Ready to free yourself from the hassles of routine finger pricks^{^}?

Here are a few simple steps to assist you in the process of applying your FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor and some handy tips to help your sensor stick. Please refer to the FreeStyle Libre 2 User Manual for complete instructions.

^ Finger pricks are required if your glucose readings and alarms do not match symptoms or expectations.

Step 1 — Before you apply the sensor

The back of the arm is the recommended and approved application site.

Do not use body lotion or cream where you'll apply the sensor, as they may leave an oily residue on your skin.

Body hair can interfere with sensor adhesion. Choose an area with the least hair or consider shaving the site.

Step 2 — Preparing your skin

Wash Only use non-moisturising, fragrance-free soaps to wash the area where you'll apply the sensor.

Clean Use an alcohol wipe to clean the site and then allow skin to air dry (do not blow on it).

Dry Allow your skin to fully dry before applying the sensor. This is especially important if you plan to apply the sensor after you shower or swim.

Step 3 — Prepare the sensor

Peel back and remove the lid from the sensor pack.

Unscrew the cap of the sensor applicator. You will hear a click.

Align the line on the sensor applicator with the line on the sensor pack.

On a flat surface, firmly push the sensor applicator onto the sensor pack. IMPORTANT: This must be performed on a flat surface for proper sensor connection.

Remove the sensor from the sensor pack. The sensor is now attached and ready for application.

Step 4 — Applying your sensor

Place the sensor applicator on the cleaned area. Keep your fingers clear of the blue panel.

Push up firmly until you hear a loud click.

Gently remove the applicator from your arm.

Make sure the sensor is attached firmly. Gently smooth the tape around the sensor to increase adhesion.

Sensor adhesion tips

Helping the sensor stick

Torbot Skin Tac A latex-free “tacky” skin barrier.

SKIN-PREP^TM Protective Barrier Wipe Protective liquid dressing that allows skin to breathe so tapes and films adhere better.

Mastisol® Liquid Adhesive Clear, non-irritating, non-water-soluble liquid adhesive that secures dressings even in moist areas.

Check the sensor adhesion daily and if it is lifting, apply a medical grade adhesive, bandage or tape over the sensor. Make sure the opening / hole in the centre of the sensor is not covered.

Removing the sensor

Baby oil Soft moisturiser.

Remove^TM Adhesive Remover Removes adhesive
residue on skin.

UNI-SOLVE Adhesive Remover Formulated to reduce adhesive trauma to the skin by thoroughly dissolving dressing tape and appliance adhesives.

*Abbott Diabetes Care is not affiliated with the manufacturers of the products listed. Reference to third-party products does not constitute or imply an endorsement, recommendation, sponsorship or favouring of any product or manufacturer. Abbott Diabetes Care is not responsible for the completeness or accuracy of any information regarding third-party products. Abbott Diabetes Care makes no representations, expressed or implied, regarding third-party products or their manufacturers, quality or suitability for you. Manufacturers’ instructions for use of each product should be followed.

It’s easy to keep your sensor in place with a little extra care

Easy does it

Be careful not to catch your sensor on a doorway, car door, seat belt or furniture edges. Select a site on the back of your upper arm that will minimise the risk of knock off.

Hands off

Avoid touching, pushing, or pulling on the sensor. Also, you (and those around you) should not touch, scratch, or pull on the adhesive around the sensor, even if the adhesive has begun to peel.

Getting dressed

When dressing or undressing, take care to avoid catching your undergarments on the sensor. Give your sensor room to breathe by wearing loose-fitting clothing and lightweight material.

Pat dry

The sensor is water resistant, but use extra care when cleaning around the sensor and when toweling off so that you do not catch or pull off the sensor. The sensor is water-resistant in up to 1 metre (3 feet) of water for a maximum of 30 minutes.

A step-by-step video guide to learn how to apply the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor

Can the sensor be worn on other places than the arm?

The only the position under the arm has been clinically evaluated and approved for use of the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor. It is applied on to the back of the upper arm with a simple, disposable device called an applicator. When the sensor is applied, a thin, flexible and sterile fibre is inserted just under the skin. It is held in place with a small adhesive pad.

How do you discard the disposable components, for example sensor pack and applicator?

This product should be disposed of in accordance with all applicable local regulations related to the disposal of electronic equipment, batteries, sharps, and materials potentially exposed to body fluids.

This means the used applicator and sensor pack should be disposed of in a Biohazard Sharps bin - Clinical waste referral is required from the district nurse or GP, but the majority of people with diabetes will already have the necessary arrangements in place.

Are FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors and/or readers compatible across different countries and markets?

FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors are programmed for sale in a specific market and are compatible with readers sold, compatible apps and software downloaded in that market:

FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors in one market are not necessarily compatible with FreeStyle Libre 2 readers or apps from other markets.
FreeStyle Libre 2 users should plan on purchasing sufficient sensors from the same country they purchased their reader or downloaded their app from, to last the duration of their travel.
If planning a longer-term trip overseas, it is advisable to obtain a new reader or download a compatible app and software from that country, to be able to purchase and use the sensors available in that country.

New Customers

Ready to free yourself from the hassles of routine finger pricks^?