On Call Plus Code Chip & Coding Guide: How to Match Your Test Strips Correctly
Dr Pramod kumar
The On Call Plus glucometer uses a code-chip based calibration system. This is one of the most important operational differences between On Call Plus and newer no-routine- manual-coding meters such as On Call Extra.
The code chip helps configure the meter for the applicable batch of On Call Plus Test Strips. When starting a new box of strips, the code chip supplied with that box should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
This guide explains how the On Call Plus code chip works, how to match the meter and strip code, when to change the code chip, what CODE means and how to troubleshoot code-related errors such as E7 and E9.
For the complete meter guide, visit: On Call Plus Glucometer & Test Strips Complete Guide .
What Is the On Call Plus Code Chip?
The On Call Plus code chip is a small calibration component supplied with applicable On Call Plus test-strip packaging.
When inserted into the meter's code-chip slot, it programs the meter with the code associated with that strip supply.
The code stored in the meter should correspond with the code printed on the applicable test-strip vial label or foil-pouch packaging.
The code chip is therefore not an optional accessory when the meter requires coding. It forms part of the setup process for the traditional On Call Plus system.
Why Does On Call Plus Need Coding?
The traditional On Call Plus platform uses a coding system to match the meter to the applicable test-strip calibration.
When the correct code chip is inserted, the meter stores the corresponding strip code.
Before testing, the displayed meter code should be checked against the code printed on the test-strip packaging.
A mismatch should not be ignored because the meter and strip calibration may not correspond correctly.
On Call Plus Coding: Quick Setup
| Step | What to Check |
|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm you are using On Call Plus Test Strips. |
| 2 | Take the code chip supplied with the strip box. |
| 3 | Compare the code on the chip with the strip vial or foil-pouch code. |
| 4 | With the meter off, insert the chip into the code-chip slot. |
| 5 | Insert a test strip and confirm the meter displays the correct code. |
| 6 | Leave the correct chip installed until changing to another strip box. |
Step 1: Confirm You Have On Call Plus Test Strips
Coding begins with correct product compatibility.
The code chip cannot make an incompatible strip work with the meter.
The correct basic pairing is:
On Call Plus meter → On Call Plus Test Strips
Do not use On Call Extra strips or strips intended for another On Call meter family and assume that inserting a Plus code chip will make them compatible.
If you are uncertain about the strips, read:
On Call Plus Test Strip Compatibility Guide →
Step 2: Find the Code Chip Supplied with the Strip Box
When you open a new box of On Call Plus Test Strips, locate the code chip supplied for that strip box.
Do not automatically continue using the chip from your previous box.
Even if two boxes appear visually identical, follow the coding information supplied with the actual strip package you are about to use.
Step 3: Compare the Code Numbers
Before installing the chip, compare:
- the code number on the code chip,
- the code printed on the test-strip vial or foil-pouch packaging, and
- the code displayed by the meter after coding.
These should correspond according to the product instructions.
If the chip code and strip-pack code do not match, do not proceed as though the system has been correctly coded.
Step 4: Insert the Code Chip into the Meter
Turn the On Call Plus meter off before changing the code chip.
Remove the previous code chip if one is installed, then insert the new chip into the meter's code-chip slot.
The chip should fit into place without excessive force.
Do not bend, modify or force the chip into the slot.
Step 5: Confirm the Code on the Meter Display
After inserting the new code chip, insert a compatible On Call Plus Test Strip.
The meter should display the stored strip code during the test-start sequence.
Compare the displayed code with the code printed on your strip packaging.
If the displayed number does not match, stop before applying blood and recheck the chip and strip box.
Should the Code Chip Stay in the Meter?
Yes. The applicable code chip should remain installed while you are using the corresponding strip box.
Do not remove it during a glucose test.
When you change to another new box of strips, follow the coding procedure again with the code chip supplied for that box.
Do I Need to Change the Code Chip with Every New Box?
The On Call Plus instructions state that when changing to a new box of test strips, the code chip packaged with the new box should be inserted.
This is different from newer no-routine-manual-coding systems.
The safest practice is therefore:
New box of On Call Plus strips → check and install the code chip supplied with that box.
What Does CODE Mean on the On Call Plus Meter?
If a test strip is inserted but no strip code is stored in the meter, the display may flash a CODE message.
This generally means the meter does not currently have the required strip code stored.
What to do
Locate the code chip that accompanied the box of On Call Plus Test Strips, insert it correctly, and verify the displayed code against the strip packaging.
