On Call Extra Test Strip Compatibility Guide: Which Strips Work with Your Meter?
Dr Pramod kumar
If you own an On Call Extra glucometer, choosing the correct test-strip family is essential. The safest compatibility rule is simple:
On Call Extra meter → On Call Extra Blood Glucose Test Strips.
The words On Call alone do not confirm compatibility. ACON produces several different On Call monitoring systems, including On Call Plus, On Call Extra and On Call GK Dual, and their strip systems should not be treated as interchangeable.
This guide explains which strips work with the On Call Extra meter, how the 50-strip, 100-strip and individually foil-packed options differ, which On Call strips should not be used, and what to check if your meter does not recognise a strip.
For the complete Extra system guide, read: On Call Extra Glucometer & Test Strips Complete Guide .
Which Test Strips Work with On Call Extra?
For the standard On Call Extra Blood Glucose Monitoring System, use On Call Extra Blood Glucose Test Strips.
Before ordering, check that the packaging specifically identifies the strips as being intended for the On Call Extra system.
The quantity or packaging format may differ, but the meter family must remain correct.
On Call Extra Compatibility at a Glance
| Test Strip | Compatible with On Call Extra? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| On Call Extra Test Strips 50 | Yes | Standard replacement pack |
| On Call Extra Test Strips 100 | Yes | Larger quantity of compatible Extra strips |
| On Call Extra Individually Foil-Packed Strips | Yes, when specifically labelled for On Call Extra | Each strip is individually sealed |
| On Call Plus Test Strips | No | Designed for the On Call Plus system |
| On Call Blood Ketone Test Strips | No | Ketone strips intended for compatible ketone-testing systems such as GK Dual |
| On Call GK Dual glucose strips | Do not assume compatibility | GK Dual is a separate meter platform |
On Call Extra Test Strips 50
The On Call Extra Test Strips 50 is a standard replacement quantity for customers already using an On Call Extra meter.
This option can be practical for users who prefer a smaller quantity and do not need to maintain a larger supply of strips.
Shop On Call Extra Test Strips 50 →
On Call Extra Test Strips 100
The 100-strip option provides a larger compatible quantity for customers with more regular strip requirements.
The meter compatibility does not change simply because the pack contains more strips.
If the product is genuinely identified as On Call Extra Test Strips, the larger quantity remains part of the same Extra strip family.
Shop On Call Extra Test Strips 100 →
Are Individually Foil-Packed On Call Extra Strips Compatible?
Yes, where the foil-packed product is specifically identified as being for the On Call Extra Blood Glucose Monitoring System.
The key difference is packaging rather than the basic meter family.
Instead of several strips sharing one opened container, each foil-packed strip remains separately sealed until required.
This can be convenient for:
- travel,
- occasional testing,
- carrying only a few strips,
- clinical workflows where individual packaging is useful, and
- users who prefer each unused strip to remain separately sealed.
Shop On Call Extra Individually Foil-Packed Test Strips →
Does Pack Size Change Compatibility?
No.
Pack quantity tells you how many strips are supplied. It does not determine whether the strip works with the meter.
For example:
- 50 compatible On Call Extra strips remain Extra strips.
- 100 compatible On Call Extra strips remain Extra strips.
- Individually foil-packed Extra strips remain Extra strips.
The important information is the meter family stated on the strip packaging.
Can On Call Plus Test Strips Be Used in On Call Extra?
No.
On Call Plus and On Call Extra are different blood glucose monitoring platforms.
The strips should therefore be matched as follows:
- On Call Plus meter → On Call Plus Test Strips
- On Call Extra meter → On Call Extra Test Strips
Do not buy Plus strips for an Extra meter simply because:
- both carry the On Call name,
- the packaging appears similar,
- the strip shape looks similar, or
- you previously owned an On Call Plus meter.
For a detailed comparison:
On Call Plus vs On Call Extra Glucometer →
Can On Call Extra Strips Be Used in On Call Plus?
