Quikchek Plus Hb Meter Error Codes & Troubleshooting Guide
Dr Pramod kumar
The Quikchek Plus Hb Meter is a portable point-of-care hemoglobin testing system used for quantitative measurement of Hemoglobin (Hb) and calculated Hematocrit (Hct) from capillary or venous whole blood.
When the meter displays an error code, fails to recognise a strip or produces an unexpected result, the error should be investigated before another result is accepted.
This guide explains the verified Quikchek Plus Hb error codes E-1 through E-7, together with practical troubleshooting for code-chip problems, inadequate blood samples, low or high readings, strip-storage issues, optical-system checks and repeated testing errors.
Quikchek Plus Hb Error Codes at a Glance
| Error Code | Possible Cause | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | Sensor area damaged, dirty or blocked at startup | Remove any strip or obstruction, inspect and clean the sensor area, then restart the meter. |
| E-2 | Test strip removed during measurement | Repeat the test with a fresh strip and leave it inserted until testing is complete. |
| E-3 | Blood specimen applied too early | Repeat the test and apply blood only after the blood-drop symbol appears. |
| E-4 | Batteries too discharged to continue testing | Replace the batteries or use the compatible power adapter before repeating the test. |
| E-5 | Insufficient blood specimen | Repeat using a fresh strip and approximately 10 µL of whole blood. |
| E-6 | Expired test strip | Check the strip-canister expiry and use an in-date, correctly stored strip. |
| E-7 | Code chip removed during testing | Insert the correct code chip, confirm its code matches the strips and repeat the test. |
Quikchek Plus Error E-1: Sensor Area Dirty, Blocked or Damaged
E-1 indicates that the meter detected a problem around the optical sensor area during startup.
Possible causes include:
- A used test strip left inside the meter
- Dirt or dried material around the sensor area
- An object blocking the optical window
- A damaged sensor window
How to Fix E-1
- Switch off the meter.
- Remove any test strip still inserted.
- Inspect the strip channel and sensor area.
- Clean the meter according to the manufacturer's instructions if contamination is present.
- Restart the meter.
If the sensor window appears cracked, damaged or the E-1 error continues after cleaning, the meter may require technical inspection.
Do Not Scratch the Quikchek Plus Optical Sensor
The Hb meter uses an optical measurement system.
Do not insert:
- Needles
- Metal objects
- Sharp cleaning tools
- Abrasive materials
into the sensor or strip channel.
A damaged optical window can interfere with normal measurement.
Quikchek Plus Error E-2: Test Strip Removed During Testing
E-2 means the test strip was removed while the meter was still analysing the specimen.
Once a test has started, the strip must remain correctly inserted until the measurement is finished.
How to Fix E-2
- Discard the interrupted strip.
- Insert a fresh compatible Quikchek Plus Hb strip.
- Apply a fresh specimen when prompted.
- Leave the strip in place until the Hb/Hct result is displayed.
Do not reinsert a strip on which blood has already been applied.
Quikchek Plus Error E-3: Blood Applied Too Early
E-3 means blood was applied before the meter was ready to receive the specimen.
The correct sequence is:
Insert Strip → Wait for Blood-Drop Symbol → Apply Blood
How to Fix E-3
Repeat the measurement with a fresh test strip and wait until the meter displays the blood-drop symbol before applying the specimen.
Do not pre-apply blood to the strip before the meter requests it.
Quikchek Plus Error E-4: Battery Too Low
E-4 means the batteries are too discharged for the meter to perform another test.
The Quikchek Plus Hb platform uses:
4 × AAA batteries
and can also operate using the compatible power supply where provided or supported.
How to Fix E-4
- Replace all four AAA batteries with suitable fresh batteries.
- Check correct battery orientation.
- Alternatively, connect the compatible power source where applicable.
- Restart the meter before testing again.
What Does the Flashing Battery Symbol Mean?
A flashing battery symbol is different from E-4.
It means the batteries are becoming low but still have enough power for a limited number of tests.
Results can still be generated, but the batteries should be replaced as soon as practical.
Once the battery condition becomes too low for testing, the meter displays E-4.
Quikchek Plus Error E-5: Insufficient Blood Sample
E-5 indicates that insufficient blood was applied to the test strip.
The Quikchek Plus Hb system requires approximately:
10 µL of whole blood
The specimen application area must be adequately filled.
