alternatively a counter not shown may be provided in the calibration chip the counter being decremented each time the chip is read in this manner only a limited number of readings corresponding to the number of test strips 1 provided with the calibration chip 90 can be performed it is also contemplated that calibration information provides and expiration date preventing use of the calibration chip and or associated strips thereafter or a duration can be measured after which use of the chip and or associated strips is precluded the duration can be commenced from time of opening a package in which the kit is provided or from any other similar time such as the time of first use of the calibration chip 90 the ordinarily skilled artisan will find numerous variations can be effected without departure from the spirit and scope of this invention the patient uses the system by removing the testing instrument from the packaging and placing it on a firm surface the next step is to remove a test strip and insert it in the testing instrument inserting the test strip activates the unit eliminating the need for a power on off button or switch the patient then uses either a sampler from the kit or one procured separately to draw a sample of capillary blood the sample is applied to the test strip initiating a timing sequence and the testing instrument displays the results after an appropriate time alternatively the patient may first apply the blood sample to the test strip then insert the strip into the testing instrument to activate the test cycle and read out of test results the subject invention provides improvements over existing technology in use today in several ways the preferred.