Do not apply blood until the coding setup has been confirmed.
On Call Plus E7 Error – Damaged or Removed Code Chip
The E-7 error is associated with a damaged code chip or with a code chip that was removed while a test was in progress.
Check the following
Make sure the chip is fully inserted, not visibly damaged and remains in place throughout testing.
Confirm that the chip code corresponds with the code for the strips being used.
If the chip itself is damaged, use the appropriate correct replacement chip for the applicable strip supply.
For the full error-code guide:
On Call Plus E0–E9 Error Codes & Troubleshooting Guide →
On Call Plus E9 Error – Incorrect Code Chip
The E-9 message indicates that an incorrect code chip has been inserted into the meter.
If E-9 appears:
- Confirm the strips are genuinely On Call Plus Test Strips.
- Check the code printed on the strip vial or foil packaging.
- Check the number on the code chip.
- Remove any incorrect chip.
- Insert the chip supplied with the correct strip box.
- Verify the meter display before testing.
If the error continues despite using the correct chip and strips, discontinue repeated testing with additional strips and obtain technical support.
Can I Use a Code Chip from an Older Box of Strips?
Do not assume that the code chip from a previous box is appropriate for a new strip box.
The On Call Plus procedure is to use the code chip supplied with the applicable new box and confirm that the codes match.
If the old and new codes happen to appear identical, still verify the current package rather than relying on memory or an old chip.
Can I Use a Code Chip from Another On Call Meter?
No code chip should be used simply because it carries the On Call brand.
The meter, test strips and coding component must belong to the correct system.
For example, On Call Plus, On Call Extra and GK Dual are different product families.
A chip or strip from another system should not be assumed to be compatible with On Call Plus.
Does a Correct Code Chip Make Any Test Strip Compatible?
No.
A code chip calibrates the meter for the applicable compatible strip system; it does not convert an incompatible strip into a compatible one.
Always verify both:
1. Correct On Call Plus strip family
2. Correct matching code chip
Code Chip vs Pack Size: Does 50, 100 or 200 Matter?
Pack size tells you how many strips are supplied. It does not by itself determine meter compatibility.
Microsidd currently offers several On Call Plus quantities:
For each strip supply, follow the coding instructions included with the actual product you receive.
What About Individually Foil-Packed On Call Plus Strips?
Some On Call Plus strips are supplied in individual foil packaging rather than a multi-strip vial.
The coding principle remains the same: confirm the code associated with the applicable foil-pack supply and use the corresponding code chip as instructed.
Available foil-pack options include:
Why Does the Meter Show a Different Code from the Strip Box?
A mismatch can occur if:
- the previous strip-box code chip is still installed,
- the wrong chip was inserted,
- strips and chip from different boxes were mixed,
- the chip is damaged, or
- the strips themselves are not the correct On Call Plus product.
Do not perform the test until the mismatch has been resolved.
What If the Code Number Does Not Match?
If the meter display, code chip and strip-pack code do not correspond, stop before applying blood.
Check that you have:
- the correct strip box,
- the code chip supplied with that box, and
- the correct On Call Plus meter.
If the supplied chip itself does not correspond with the strips, contact the appropriate supplier or product-support channel rather than trying to override the coding process.
Should I Perform a Control Solution Test with a New Box?
The On Call Plus instructions recommend performing a quality-control test before using a new box of test strips.
A control solution test checks whether the meter and test strips are working together properly and whether the testing procedure is being performed correctly.
The control result should be checked against the applicable control range printed for the strips.
Do not interpret a control-solution result as a personal blood glucose reading.
When Else Is a Control Test Useful?
The manufacturer instructions also describe control testing when the meter or strips may not be working correctly, when results appear inconsistent with how you feel, when meter damage is suspected, after cleaning the meter and as part of routine system checking.
If a control result falls outside the applicable stated range, troubleshoot the meter, strips, storage and coding setup before relying on the system for blood testing.
How Coding Relates to On Call Plus Error Codes
| Message | Possible Coding Issue |
|---|---|
| CODE / --- CODE | No usable strip code stored in the meter |
| E-7 | Damaged or removed code chip |
| E-9 | Incorrect code chip installed |
Other error codes such as E-2, E-3, E-4, E-5 and E-6 relate to different testing problems rather than coding alone.
