Freestyle Libre Troubleshooting: Sensor Error "Reading Not Available - Scan Again in x Hours" (2023)

Problem:

LibreLink app is showing the following error message (or something similar): Glucose Reading Not Available. Try Scanning Again in x Hours

Freestyle Libre Troubleshooting: Sensor Error "Reading Not Available - Scan Again in x Hours" (1)


Troubleshooting Steps:

Please wait at least 12 hours after applying your sensor to let the sensor calibrate.

(Video) FreeStyle Libre Errors and How to Fix Them

Why is this happening? The FreeStyle Libre needs a 12-hour calibration period before its readings are considered accurate. This calibration period starts after your first glucose reading and sometimes this message will appear while the sensor is acclimating to your body. After the calibration period is up, you should be able to scan your sensor again without issue.

Outcome:

(Video) Huge FreeStyle Libre Mistakes That Will Cost You...

After 12+ hours of wearing the sensor, the error message should no longer show up.Please note that it takes up to 48 hours for glucose readings to become fully accurate, so if you experience extreme high/low readings after the error messages go away, please wait a full 48 hours for the sensor to calibrate(more info on sensor calibrationhere).

If the sensor continues to show the same error message after 12+ hours of wearing it, please reach out to our Support Team at support@levelshealth.com and they'll be more than happy to help further!

(Video) Libre 2 Reader Malfunctioning (AGAIN)


Further reading:

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(Video) Freestyle Libre Sensor, Reassembling and Re-Applying

FAQs

Why does my freestyle Libre keep saying scan error? ›

This may mean your Sensor was started by another Reader. A Sensor can only be scanned by the Reader that started it. Scan the Sensor again with the Reader that started it. Or, apply and start a new Sensor.

Why does my Libre sensor keep saying sensor error? ›

Why is this happening? The FreeStyle Libre needs a 12-hour calibration period before its readings are considered accurate. This calibration period starts after your first glucose reading and sometimes this message will appear while the sensor is acclimating to your body.

Why is my freestyle Libre sensor not reading? ›

If the Sensor is becoming loose or if the Sensor tip is coming out of your skin, you may get no readings or unreliable readings, which may not match how you feel. Check to make sure your Sensor has not come loose. If it has come loose, remove it, apply a new one, and contact Customer Service.

Is there a limit to how many times you can scan the freestyle Libre? ›

Freestyle Libre Scanning Best Practices:

Scan at least once during the middle of the day. Scan as often as you'd like — there is no limit!

Can you restart a freestyle Libre sensor? ›

The Freestyle Libre sensor can't be “restarted”, once the time period is up, then it's finished. Typically Dexcom and Medtronic sensors can be extended if they are still accurate and working. The flash monitoring system does not integrate with insulin pump devices like some CGM devices can.

How often do Libre sensors fail? ›

Freestyle Libre - Sensor failure rate of 40%

What does sensor error mean? ›

ANSWER: Sensor error is the is the deviation of the measured value from the actual value of the property being measured. When measuring atmospheric air temperature, it is the sensor reading minus the actual air temperature.

How do I report a bad Libre sensor? ›

Seek medical attention when appropriate or contact Abbott at 855-632-8658 or FreeStyleLibre.us for safety info.

What can affect FreeStyle Libre readings? ›

If the Sensor is becoming loose or if the Sensor tip is coming out of your skin, you may get no readings or unreliable readings, which may not match how you feel. Check to make sure your Sensor has not come loose. If it has come loose, remove it and apply a new one.

Can FreeStyle Libre be recalibrated? ›

The FreeStyle Libre sensor is factory calibrated and manufactured with minimal sensor-to-sensor variation eliminating need for finger prick calibration2,3. The FreeStyle Libre system is clinically proven to be accurate and consistent over 14 days, without the need for finger prick calibration2.

How do I fix my FreeStyle Libre 2 signal loss? ›

RECEIVING THE SIGNAL LOSS ALARM
  1. Keep your smartphone close. Ensure that your smartphone is within 20 feet of you at all times, unobstructed.
  2. Change your settings. Turn off Do Not Disturb mode or select to turn on Override Do Not Disturb in your alarm settings. ...
  3. Keep your bluetooth switched on.

How many times a day can you test with FreeStyle Libre? ›

The FreeStyle Libre is a blood glucose monitor that doesn't require blood samples or finger sticks. The readings are based on a sensor on your arm continuously for up to 14 days at a time. You can check your glucose levels any time, but you should do so at least every 8 hours.

