chip in, you don't need to insert a new one, just keep them as spares?

I noticed this some months ago - so no more faffing around with new coding chips, a major step forward in my opinion.

What I like most about it is that if I'm getting to the end a pot of strips, I can just put the remainder in a new pot and not have to worry about taking a new pot - plus the coding chip - with me if I'm going out. I always put the old strips in upside down, so I can use these first, but I'm sure that's not really necessary.

There was a leaflet in my aviva test strips that told you that you no longer needed to change the code chip.