How to Fix E-5
- Discard the failed test strip.
- Obtain a new compatible Quikchek Plus Hb strip.
- Collect an adequate blood specimen.
- Wait for the blood-drop symbol.
- Apply approximately 10 µL of whole blood correctly.
Do not add extra blood later to a strip that initially received too little specimen.
The manufacturer's instructions recommend discarding the strip and repeating the test.
Why Blood Volume Matters
The Quikchek Plus Hb system is designed around an approximately 10 µL sample.
An inadequate or excessive specimen can interfere with proper filling of the reaction area and may lead to inaccurate measurement or an error.
For finger-prick testing:
- Use an appropriate sterile lancet.
- Make sure the finger is clean and dry.
- Avoid excessive squeezing.
- Obtain an adequate blood drop before specimen transfer.
Quikchek Plus Error E-6: Expired Test Strips
E-6 indicates that the meter has identified the test strips or testing devices as expired.
How to Fix E-6
Check:
- The printed expiry date on the strip canister
- The date programmed into the meter
- The date the strip canister was first opened
Do not use strips beyond their permitted expiry period.
Check the Meter Date When E-6 Appears
The meter uses its programmed date when evaluating strip expiry.
If the date entered in the Quikchek Plus meter is incorrect, the meter may interpret an otherwise valid strip as expired.
If E-6 appears unexpectedly:
- Check the current date programmed into the meter.
- Check the printed strip expiry.
- Check the opened-canister date.
- Correct the meter date if necessary.
Never intentionally set the date backwards simply to make an expired test strip appear usable.
Opened Quikchek Plus Strip Canister Expiry
For this ACON Hb strip platform, a new canister should be marked with the date it is opened.
The documented opened-canister use period is approximately:
3 months after first opening
provided the printed expiry has not occurred earlier and the strips have been stored correctly.
The earlier date should always take priority.
Quikchek Plus Error E-7: Code Chip Removed During Testing
E-7 means the code chip was removed while a test was being performed.
The code chip forms part of the Quikchek Plus meter-and-strip setup.
How to Fix E-7
- Stop the failed test.
- Insert the correct code chip.
- Check the code number on the chip.
- Confirm that it matches the code printed on the current strip canister.
- Make sure the chip is properly inserted.
- Repeat the measurement with a fresh test strip.
Why the Quikchek Plus Code Chip Matters
Each compatible strip box is supplied with coding information for that strip lot.
When beginning a new box of strips:
- Use the code chip supplied with that box.
- Compare its code number with the strip-canister code.
- Confirm the meter displays the same code.
- Keep the correct code chip installed while using those strips.
Results may be unreliable if the meter code and strip code do not correspond.
Quikchek Plus Shows Three Dashes Instead of a Code
Three dashes in the code area generally indicate a problem such as:
- No code chip inserted
- Code chip inserted incorrectly
- Damaged code chip
What to Do
Remove and reinstall the correct code chip.
If the chip appears damaged, replace it with the correct chip supplied for the current strip lot.
Do not proceed until the correct code is displayed.
Quikchek Plus Shows “Lo”
The meter displays Lo when the measured hemoglobin concentration is below the system's measurement range of approximately:
4.5 g/dL
A Lo result should not automatically be interpreted as an instrument failure.
Check:
- Blood sample volume
- Correct strip and code chip
- Specimen collection technique
- Strip expiry and storage
- Whether a venous specimen was mixed properly before testing
A result this low is clinically significant and should be confirmed with an appropriate laboratory method according to clinical circumstances.
Quikchek Plus Shows “Hi”
The meter displays Hi when the measured Hb concentration is above approximately:
25.6 g/dL
Review the test technique and specimen condition.
If the result persists, appropriate laboratory confirmation is advisable.
Unexpectedly Low or High Quikchek Plus Result
If a numerical result appears inconsistent with expectations, review:
- Correct Quikchek Plus Hb test strip
- Correct code chip
- Strip expiry
- Opened-canister date
- Strip storage
- Sample volume
- Capillary sampling technique
- Venous specimen mixing where applicable
- Optical sensor cleanliness
- Meter operating conditions
Repeat testing with a fresh strip where a procedural problem is suspected.
Do not repeatedly test until a preferred value appears.
Repeated Quikchek Plus Results Are Different
If repeated Hb results vary significantly, examine the complete testing process.