No. The compatibility rule also works in the opposite direction.
If the meter says On Call Plus, purchase On Call Plus Test Strips rather than Extra strips.
Visit:
On Call Plus Glucometers & Test Strips →
Can On Call Extra Strips Be Used with On Call GK Dual?
Do not assume that On Call Extra strips can be substituted into an On Call GK Dual meter.
GK Dual is a separate system designed to support both blood glucose and blood β-ketone testing using the appropriate compatible strip systems.
For GK Dual, always use the strip type specified for the glucose or ketone test being performed.
Read:
On Call GK Dual Strip Compatibility Guide →
How to Identify Your On Call Meter Before Buying Strips
If you are unsure which test strips to order, inspect the actual meter first.
Look for the model name printed on:
- the front of the meter,
- the rear meter label,
- the original product box, or
- the user manual supplied with the device.
Then match the model:
- Meter says On Call Extra → buy On Call Extra Test Strips.
- Meter says On Call Plus → buy On Call Plus Test Strips.
- Meter says On Call GK Dual → follow GK Dual strip compatibility instructions.
Do Not Rely Only on Your Previous Order
A customer's previous strip order does not always identify the meter currently being used.
This is especially important if you have:
- replaced your glucometer,
- upgraded from On Call Plus to Extra,
- started using another On Call model, or
- have more than one glucose meter at home.
Before repeating an old strip order, verify the model printed on your current meter.
Does On Call Extra Need a Code Chip?
The standard On Call Extra system uses automatic strip calibration and does not require routine manual code-chip matching.
This differs from traditional On Call Plus systems that use a separate code-chip procedure.
Therefore, customers moving from Plus to Extra should not expect to perform the same coding process.
Can an On Call Plus Code Chip Make Plus Strips Work in Extra?
No.
A code chip from the Plus system cannot convert an On Call Plus strip into an On Call Extra-compatible strip.
The meter and strip family must already be compatible.
For On Call Extra, use compatible Extra strips and follow the Extra-specific testing procedure.
How Do On Call Extra Strips Work?
On Call Extra uses an electrochemical glucose oxidase test-strip system.
Once a compatible strip is inserted correctly and an adequate fresh capillary whole-blood sample is applied, the strip and meter work together to measure the glucose concentration.
The standard Extra system uses approximately:
- 0.4 µL blood sample,
- approximately 4 seconds for the result, and
- automatic strip calibration rather than routine manual coding.
For the complete testing procedure:
How to Use On Call Extra Glucometer & Test Strips →
Does the 50, 100 or Foil Pack Change the 0.4 µL Sample Requirement?
Pack quantity by itself does not change the underlying On Call Extra testing system.
Where the strips are the correct compatible On Call Extra product, the meter's standard testing characteristics remain approximately:
- 0.4 µL sample,
- 4-second result, and
- the Extra-specific sample and re-dosing process.
Always follow the instructions printed for the exact strip product supplied to you.
Compatibility and the On Call Extra Re-Dosing Feature
On Call Extra has a manufacturer-supported short re-dosing capability when the initial sample is insufficient.
Under the specified conditions, an additional blood sample can be applied within approximately 3 seconds.
This feature belongs to the Extra testing system and should not be used as a reason to assume that strips from another meter family will work with Extra.
Correct strip compatibility must be established first.
Read:
On Call Extra Re-Dosing & Second Blood Sample Guide →
What Happens If You Insert the Wrong Strip?
An incompatible strip may:
- not be recognised by the meter,
- fail to activate the expected test sequence,
- produce an error message,
- trigger an incorrect-strip warning, or
- be physically unsuitable for the meter's strip port.
Do not force an unfamiliar strip into the meter.
If the meter displays E-9, one of the things to check is whether the correct On Call Extra strip has been inserted.
My On Call Extra Meter Is Not Reading the Strip
If you believe you have compatible Extra strips but the meter does not recognise them, check the following:
- Meter: confirm it says On Call Extra.
