How to Use TrueHb Hemoglobin Meter & Test Strips: Step-by-Step Guide
Dr Pramod kumar
The TrueHb Hemometer is a portable quantitative hemoglobin testing system designed to measure Hb from a small whole-blood sample.
Correct testing technique is important. Before every test, users should verify the correct TrueHb test strip, strip batch code, expiry date, sample collection technique and sufficient blood volume.
The standard TrueHb system requires approximately 10–12 µL of whole blood and provides a hemoglobin result within approximately 60 seconds.
This guide explains how to use the standard TrueHb Hemometer step by step, including batch-code matching, strip insertion, finger-prick sampling, blood application and the most common testing mistakes to avoid.
Important: This Guide Covers the Standard TrueHb Hemometer
This article covers the standard red-and-black TrueHb Hemometer used with conventional TrueHb hemoglobin test strips and manual batch-code matching.
The newer TrueHb Nord is a different-generation meter and uses RFID technology for strip batch-code detection.
If you have a TrueHb Nord meter, follow the instructions supplied specifically with that model.
What You Need for a TrueHb Test
Before starting, keep the required testing materials ready:
- TrueHb Hemometer
- Compatible TrueHb Hemoglobin Test Strip
- TrueHb strip bottle or packaging showing the batch code
- Lancing device
- New sterile lancet
- Clean tissue or cotton
- Appropriate skin-cleaning material where required
- Gloves when testing another person
- Sharps container for safe lancet disposal where applicable
Never begin testing before confirming that the strips are compatible with your exact TrueHb meter.
TrueHb Testing at a Glance
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Switch on the TrueHb meter. |
| 2 | Match the meter batch code with the TrueHb strip pack. |
| 3 | Insert a fresh TrueHb strip when prompted. |
| 4 | Prepare the finger and obtain an adequate blood drop. |
| 5 | Apply approximately 10–12 µL of whole blood to the test area. |
| 6 | Allow the meter to complete the measurement. |
| 7 | Read and record the Hb result. |
| 8 | Dispose of the used strip and lancet safely. |
Step 1: Check the TrueHb Meter
Before testing, inspect the TrueHb Hemometer.
Confirm that:
- The meter is clean and dry.
- The display is functioning normally.
- The rechargeable battery has sufficient charge.
- The strip slot is free from visible contamination.
- The meter has not been obviously damaged.
The standard TrueHb meter performs an automatic system check and calibration when it is switched on.
Step 2: Check the TrueHb Test Strip
Use only genuine compatible TrueHb Hemoglobin Test Strips.
Before removing a strip, check:
- TrueHb branding
- Strip compatibility
- Batch or lot code
- Expiry date
- Storage history
- Physical condition
Do not use a strip that is:
- Expired
- Wet
- Damaged
- Bent
- Contaminated
- Previously used
For detailed compatibility information, read:
TrueHb Test Strip Compatibility Guide
Step 3: Switch On the TrueHb Hemometer
Press the centre power/select button to switch on the meter.
The standard TrueHb system performs its startup check and displays information including:
- Battery status
- Date
- Time
- Test-strip batch code
Do not insert the test strip before checking the displayed batch code.
Step 4: Match the TrueHb Strip Batch Code
This is one of the most important steps when using the standard TrueHb Hemometer.
Look at the three-digit batch code printed on the TrueHb strip container and compare it with the code displayed on the meter.
If the codes match, proceed to testing.
If they do not match, use the meter's arrow keys to change the displayed digits according to the manufacturer's instructions.
The standard workflow is:
- Use the left and right arrow buttons to move between digits.
- Use the up and down buttons to select the required number.
- Match all digits to the code printed on the strip pack.
- Press the centre power/select button to accept the batch code.
Do not test using a different batch code simply because the meter was previously used with another strip pack.
Why Is the TrueHb Batch Code Important?
TrueHb test strips are manufactured in batches or lots.
The standard TrueHb meter uses the entered batch information as part of the meter-and-strip testing system.
Therefore, when changing to another strip pack or batch, always check the meter code again.
A useful habit is:
New strip bottle = recheck batch code.
