OneTouch E-2 Error — Blood Sample Fix

What it means

E-2 means the blood sample applied to the strip was too small, was applied after the strip's fill window closed, or the strip was contaminated.
Discard the used strip and repeat the test with a new strip, ensuring a full-sized blood drop is ready before inserting the strip.

Affected Models

OneTouch Verio
OneTouch Verio Flex
OneTouch Verio Reflect
OneTouch Ultra 2
OneTouch Select Plus

How to Fix It

Discard the strip and start fresh

E-2 strips cannot be used again.
Eject the used strip and prepare a new one.
Do not attempt to add more blood to a strip that has already triggered E-2.
Prepare a larger blood drop before inserting the strip

Wash hands with warm water and dry well.
Use your lancing device at the correct depth and gently massage the base of the finger toward the tip.
Have a good-sized drop ready before inserting the strip — this avoids the race to fill the strip in time.
Apply blood as soon as the blood drop symbol appears

Insert the strip and apply blood immediately when the drop symbol appears.
Do not wait.
If more than a few seconds pass, the test window closes and any sample applied will cause E-2.
Apply blood to the edge of the strip, not the top

OneTouch strips are filled by capillary action from the side tip of the strip, not by dropping blood on top.
Touch the very tip of the strip to the side of the blood drop and hold still until the meter beeps to confirm the fill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use control solution to test if E-2 is a strip issue?

Yes.
Apply the control solution provided with your meter kit exactly as you would blood.
If the control solution test also gives E-2, the strip batch or port contacts are likely faulty.
Try a strip from a different vial.