Possible causes include:
- Different blood sample volumes
- Excessive finger squeezing
- Incomplete specimen application
- Poorly mixed venous whole blood
- Expired or poorly stored strips
- Wrong code chip
- Dirty optical sensor
- Incorrect operating environment
- Meter damage
Strip Inserted but Quikchek Plus Does Not Start Testing
Check that:
- The correct code chip is installed.
- The strip is a compatible Quikchek Plus Hb strip.
- The strip is inserted in the direction indicated by the arrows.
- The strip is fully inserted.
- The meter displays the blood-drop symbol before blood is applied.
Do not force the strip into the meter.
Quikchek Plus Optical System Check
The meter platform includes an optical-system verification procedure using the appropriate control strip or control device.
The optical check can help confirm whether the optical measurement system is functioning correctly.
If the optical check displays:
YES — the optical system passes the check.
no — inspect the control device and sensor area before repeating the check.
What If the Optical Check Fails?
If the meter displays no during the optical check:
- Inspect the control strip/device for contamination or damage.
- Use a clean, undamaged control device.
- Check the meter sensor area.
- Clean the sensor according to manufacturer instructions if required.
- Repeat the optical check.
If the optical check repeatedly fails, stop routine patient testing and seek appropriate technical support.
When Should Quality Control Be Performed?
The manufacturer documentation recommends quality-control testing according to facility procedures, particularly in situations such as:
- A new day of testing
- A new strip canister is opened
- A new operator begins testing
- Results appear inaccurate
- After meter maintenance or service
Professional facilities should follow their own validated QC policy and applicable requirements.
Quikchek Plus Meter Does Not Turn On
If the meter does not power on:
- Check all four AAA batteries.
- Confirm correct battery orientation.
- Replace exhausted batteries.
- Try the compatible external power source where supported.
- Inspect for visible physical or liquid damage.
If the meter remains unresponsive, technical inspection may be required.
Testing in Very Hot or Cold Conditions
The Quikchek Plus Hb meter is specified for operation at approximately:
10°C to 40°C
with relative humidity up to approximately:
90% RH
Do not perform testing when the meter is clearly outside the permitted operating environment.
Allow the meter and testing materials to return naturally to suitable conditions.
Quikchek Plus Test Strip Storage
Compatible strips should generally be stored according to their current package instructions.
The platform documentation specifies strip/device storage within:
2°C to 30°C
and up to approximately:
85% relative humidity
Keep the strip canister tightly closed and protect it from excessive heat, moisture and direct sunlight.
Do Not Reuse Quikchek Plus Hb Test Strips
Quikchek Plus Hb strips are intended for single use only.
Do not:
- Wash a used strip
- Wipe and reuse it
- Add another patient's specimen
- Reuse a strip after an E-2, E-3 or E-5 testing failure once it has been compromised
Use a new strip for every test.
Quick Quikchek Plus Troubleshooting Decision Path
E-1?
→ Check and clean the optical sensor area.
E-2?
→ Strip was removed during testing. Repeat using a fresh strip.
E-3?
→ Blood was applied too early. Wait for the blood-drop symbol.
E-4?
→ Replace batteries or connect the supported power source.
E-5?
→ Insufficient specimen. Repeat with approximately 10 µL blood.
E-6?
→ Check strip expiry, opened date and meter date.
E-7?
→ Reinstall the correct matching code chip.
Three dashes?
→ Check for a missing, damaged or incorrectly inserted code chip.
Lo?
→ Result below measurement range; review technique and seek appropriate confirmation.
Hi?
→ Result above measurement range; review technique and seek appropriate confirmation.
When Should You Repeat a Quikchek Plus Hb Test?
A repeat measurement using a new strip may be appropriate when:
- The strip was removed prematurely
- Blood was applied too early
- The sample was insufficient
- The wrong code chip was installed
- The strip was expired or damaged
- The test process was interrupted
- A procedural problem clearly occurred
When Should You Stop Repeating the Test?
Repeated testing until a preferred result appears is not appropriate.