Step 5: Wait for the Strip Symbol
After accepting the correct batch code, the meter will prompt for a test strip.
Do not insert blood into the meter without a correctly positioned strip.
Step 6: Insert the TrueHb Test Strip
Take one fresh TrueHb test strip from its container.
Insert it into the meter in the direction indicated by the arrows on the strip, with the arrows facing appropriately towards the display according to the standard TrueHb instructions.
Insert the strip securely into position.
Do not force it.
Important Strip-Handling Precaution
Avoid touching the white reaction/test area in the middle of the TrueHb strip.
Finger oils, moisture or contamination may interfere with the test area.
Hold the strip by the appropriate non-reaction area.
Step 7: Prepare the Finger for Capillary Blood Collection
The manufacturer recommends using an appropriate finger-prick specimen for routine capillary testing.
Before lancing:
- Wash and dry the hands where practical.
- Warm cold hands naturally if required.
- Select a suitable fingertip.
- Make sure the skin is clean.
- If alcohol is used, allow it to dry completely.
Residual water or alcohol can contaminate or dilute the blood specimen.
Step 8: Load a New Sterile Lancet
Insert a new sterile lancet into the lancing device according to the lancing-device instructions.
Select an appropriate penetration depth if the lancing device provides an adjustable setting.
Never reuse a disposable lancet.
When testing another person, use appropriate gloves and infection-control precautions.
Step 9: Encourage Good Blood Flow
Before puncturing the finger, gently massage the hand and finger toward the fingertip to encourage blood circulation.
Do not aggressively squeeze or repeatedly milk the fingertip after puncture.
Excessive squeezing can introduce tissue fluid into the specimen and may affect sample quality.
Step 10: Prick the Finger
Position the lancing device correctly against the selected fingertip and activate the lancet.
The current TrueHb manufacturer instructions for the standard system recommend wiping away the first two blood drops and using the subsequent drop for the measurement.
Because manufacturer instructions can change between product revisions, always follow the directions supplied with your actual TrueHb meter and strip pack if they differ from this guide.
Step 11: Obtain an Adequate Blood Drop
The standard TrueHb system requires approximately:
10–12 µL of whole blood
The blood drop should therefore be large enough to adequately cover the required test area of the strip.
Do not begin sample application with an obviously inadequate drop.
Step 12: Apply Blood to the TrueHb Test Strip
Apply the blood specimen to the white test area in the middle of the TrueHb strip.
The test region should receive enough blood to become adequately filled.
Avoid:
- Smearing blood across unrelated parts of the strip
- Touching the test area before sampling
- Applying an obviously insufficient sample
- Using a previously tested strip
- Removing and reinserting the strip unnecessarily
How Do You Know Enough Blood Has Been Applied?
When the meter detects sufficient blood, the display proceeds into the measurement sequence and shows the appropriate processing indication, such as an hourglass symbol.
If the required test region is not adequately filled, do not assume that the result will be reliable.
Follow the meter's error indication and current manufacturer instructions.
Step 13: Allow the TrueHb Meter to Measure the Sample
Once the sample has been accepted, allow the meter to complete its measurement cycle without interrupting the process.
The TrueHb system uses reflectance photometry to analyse the colour reaction produced on the test strip.
The standard TrueHb Hemometer provides the Hb result within approximately:
60 seconds
Do not switch off the meter or disturb the strip while the measurement is being processed.
Step 14: Read the Hemoglobin Result
When measurement is complete, the meter displays the hemoglobin concentration in:
g/dL
Record the result where appropriate.
The standard TrueHb Hemometer is documented with a measurement range of approximately:
0–24 g/dL
A numerical Hb result should be interpreted in the appropriate clinical context rather than used alone to diagnose the cause of an abnormal hemoglobin level.
Step 15: Remove and Dispose of the Used Strip
After the measurement has been completed, remove the used strip according to the manufacturer's procedure.
TrueHb test strips are single-use only.
Do not:
- Wash the strip
- Reuse it
- Use it for another person's sample
- Attempt another measurement with the same strip
Dispose of the used strip according to applicable healthcare or local waste-disposal procedures.