- Strip: confirm the packaging says On Call Extra.
- Orientation: insert the strip in the correct direction.
- Insertion: make sure the strip is fully seated.
- Condition: use a new and undamaged strip.
- Expiry: check the printed manufacturer expiry.
- Storage: make sure the strip has been stored according to the manufacturer's requirements.
- Battery: check that the meter has adequate power.
- Error message: note the exact code displayed by the meter.
For complete troubleshooting:
On Call Extra Error Codes & Troubleshooting Guide →
What Does E9 Mean for Strip Compatibility?
An E-9 message can relate to an incorrect strip, damaged strip or strip-calibration problem.
If E-9 appears:
- remove the current strip,
- check that it is genuinely an On Call Extra strip,
- check that it is new and undamaged,
- insert a fresh compatible strip, and
- repeat the test.
If E-9 continues with genuine, compatible, correctly stored strips, seek appropriate product support rather than repeatedly consuming new strips.
Compatibility Is Different from Expiry
A strip can be compatible with your meter but still be unsuitable for use because it is expired, damaged or improperly stored.
| Question | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Is this strip designed to work with my exact meter system? |
| Expiry | Is the strip still within its permitted manufacturer use period? |
| Storage | Has the strip been kept under the required conditions? |
| Condition | Is the strip new, undamaged and uncontaminated? |
All four should be checked before testing.
For detailed storage information:
On Call Extra Test Strips Expiry & Storage Guide →
Standard vs Individually Foil-Packed On Call Extra Strips
| Feature | Standard Extra Strips | Individually Foil-Packed Extra Strips |
|---|---|---|
| Meter family | On Call Extra | On Call Extra |
| Packaging | Multiple strips supplied together | Each strip individually sealed |
| Unused-strip exposure | Depends on correct shared-pack handling | Each unopened strip remains separately sealed |
| Travel convenience | Good | Very convenient |
| Carrying a small quantity | Usually requires carrying shared packaging | A few individually sealed strips can be carried |
| Basic Extra compatibility | Yes, when labelled for On Call Extra | Yes, when labelled for On Call Extra |
Which Pack Should You Buy: 50, 100 or Foil?
Compatibility is the same starting point, but the preferred quantity or format depends on your usage.
Consider 50 strips if:
- you prefer a smaller standard quantity,
- you do not want to hold larger stock, or
- you want simpler inventory management.
Consider 100 strips if:
- you regularly consume more than 50 strips,
- you want fewer repeat orders, or
- you prefer a larger quantity.
Consider individually foil-packed strips if:
- you travel regularly,
- you prefer each strip to stay individually sealed,
- you carry only a few strips at a time, or
- individual packaging better suits your workflow.
For the full comparison:
On Call Extra Test Strips 50 vs 100 vs Foil Pack →
How to Avoid Ordering the Wrong On Call Extra Strips
- Pick up the meter you currently use.
- Read the exact model name.
- Confirm it says On Call Extra.
- Check that the product you are ordering says On Call Extra Test Strips.
- Choose the preferred quantity or foil format.
- Check current expiry information where available.
- Do not rely only on packaging colour or an old order.
What If You Recently Changed from On Call Plus to Extra?
If you previously used On Call Plus and have now moved to On Call Extra, do not automatically reorder your old Plus strips.
Your new Extra meter requires its own compatible strip family.
This is particularly important for repeat customers whose previous purchase history may contain On Call Plus strips even though their current meter has changed.
Check the actual meter before placing the next order.
How to Use Compatible On Call Extra Test Strips
Once compatibility is confirmed, correct testing technique is also important.
The standard process includes:
- washing and thoroughly drying your hands,
- inserting a fresh compatible On Call Extra strip,
- waiting until the meter is ready for the sample,
- obtaining an adequate blood drop,
- applying approximately 0.4 µL to the correct sample area,
- using the permitted short re-dosing window only when required, and
- waiting approximately 4 seconds for the result.
