Compiled List of Bad Sensors?

[KarenRI]

Hi,

I was wondering if the Forum has a list compiled of the sensors they have had problems with (lot number and expiration dates)?

My son is part of the Artificial Pancreas Study, and the sensors we received were a mixed batch of various lot numbers, so we've been able to sample quite a few different ones.

We've been chugging along just fine, getting 6-7 days per sensor, but this last one was a nightmare! After initial insertion, it took almost 3.5 hours before it asked for the first meter BG. Soon after, we got a calibration error and it restarted the 2 hour warm-up period, but asked for another meter BG within a hour. It seemd to be OK for a day and a half. Since then, it has alarmed for lows at 80, and my son is actually much higher (120-160) on the BG meter. It also gave readings of 190 arrow up when he felt low and was low according to the BG meter. The other sensors we used were never that far off. We even had some great calibrations with this one, and that didn't seem to help at all. It gave us another calabration error today and restarted itself when I corrected it, so I pulled it on Day 4.

The nightmare sensor was : Lot G057 exp. 1-1-08.

Anyone else have trouble with this particular lot?

Thanks!
Karen

[WestinsMom]

We just started on lot J297 and we are having problems...same problems we had our last box! They seem great then on day 4 the ISIG is good yet it is completely haywire!

[KarenRI]

Exactly!! I kept checking the ISIG and it was ususally never below 15!!
It went haywire for no reason I could find.

[Budapest]

Excellent idea to compile this list.

We had problems with the following lots:

H147
J097
I227

Unfortunately I don't have the expiration dates.

Are you using the Guardian (just cgm) or Paradigm pump+cgm?

We have been using the Guardian but gave up for now after weeks of problems.

[KarenRI]

My son is on the Paradigm Real Time 722 Pump / CGM.

He did use the Guardian three times in the last 6 months in preparation for the RT722. I found the Guardian to be more of a hassle. We were constantly getting "lost sensor" and "weak sensor" alarms. It always had to be right next to (on the same side as) the sensor site (in his upper bottom area). We also lost signal a lot when he was sleeping at night.

The RT 722 is less finicky. It seems to locate the sensor more quickly when doing a New Sensor start. We waited 5-7 minutes for the Guardian to find the sensor. Also, he can wear his pump on either side without getting "lost sensor" or "weak sensor" alarms.

I think we have a really good sensor in right now. It's been reading close to what his BG readings on his meter. Also, last night was the first night I slept all through the night. NO alarms!! His numbers were very stable, and stayed within range. It was such a treat! I hope that wasn't a rare event!

Did you give up on CGM all together, or are you thinking about trying a Paradigm?

[WestinsMom]

Sitting in the parents chat last night I was convinced that we should try using Westin's arm. It is taking some bribes to get his consent, but I think we will be trying it soon. I hope that solves our problem, as the last sensor was so good for 3 days. I love it when it works well.

[KarenRI]

I talked with Nate about using his arm. NO way!!! He won't even consider it right now. Since we began using Emla and ice, he never feels the insertion. So, it can't be a "pain" issue. I may think of a nice big bribe too!

Back when he began pumping, we tried using his tummy for sites, and they never worked. He doesn't have enough gut there, so we have always had to use his upper butt. I would like another area available now that he has the sensor site too.

This sensor is a good one. It's been dead on all day. I hope it stays that way for a few more!

When CGM works properly, I really really love it!

[WestinsMom]

We have always used his butt too. Now we use it for both, which hasn't been a problem. We have never been gutsy enough to try his stomach. He is just so thin. We are emla'd for the arm tonight. He says he hasn't decided to do it for sure yet. I think I will wait until he goes to sleep and just do it either way. It's a pricey bribe (Guitar Hero 3, about $100) but could pay off if we get longer use!

[luvmytwins02]

Our first bad box started with a "J". I was told they were having trouble with the "I" and "J" lots

[Mama2H]

We have always used his butt too. Now we use it for both, which hasn't been a problem. We have never been gutsy enough to try his stomach. He is just so thin. We are emla'd for the arm tonight. He says he hasn't decided to do it for sure yet. I think I will wait until he goes to sleep and just do it either way. It's a pricey bribe (Guitar Hero 3, about $100) but could pay off if we get longer use!

How did it go? Anymore I always do Hailey's cgms while she sleeps, she just works herself into a frenzy if I do it when she is awake. I do tell her early in the day that I am going to have to change her sensor that night just to give her a little warning and then when I go to do it I make sure I have a good grip on her arm and am ready to let her know that the needle is out (even if it isn't) and to go back to sleep.

[WestinsMom]

It went smooth as silk! He didn't even know I did it. This morning he woke up and thought the emla was still on. He was pleasantly surprised to hear it was in...and excited for his new game! I could have gotten away with just doing it...for free! :) Thanks, Mama2H for the prod. Let's hope it helps (fingers crossed!)

[Rachel]

I don't have the lot # for the first box we had problems but the second one was from Lot H137.