Step 16: Dispose of the Lancet Safely
A used lancet is a sharp contaminated with blood.
Professional users should immediately dispose of it in an appropriate sharps container.
Do not recap, reuse or share disposable lancets.
TrueHb Simple Testing Sequence
A simple way to remember the standard TrueHb workflow is:
Switch On → Match Batch Code → Insert TrueHb Strip → Obtain Blood → Apply 10–12 µL → Wait → Read Hb Result → Dispose Safely
Can TrueHb Use Venous Blood?
Yes.
The standard TrueHb system also supports appropriate venous whole-blood samples.
When using a stored venous specimen, professional users should ensure that the sample:
- Uses an appropriate anticoagulant
- Has been stored according to the manufacturer's procedure
- Has not clotted
- Is adequately mixed before testing where required
- Is still within the permitted sample-use period
The standard manual identifies EDTA or heparin as suitable anticoagulants for stored blood samples.
Do Not Test a Clotted Venous Sample
A clotted blood specimen is not equivalent to correctly prepared whole blood.
If a venous sample contains visible clotting or has not been handled according to the required procedure, do not simply apply it to the strip and assume the result will be reliable.
Common TrueHb Testing Mistakes
1. Using the Wrong Test Strip
Mission Hb, Quikchek Plus and other Hb strips are not substitutes for genuine compatible TrueHb strips.
2. Forgetting to Match the Batch Code
The standard TrueHb meter requires the displayed batch code to match the strip pack.
3. Inserting the Strip Before Completing Setup
Switch on the meter and complete the batch-code check before inserting the strip.
4. Touching the White Test Area
Handle the strip away from its reaction area.
5. Using Too Little Blood
The system requires approximately 10–12 µL of whole blood.
6. Aggressively Squeezing the Finger
Excessive squeezing can affect capillary specimen quality.
7. Testing While Alcohol Is Still Wet
Allow the puncture site to dry completely before obtaining blood.
8. Using an Expired or Improperly Stored Strip
Always check expiry and storage conditions before testing.
9. Reusing a Strip
TrueHb strips are intended for one test only.
10. Interrupting the Measurement
Once the meter has started analysing the sample, allow it to complete the reading according to the meter prompts.
What If the TrueHb Meter Does Not Detect the Strip?
Check:
- Correct TrueHb strip
- Correct insertion direction
- Strip condition
- Strip expiry
- Meter strip slot
- Whether the strip has already been used
Do not force the strip into the meter.
What If the TrueHb Batch Code Is Wrong?
Do not continue to the blood test until the displayed code has been checked against the current strip pack.
Use the arrow buttons to correct the required digits and accept the correct code with the centre button.
Recheck the code whenever you begin using strips from a different batch.
What If There Is Not Enough Blood?
If the blood sample is visibly insufficient or the test region has not filled correctly, follow the meter instructions rather than attempting to reuse a partially tested strip.
Where a repeat test is required:
Use a new sterile lancet and a new TrueHb test strip.
What If the Hb Result Seems Unexpected?
If the result appears inconsistent with the person's expected condition or previous results, review:
- Correct TrueHb strip
- Batch-code matching
- Strip expiry
- Strip storage
- Sample volume
- Capillary sampling technique
- Meter condition
If a procedural error is suspected, repeat the test using a fresh strip and correctly collected sample where appropriate.
Clinically important, unexpected or persistent abnormal results may require confirmation with an appropriate laboratory method and professional medical evaluation.
TrueHb Test Strip Storage
TrueHb test strips are generally specified for storage at approximately:
2°C to 30°C
Protect strips from:
- Excessive heat
- Direct sunlight
- Moisture
- Condensation
- Improper storage
Our next dedicated article covers TrueHb strip storage, shelf life and expiry in detail.
