FAQ – FORA 6 Blood Glucose / Hematocrit / Hemoglobin Meter

1. General information

What is the FORA 6 Blood Glucose Meter (BG / HCT / HB)?
A compact, CE-certified, multi-parameter home meter that lets you measure blood glucose, hematocrit, and hemoglobin using matching FORA test strips.

Why would I want a meter that measures multiple parameters?
HCT and HB provide context for interpreting your glucose (e.g., anemia or hemoconcentration) and help you and your healthcare professional make better decisions.

What other measurements are possible?
The FORA 6 Connect can handle up to 6 parameters: BG, HCT, HB, β-ketone (KB), total cholesterol (TCH), and uric acid (UA) (depending on the model and strips).

Who is the manufacturer?
FORAcare Suisse AG, a specialist in home monitoring.

Can I switch units between mg/dL and mmol/L?
Yes. The meter supports both mg/dL and mmol/L for glucose. You can set your preferred unit in the device/app settings.

Main benefits of the FORA 6 Blood Glucose Meter

• Multiple tests with one device
• Fast results (BG ≈ 5 seconds)
• Bluetooth with app (trends, reports, sharing)
• CE-certified for home and professional use

2. What’s in the box

What’s included?

• FORA 6 Connect meter
• Test strips (depending on your set/parameters)
• Lancing device + lancets
• Battery/batteries (usually AAA)
• User manual (Dutch included)
• Carrying case / protective pouch
• Warranty card

Can I start right away?
Yes. With the included strips/lancets you can perform your first test immediately (for the parameters in your set).

Can I buy additional strip types later?
Yes, you can order BG/HCT/HB strips (and other FORA strips) later.

3. Use & instructions

How do I perform a blood glucose test?

1. Wash and dry your hands.
2. Insert a glucose strip into the meter.
3. Use the lancet to obtain a small blood drop.
4. Apply the drop to the strip.
5. Wait about 5 seconds; the result appears on the display.

How much blood is required?
For BG about 0.5 µL is sufficient (a tiny drop). HCT/HB also require a small drop (a few µL).

Do I need to code the meter for each strip?
No. The FORA 6 Connect automatically recognizes the strip type/parameter.

How often should I test?
Follow your clinician’s plan. Many people test BG several times daily; HCT/HB periodically to monitor trends.

Can the same device be used by multiple people?
At home: personal use is strongly recommended (to prevent cross-contamination). In professional settings: use individual lancets per person and follow strict hygiene protocols.

Tips for consistent results

• Test at consistent times (e.g., before breakfast)
• Record context (food, medication, exercise) in the app
• Avoid testing immediately after intense exercise or alcohol if you want comparable results

4. Reliability & quality

How accurate are the measurements?
The meter is designed for high accuracy and is CE-certified. Exact margins may vary by parameter/strip; always follow the user manual.

What factors can affect accuracy?

• Expired/damaged strips
• Insufficient blood volume
• Dirty or moist fingers/strips
• Temperature/humidity outside the recommended range
• Very low/high hematocrit can influence BG readings

Is the meter clinically validated?
The FORA 6 Connect is a medical device (CE) suitable for both home and professional use.

How can I check performance myself?

• Use control solution (if available) according to instructions
• Periodically compare with a laboratory result via your doctor

What do error codes mean?
Error codes (e.g., “E1”, “E2”) indicate issues such as too little blood or an improperly inserted strip. See the legend in the manual/app.

5. Results & interpretation

What do hematocrit and hemoglobin mean?

• Hematocrit (HCT): the % of your blood made up of red blood cells.
• Hemoglobin (HB): the concentration of the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.

Why are HCT/HB relevant to glucose?
Abnormal HCT can influence BG readings. Tracking HCT/HB alongside BG helps you interpret glucose trends more accurately.

Reference ranges (indicative; your lab/clinician may differ)

• HB: women often > 7.5 mmol/L, men > 8.5 mmol/L
• HCT: women ~37–47%, men ~40–52%
  Always check your laboratory/clinician’s reference intervals.

What should I do if my values are abnormal?

• Repeat the test at a different time
• Discuss with your healthcare professional
• Consider additional laboratory testing

What can influence HCT/HB values?

• Anemia, dehydration, high altitude, pregnancy, medication, illness

6. Connectivity & app

Does the meter have Bluetooth?
Yes, FORA 6 Connect syncs to your smartphone via Bluetooth.

Which app works with this meter?
The iFORA Healthcare app (Android/iOS).

What can I do with the app?

• Automatically store measurements
• Graphs & trends plus notes (food/medication)
• Generate reports (PDF/CSV) and share with your clinician/dietitian
• Optional cloud backup

Does the app work offline?
Yes, measurements are stored locally and synced later.

Can I connect to Apple Health / Google Fit?
Yes, this is available in the app settings.

Can I use multiple meters on one account?
Yes, the app supports multiple FORA devices.

7. Consumables

Which test strips are compatible?
Use FORA-branded strips for the relevant parameter (BG, HCT, HB). Other brands/types are not compatible.

Where can I buy strips and lancets?
From The Tester and authorized FORA distributors/medical webshops.

What is the shelf life of strips?
Check the expiry date. After opening, use as soon as possible; with proper storage typically up to 12 months.

How should I store strips?

• Room temperature (about 15–30 °C)
• Keep dry, out of direct sunlight
• Close the vial immediately after use

Are strips included?
Yes, a starter set usually includes strips and lancets (set-dependent).

8. Maintenance & safety

How do I clean the meter?
Wipe the housing with a soft, dry cloth. Do not let water or cleaning fluids enter the device.

Which batteries and how long do they last?
Usually AAA; under normal use they last for several months. Replace observing correct polarity.

Can I use rechargeable batteries?
Yes, if they are good quality and fully charged.

Is the meter safe for home use?
Yes—provided you follow the manual and use sterile lancets.

Can I travel with the meter?
Absolutely. Take extra strips, lancets, and batteries. Avoid extreme temperatures.

How do I dispose of lancets safely?
Use a sharps container or follow local guidance for medical sharps disposal.

9. Ordering & shipping (The Tester)

Where can I order this meter?
From The Tester (product page: FORA 6 Connect Blood Glucose / Hematocrit / Hemoglobin Meter) and authorized medical webshops.

How fast is delivery?
Orders placed on business days before 16:00 are usually delivered the next day (if in stock).

What are the shipping costs?
Standard €4.99 per order (may vary by country/promotion).

Is the packaging discreet?
Yes—plain packaging without medical markings; includes track & trace.

Can I return my order?
Unused, unopened products can be returned within 14 days according to the general terms and conditions.

10. Privacy & data protection

Are my test results stored or shared?
Data are stored locally on the meter/app and (optionally) in the cloud. They’re never shared without your consent.

How is my privacy protected?
The Tester uses SSL security and processes data in accordance with the GDPR.

Will anyone know I ordered this device?
No—invoice and packaging do not include identifiable medical wording.

Is The Tester a trustworthy seller?
Yes. CE-certified products, discreet shipping, strong customer reviews, and knowledgeable support.

11. Customer service & support

How can I contact The Tester?
Via the contact form on the website or by email: info@the-tester.com.

Can The Tester help with setup or app pairing?
Yes—step-by-step guides, email support, and practical tips are available.

How long is the warranty?
2-year manufacturer’s warranty via FORAcare Suisse AG. Keep your proof of purchase.

Can I buy accessories/spare parts separately?
Yes: lancing devices, lancets, strips, cases, batteries—available via The Tester.