Sinocare blood glucose meters are designed to be fast, accurate and easy to use. In everyday use, they usually show readings within seconds of a blood sample being placed on the strip. However, these devices also built-in features to display an error code or alert if they detect a problem. Many people assume their glucometer is faulty when they see such errors on their meter’s screen.
In reality, when your Sinocare meter shows an error code instead of a reading, it is likely to be due to three possible reasons: the reading is outside the meter's measurable range, there is a problem with the strip or blood sample or the meter needs a basic check. This article explains when and why you see error codes or alerts on your Sinocare glucometer and what to do if they appear.
Start Here: Does Your Meter Say HI or LO?
Sinocare glucose monitors typically measure blood sugar within a range of 1.1 to 33.3 mmol/L (20–600 mg/dL). If the sugar level goes beyond this range, the meter will not show a numeric reading and instead will display a LO or HI alert. [1]
If your meter is showing LO, it means the result is below 1.1 mmol/L (20 mg/dL), while HI means it is above 33.3 mmol/L (600 mg/dL). These alerts are not device malfunctions. They mean the reading has exceeded the meter’s range and may indicate potentially life‑threatening hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic conditions.
If your meter says LO
The first thing you should do is a retest. Wash and dry your hands, use a new strip and test again. If the meter still shows LO and you have symptoms such as sweating, shaking, confusion or weakness, treat it as severe hypoglycemia and seek immediate medical help.
If your meter says HI
Follow the same retesting protocol as mentioned for LO. If the meter still says HI and you are having symptoms like extreme thirst, fast breathing, vomiting or confusion, no need to take a third reading; seek urgent medical care straight away. Consider testing for ketones as well, since high ketones can be an early sign of diabetic ketoacidosis.
If the meter repeatedly says LO or HI without symptoms
If you don’t have any severe symptoms and you don’t feel otherwise unwell, check the basics before testing again. Make sure the strip is not expired and see whether it has any sign of being damp or damaged. Check the battery and confirm the strip was inserted and used correctly. As a final step, turn off the meter and remove the battery. Wait for 3 minutes, reinsert the battery and power the device back on.
If the reading is numeric this time, it is possible that the earlier alert may have been related to strip issues, battery status or a temporary device problem. But if it still turns out to be LO or HI, do not test again. Contact a healthcare professional.
Common Sinocare Meter Error Codes and Fixes: Quick Lookup Table
Most error codes and alerts that may pop up on to your meter’s display typically fall into a few predictable categories: out-of-range readings, strip issues, battery problems, sample errors or temperature. Use the below infographic to match what your screen shows with the most likely cause and next step. The codes below come from the Safe AQ family, an entrylevel Sinocare meter. Other models may slightly differ, so always check your specific manual.
Why Do You See Error Codes or Alerts on Your Meter?
Most errors that appear on glucose meters are not random. Manufacturers include these built-in error codes and alerts to avoid variables that could affect meter readings. They usually trace back to the same repeatable causes: strips, sample technique, battery or environment.
Strip issues
Test strips are the most common source of meter errors. They contain dry reagent enzymes which are susceptible to degradation if they come in contact with moisture, heat and air. The error code E-3 often appears if the test strip is expired, exposed to air for too long or a wrong strip type used. Always keep the strips in their sealed vial, close the lid promptly and check the expiration date.
Sample technique
This is the second big cause for seeing error messages. Too little blood or applying blood incorrectly on the strip is the reason behind the error code E7. Let the strip absorb blood until the meter beeps. For more consistent results, Sinocare recommends using the second drop of blood, not the first, to minimise tissue fluid contamination. Always wash and dry your hands before testing, because alcohol residue, moisture, or sugar on the skin can affect the result.
Battery and electronic issues
The error code E-1often appears if the battery is incorrectly installed or is weak. If the meter behaves oddly, such as failing to start or freezing during testing, check the battery before assuming the meter is faulty. Always use the type specified in the manual, replace batteries if needed and ensure the positive and negative ends align with the markings.
Temperature extremes
The enzymes and sensors in a glucose meter are calibrated to operate within a narrow temperature window. If testing environment is below 5 °C or above 40 °C or the meter or strips have been in a cold bag or hot car, bring them to room temperature (10–35 °C) before testing. [2]
When to Replace, Retest or Contact Support
Replace the strip for E-3, E-7 or any result that looks unexpected.
Replace the battery for E-1 or failure to power on.
Wait and retest if the meter was recently exposed to extreme heat or cold. Give it time to reach room temperature first.
Contact support if the error continues after a correct retest, if the meter will not power on with a fresh battery or if the strip port appears damaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does E-3 mean on a Sinocare glucose meter?
E-3 points to a strip or testing problem. Common causes include applying blood before inserting the strip, using an expired or damaged strip, reusing an already used strip or using the wrong strip type for your meter. Use a fresh strip from a capped vial and insert it before applying blood.
What should I do if my glucose meter says HI?
Retest immediately with clean, dry hands and a fresh new strip. If the result repeats or you have any symptoms, seek medical help straight away.
How do I reset my Sinocare meter?
Sinocare currently does not support resetting their meters. That’s because every Sinocare blood glucose meter is fully tested before it leaves the factory, so a reset is not something users need to perform. If your meter is not working properly, the issue is most likely related to the strip, battery or testing technique rather than a device settings problem.
Get the Right Strips and Support
Using the correct test strips for your device is one of the simplest ways to prevent meter errors. Browse Sinocare's full range of meters and compatible strips if your meter continues to show errors after following this guide.
For step-by-step guidance, check the Sinocare FAQs and First User Guide. They cover first-time setup, accuracy checks and unit settings. If you need direct help, reach out to the Sinocare support team.
References
1. Katz LB, Stewart L, King D, Cameron H. Meeting the new FDA standard for accuracy of self-monitoring blood glucose test systems intended for home use by lay users. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2020;14(5):912-916.
2. Apiratmateekul N, Duanginta W, Phetree M, et al. Effects of simulated adverse environmental conditions related to actual conditions at health promoting hospitals on the performance of blood glucose testing by glucose meters. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2023;17(1):125-132.
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