TrueHb Testing Checklist
Before every measurement, confirm:
- ✓ Correct standard TrueHb meter
- ✓ Genuine compatible TrueHb strip
- ✓ Correct batch code
- ✓ Strip within expiry date
- ✓ Strip stored correctly
- ✓ Clean and dry puncture site
- ✓ New sterile lancet
- ✓ Approximately 10–12 µL whole blood
- ✓ Test area adequately filled
- ✓ Meter allowed to complete the measurement
- ✓ New strip used for every test
TrueHb Technical Specifications Relevant to Testing
| Specification | Standard TrueHb Hemometer |
|---|---|
| Parameter | Hemoglobin |
| Method | Reflectance photometry |
| Sample | Capillary or venous whole blood |
| Blood volume | Approximately 10–12 µL |
| Testing time | Within approximately 60 seconds |
| Measurement range | Approximately 0–24 g/dL |
| Operating temperature | Approximately 5°C–55°C |
| Strip storage | Approximately 2°C–30°C |
| Memory | Up to approximately 1,000 results |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start a TrueHb test?
Switch on the standard TrueHb meter, check that the displayed batch code matches the TrueHb strip pack, accept the code and insert a fresh test strip when prompted.
Do I need to enter a batch code every time?
You should check the displayed code against the current strip pack before testing, particularly when beginning a new strip batch. If it differs, correct it before proceeding.
How much blood does the TrueHb test require?
The standard TrueHb system requires approximately 10–12 µL of whole blood.
How long does the TrueHb test take?
The result is available within approximately 60 seconds.
Where is blood applied on the TrueHb strip?
Blood is applied to the designated white test/reaction area on the compatible TrueHb strip according to the manufacturer's procedure.
Should I touch the white part of the test strip?
No. Avoid unnecessarily touching the white reaction area before testing.
Which blood drop should be used?
The current manufacturer instructions for the standard TrueHb system describe wiping away the first two drops and applying the subsequent drop. Follow the instructions supplied with your exact meter and strip pack if they differ.
Can I squeeze my finger to get more blood?
Gentle massage toward the fingertip can encourage blood flow, but aggressive squeezing or milking should be avoided.
Can TrueHb use venous blood?
Yes. The standard TrueHb system supports appropriate capillary and venous whole-blood samples.
Can I use Mission Hb strips in TrueHb?
No. Use genuine compatible TrueHb test strips.
Can I reuse a TrueHb strip?
No. Each TrueHb test strip is intended for single use only.
What should I do if I used the wrong batch code?
Do not rely on a test performed under an incorrect strip-code setup. Follow the manufacturer instructions, correct the batch code and repeat testing appropriately with a fresh strip where required.
What should I do if the result seems wrong?
Review batch code, strip compatibility, expiry, storage, sample volume and collection technique. Repeat with a fresh strip where appropriate and seek laboratory confirmation for clinically important or persistently unexpected results.
Related TrueHb Guides
TrueHb Hemometer & Test Strips Complete Guide
Read the complete TrueHb system guide
TrueHb Test Strip Compatibility Guide
Check which test strips work with the TrueHb Hemometer
Hemoglobin Meters & Test Strips Complete Guide
Learn more about portable hemoglobin testing systems
Quikchek Plus vs Mission vs TrueHb Comparison
Compare the three hemoglobin meter systems
Hemoglobin Meters & Test Strips Collection
Explore hemoglobin meters and compatible strips
TrueHb Products Available from Microsidd
TrueHb Hemometer
The standard reusable TrueHb Hemometer for quantitative hemoglobin measurement.
True Hb Test Strips – Pack of 50
Compatible replacement test strips for the standard TrueHb Hemometer.
TrueHb Hemoglobin Meter with 50 Strips
TrueHb meter-and-strip combination for users who require a larger initial supply of compatible test strips.
View TrueHb Meter with 50 Strips
Important Note
This guide covers the standard TrueHb Hemometer using manual batch-code matching. Newer TrueHb systems such as TrueHb Nord use a different workflow and should be operated according to their own instructions.
Always follow the latest manufacturer instructions supplied with your exact TrueHb meter and test strips. If the instructions supplied with your current product differ from general online information, the product-specific instructions should take priority.
TrueHb measures hemoglobin concentration but does not replace a complete blood count or appropriate clinical evaluation. Unexpected, abnormal or clinically important results may require laboratory confirmation and professional interpretation.