See the complete guide:
On Call Plus Error Codes & Troubleshooting Guide →
My Meter Is Coded Correctly but Still Does Not Read the Strip
If the code is correct but the meter still does not recognise the strip, check:
- strip compatibility,
- strip insertion direction,
- whether the strip is fully inserted,
- strip condition and expiry,
- battery condition,
- visible contamination around the strip port, and
- whether an E-code is displayed.
For detailed testing technique:
How to Use On Call Plus Glucometer & Test Strips →
Can Incorrect Coding Affect Results?
The coding process exists to match the meter with the applicable test-strip calibration.
For that reason, a code mismatch should be corrected before testing rather than ignored.
If you are unsure whether the meter is correctly coded, verify the code against the current strip packaging before applying a blood sample.
On Call Plus vs On Call Extra Coding
Coding is one of the clearest operational differences between these two systems.
| Feature | On Call Plus | On Call Extra |
|---|---|---|
| Coding method | Code-chip based | No routine manual coding |
| New strip box | Check/install applicable code chip | No Plus-style code-chip setup |
| Compatible strips | On Call Plus strips | On Call Extra strips |
Do not apply the Plus coding procedure to an Extra meter.
Read:
On Call Plus vs On Call Extra Glucometer Comparison →
Quick Checklist Before Testing
Before applying blood to an On Call Plus strip, confirm:
- the meter is On Call Plus,
- the strips are On Call Plus Test Strips,
- the current code chip belongs to the applicable strip box,
- the chip and strip-package codes correspond,
- the meter displays the expected code,
- the strip is new and within expiry, and
- the meter shows the sample-ready symbol before blood is applied.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the code chip do in an On Call Plus glucometer?
The code chip programs the meter with the calibration code associated with the applicable On Call Plus test-strip supply.
Do I need to insert a new code chip with every new box of strips?
The On Call Plus instructions state that when changing to a new box of test strips, the code chip packaged with the new box should be inserted.
Should I remove the code chip after every test?
No. The applicable chip should remain installed while you are using the corresponding strip box. Change it when you move to another new box as instructed.
What does CODE mean on On Call Plus?
A CODE or --- CODE display can indicate that the meter does not have the required strip code stored. Insert the correct code chip supplied with the applicable strip box and verify the displayed code.
What does E7 mean on On Call Plus?
E-7 is associated with a damaged code chip or a chip removed during testing. Check the chip condition and confirm it remains correctly installed.
What does E9 mean on On Call Plus?
E-9 indicates that an incorrect code chip is installed. Verify the strip family, strip-package code and the code chip.
What if my code chip number does not match the strip box?
Do not proceed with blood testing until the mismatch is resolved. Use the chip supplied for the applicable strip box or contact the appropriate supplier or support channel if the supplied components do not match.
Can I use an old code chip if the number looks the same?
For each new box, follow the manufacturer's procedure and verify the code chip supplied with that box rather than relying on an old chip.
Can a code chip make On Call Extra strips work in On Call Plus?
No. Coding does not change strip compatibility. On Call Plus requires compatible On Call Plus Test Strips.
Should I do a control solution test with a new strip box?
The On Call Plus instructions recommend a quality-control test before using a new box of test strips.
What should I do if the meter is coded correctly but still shows an error?
Use the exact displayed message to troubleshoot further. Strip handling, sample application, battery condition, temperature and meter electronics can also cause errors.
Related On Call Plus Guides
- On Call Plus Glucometer & Test Strips Complete Guide
- On Call Plus Test Strip Compatibility Guide
- How to Use On Call Plus Glucometer & Test Strips
- On Call Plus Error Codes & Troubleshooting Guide
- On Call Plus Test Strips Expiry & Storage Guide
- On Call Plus Test Strips 50 vs 200 Pack Guide
- On Call Plus vs On Call Extra Glucometer
- Complete On Call Plus, Extra & GK Dual Guide
Shop On Call Plus Test Strips
Microsidd offers multiple On Call Plus test-strip quantities and selected foil-pack configurations.
Shop On Call Plus Glucometers & Test Strips →
Or browse the complete On Call family:
Shop On Call Plus, Extra & GK Dual →
Medical information notice: This article explains the On Call Plus coding process and general product operation. It does not replace the user manual supplied with your specific meter and test strips, interpret blood glucose results, diagnose diabetes or provide treatment recommendations.
Always confirm the correct meter, strip family and code before testing. If a glucose result is unexpectedly high or low, follow the manufacturer's retesting instructions where appropriate and seek professional medical advice when needed. Repeated extreme readings or serious symptoms should not be ignored while troubleshooting the device.