Laboratory confirmation or professional assessment should be considered if:
- The same abnormal result is repeatedly obtained
- Results remain inconsistent despite correct technique
- The result does not fit the patient's clinical condition
- The reading is Lo or Hi
- A clinical decision depends on an accurate hemoglobin value
Quikchek Plus Error Troubleshooting Checklist
- ✓ Correct Quikchek Plus Hb meter
- ✓ Correct compatible Hb strips
- ✓ Correct code chip installed
- ✓ Code number matches strip canister
- ✓ Meter date and time correct
- ✓ Strip within printed expiry
- ✓ Opened canister still within permitted period
- ✓ Strip stored correctly
- ✓ Approximately 10 µL whole blood used
- ✓ Blood applied only after prompt
- ✓ Strip remains inserted throughout testing
- ✓ Sensor area clean
- ✓ Batteries have adequate power
- ✓ Meter operating within 10°C–40°C
- ✓ Fresh strip used for every repeat measurement
Quikchek Plus Error Codes FAQ
What does E-1 mean on the Quikchek Plus Hb meter?
E-1 indicates that the sensor area is dirty, blocked or potentially damaged. Remove any obstruction and clean the sensor area according to the manufacturer's instructions.
What does E-2 mean?
E-2 means the test strip was removed while the test was still being performed.
What does E-3 mean?
E-3 means blood was applied before the meter displayed the blood-drop symbol.
What does E-4 mean?
E-4 indicates that the batteries are too discharged for further testing.
What does E-5 mean?
E-5 indicates insufficient blood specimen. Repeat using a fresh strip and approximately 10 µL whole blood.
What does E-6 mean?
E-6 indicates expired strips or an expiry-related issue. Check the canister expiry, opened-canister period and meter date.
What does E-7 mean?
E-7 means the code chip was removed during testing. Reinstall the correct code chip, verify the code and repeat using a fresh strip.
Why does my Quikchek Plus show three dashes?
This can indicate that the code chip is missing, damaged or incorrectly inserted.
What does Lo mean?
Lo indicates a result below the system's measurement range of approximately 4.5 g/dL.
What does Hi mean?
Hi indicates a result above approximately 25.6 g/dL.
Can I add more blood after E-5?
No. If insufficient specimen has compromised the test, discard the strip and repeat using a new strip with the correct sample volume.
Can I reuse a strip after an error?
Do not reuse a strip once blood has been applied or the strip has been compromised during an unsuccessful test.
How much blood does Quikchek Plus require?
The meter requires approximately 10 µL of capillary or venous whole blood.
How quickly does Quikchek Plus give a result?
The system provides Hb and calculated Hct results in less than approximately 15 seconds.
Related Quikchek Plus Guides
Quikchek Plus Hb Meter & Test Strips Complete Guide
Read the complete Quikchek Plus Hb system guide
Quikchek Plus Hb Test Strip Compatibility Guide
Check which strips work with the Quikchek Plus Hb meter
How to Use Quikchek Plus Hb Meter & Test Strips
Follow the Quikchek Plus testing procedure
Quikchek Plus Hb Strips Expiry & Storage Guide
Learn how to store Quikchek Plus Hb strips
Hemoglobin Meters & Test Strips Complete Guide
Learn more about hemoglobin testing systems
Quikchek Plus vs Mission vs TrueHb Comparison
Compare Quikchek Plus, Mission and TrueHb
Quikchek Plus Products Available from Microsidd
Quikchek Plus Hb Meter
Portable ACON hemoglobin monitor for rapid quantitative Hb testing and calculated Hct.
Quikchek Plus Hb Test Strips – 50 Pack
Compatible replacement strips for the Quikchek Plus Hb Meter.
View Quikchek Plus Hb Test Strips 50
Quikchek Plus Hb Meter with 50 Strips
Meter-and-strip combination for users requiring a complete Quikchek Plus setup with additional compatible strips.
View Quikchek Plus Hb Meter + 50 Strips
Important Note
This troubleshooting guide is intended for the Quikchek Plus Hb meter configuration represented in the current Microsidd range and the corresponding ACON strip-based Hb platform.
The verified troubleshooting system includes error codes E-1 through E-7. Always follow the user manual supplied with your exact meter if the display, accessories or instructions differ from those described here.
Do not continue patient testing when the optical system, code-chip setup, strips or meter function remains unresolved.
Quikchek Plus provides rapid quantitative Hb measurement and calculated Hct but does not replace a complete blood count or appropriate clinical evaluation. Unexpected or clinically important results may require laboratory confirmation and professional interpretation.