How to Set Up and Use the FreeStyle Libre
Now you can accurately and painlessly monitor your pet's blood glucose (sugar) levels at home with a FreeStyle Libre scanner and sensor.
The sensor is a round, adhesive disk about the size of a quarter that is applied to your pet’s skin. It has a thin filament in the center that reads the glucose levels in the fluid just under the skin. The data obtained by the sensor can then be shared with us remotely. We will provide a prescription for the sensor, which can be filled at any pharmacy. The approximate cost of the sensor is $70-100.
The sensor can be scanned via one of two methods.
- A hand-held reader obtained from the pharmacy (this is the preferred and most accurate method, and the approximate cost is $75)
- An app (FreeStyle Libre 2) downloaded onto your smart phone
You will need to let us know prior to your pet’s appointment whether you would prefer to use the reader or the app.
If you elect to use the app, please be aware that we are not able to troubleshoot any technical issues that may occur. It is also important to note that the FreeStyle Libre 2 app will only work with phones that meet the following minimum requirements:
You may click on the compatibility guide button for more information.
Additional instructions for using the reader can be found below. If you prefer to use the app, you may skip ahead to the next section.
Using the Hand-Held Reader
We will provide a prescription for the reader, which can be filled at any pharmacy. Bring both the reader and the sensor with you to your pet’s appointment. The first glucose readings will be available 1 hour after the sensor is applied. Please scan the sensor every 4 hours, or a minimum of every 8 hours, for as long as the sensor stays on (up to 14 days).
You will need to upload the data from the reader into a LibreView account, which will enable you to share the data with us remotely. This process requires a computer with a USB port, as well as the USB cable that comes with the reader. We will send you an email with an invitation to create your LibreView account.
Follow the instructions below:
Using the FreeStyle Libre 2 App
You can get the app on Google Play if you have an android device, or download it from the App Store if you have an iphone. Once the app is downloaded and set up, you will be able to use your phone to scan the sensor and share the data with us remotely. Download the app prior to your pet’s appointment.
The first glucose readings will be available 1 hour after the sensor is applied. Please scan the sensor every 4 hours or a minimum of every 8 hours, for as long as the sensor stays on (up to 14 days). We will send you an invitation to share your glucose data. The invitation can be accepted in either of two ways:
- Click on “accept invitation” in the email
- Accept the invitation directly through the app (Menu > Connect Apps > LibreView > Pending Invitations > Accept
You May Find the Following Links Helpful
Setting up the app:
- FS-Libre-US: First Time App Setup (freestyleserver.com)
- Download and set up tutorial for the Freestyle Libre 2 App - YouTube
Using the app to scan the sensor:
Using the app to share your glucose readings (you may watch the whole video, or skip to 3:30 for the most relevant information)