Read:
How to Use On Call Extra Glucometer & Test Strips →
Shop Compatible On Call Extra Test Strips
- On Call Extra Test Strips 50 →
- On Call Extra Test Strips 100 →
- On Call Extra Individually Foil-Packed Test Strips →
Browse all Extra products:
On Call Extra Glucometer & Test Strips Collection →
Frequently Asked Questions
Which strips fit an On Call Extra glucometer?
Use compatible On Call Extra Blood Glucose Test Strips. Check that the product packaging specifically identifies the strips as intended for the On Call Extra system.
Can On Call Plus strips be used in On Call Extra?
No. On Call Plus and On Call Extra are different meter-and-strip systems.
Can On Call Extra strips be used in On Call Plus?
No. Use On Call Plus Test Strips with an On Call Plus meter.
Are On Call Extra 50 and 100 strips compatible with the same meter?
Where both products are genuine compatible On Call Extra Test Strips, the difference is quantity rather than meter family. Always verify the actual product packaging.
Are individually foil-packed On Call Extra strips compatible?
Yes, where the foil-packed product is specifically identified as compatible with the On Call Extra Blood Glucose Monitoring System.
Do On Call Extra strips require a code chip?
The standard Extra system uses automatic strip calibration and does not require the routine manual code-chip process used by traditional On Call Plus meters.
Can On Call Extra strips be used in GK Dual?
Do not assume compatibility. GK Dual is a separate glucose-and-ketone monitoring system with its own specified compatible strip systems.
Why is my On Call Extra meter not reading a new strip?
Check the strip family, insertion direction, strip condition, expiry, storage history and meter battery. If the meter displays E-9 or another error, follow the model-specific troubleshooting guide.
Does the foil pack use the same 0.4 µL sample?
Where the foil-packed product is the correct On Call Extra strip for the standard Extra system, the underlying meter test procedure remains the Extra-specific process. Follow the instructions included with the actual strip product supplied.
Can I add more blood if the sample is too small?
On Call Extra supports a short manufacturer-specified re-dosing window under the applicable testing conditions. Follow the meter instructions and do not continue adding blood after the permitted window has passed.
How do I know whether my meter is On Call Extra?
Check the exact model name printed directly on the meter, rear label, original box or user manual. It should specifically identify the Extra model.
Should I buy 50, 100 or foil-packed strips?
Choose according to realistic usage, current expiry, storage requirements and whether standard or individual packaging better suits your needs.
Related On Call Extra Guides
- On Call Extra Glucometer & Test Strips Complete Guide
- On Call Extra Error Codes & Troubleshooting Guide
- How to Use On Call Extra Glucometer & Test Strips
- On Call Extra Re-Dosing & Second Blood Sample Guide
- On Call Extra Test Strips Expiry & Storage Guide
- On Call Extra Test Strips 50 vs 100 vs Foil Pack
- On Call Plus vs On Call Extra Glucometer Comparison
- On Call Plus, Extra & GK Dual Complete Guide
Shop On Call Extra at Microsidd
Microsidd supplies On Call Extra meters and compatible test-strip options for customers across India.
Shop On Call Extra Glucometers & Test Strips →
For the wider On Call family:
Shop On Call Plus, Extra & GK Dual →
Medical information notice: This guide explains On Call Extra test-strip compatibility and general product operation. It does not interpret individual glucose results, diagnose diabetes or replace the user manual supplied with your meter and test strips.
Always use strips specifically intended for your meter, follow the manufacturer's instructions for testing and storage, and consult an appropriate healthcare professional regarding glucose targets, testing frequency, medication or treatment decisions.
If a glucose result is unexpectedly high or low, repeat testing according to the manufacturer's instructions where appropriate and seek professional medical advice when needed. Repeated extreme readings or serious symptoms should not be ignored while investigating strip compatibility.