Which is more accurate Libre or finger stick? ›

The gold standard for accuracy is a blood draw measurement and both finger sticks and CGMs have error margins (MARD) to that standard. Finger sticks tend to be in the range of 5-10% MARD, while the Libre has a MARD of about 9.7% over 14 days, and the Dexcom G6 has a MARD of 9% over 10 days.

What medications interfere with FreeStyle Libre? ›

What to know about interfering substances such as Vitamin C and Aspirin: Taking ascorbic acid (vitamin C) while wearing the Sensor may falsely raise Sensor glucose readings. Taking salicylic acid (used in some pain relievers such as aspirin and some skin care products) may slightly lower Sensor glucose readings.

Can I put my FreeStyle Libre on my stomach? ›

Insertion of FSL sensors into the abdomen should be discouraged in patients with type 1 diabetes.

How do you reset a FreeStyle glucose meter? ›

To restart your meter, take out the unused FreeStyle Lite test strip and reinsert it into the meter. Each time the meter powers on, this screen briefly appears so that you can make sure the display is working properly.

Can you buy Libre 2 sensor over the counter? ›

While you can buy the FreeStyle Libre 2 at pharmacies, you cannot purchase this system over the counter. Instead, you'll need a prescription before you can buy it from US MED or anywhere else.

What causes sensor failure? ›

Dust, other contaminants, vibrations, shocks and exposure to high temperatures all have a shortening effect on the average lifespan of a sensor, so it is important to look for a solution that overcomes these problems by design, rather than just accepting frequent sensor failure and replacement as part and parcel of ...

What are the types of sensor error? ›

Four common types of sensor faults: (a) bias, (b) drifting, (c) complete failure, and (d) precision degradation.

Can you put Libre sensor in wrong place on arm? ›

Choose a site that is at least 2.5 cm away from an insulin injection site. To prevent discomfort or skin irritation, you should select a different site other than the one most recently used1.

Can you put a Libre sensor back in? ›

Answer: If your sensor becomes partially or fully dislodged from its original place, don't try to push it back in. Remove your sensor by following these instructions: How to Remove & Replace your Sensor. You can then email support@levelshealth.com to request a replacement if needed.

Where is the best place to put Libre 2 sensor? ›

Select an area of skin on the back of your upper arm that generally stays flat during normal daily activities (no bending or folding). Avoid areas with moles, scarring or tattoos. Choose a site that is at least 2.5 cm away from an insulin injection site.

What medications affect continuous glucose monitoring? ›

Other commonly prescribed medications that may affect your CGM include lisinopril, albuterol, and atenolol. Red wine has also been shown to interfere with CGM readings.

Does Tylenol interfere with FreeStyle Libre? ›

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) — like Dexcom G6 and FreeStyle Libre — are wearable devices that track glucose (sugar) levels in the body. But some medications, including Tylenol (acetaminophen), can affect the accuracy of CGMs. This means your CGM might measure your glucose level as falsely high or low.

What happens when FreeStyle Libre doesn't work? ›

If readings do not match symptoms or expectations, use a fingerstick value from a blood glucose meter for treatment decisions. Seek medical attention when appropriate or contact Abbott at 855-632-8658 or FreeStyleLibre.us for safety info.

What is error 2 FreeStyle libre 2? ›

“Error 2 (E-2)” displays on your Reader

What it means: The update was unsuccessful and your Reader may not function properly. What to do: You will need to restart the update process.

How do I report a Libre sensor not working? ›

If the problem continues, remove the current Sensor, apply a new one, and contact Customer Service. Customer Service is available at 1-855-632-8658 7 Days a Week from 8AM to 8PM Eastern Standard Time.

What is the margin of error for FreeStyle Libre? ›

The gold standard for accuracy is a blood draw measurement and both finger sticks and CGMs have error margins (MARD) to that standard. Finger sticks tend to be in the range of 5-10% MARD, while the Libre has a MARD of about 9.7% over 14 days, and the Dexcom G6 has a MARD of 9% over 10 days.

Can a Libre sensor be faulty? ›

Freestyle Libre Inaccurate? Inaccuracies in freestyle Libre occur because of two main reasons. Either it does not measure the glucose in the blood, but rather the glucose in the interstitial fluid, or because of user error. There may be some other rare instances that can cause inaccuracies in your Freestyle Libre.

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