The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus Sensor is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor from Abbott for people with diabetes. It is worn on the back of the upper arm and measures glucose in the fluid between your cells (interstitial fluid). It updates the glucose result up to every minute and sends it to a compatible smartphone running the Libre 3 app, or to a Libre 3 reader. One sensor can be worn for up to 15 days and is water-resistant, so it keeps working while you shower, swim or exercise.

Key Features

• Up to 15 days of wear: A single sensor can be worn for up to 15 days before it needs replacing.
• Readings up to every minute: The sensor updates your glucose result up to every minute and sends it to the Libre 3 app on a compatible smartphone or to a Libre 3 reader.
• Small and discreet: Abbott describes it as the smallest and thinnest of the glucose sensors that people apply themselves, about the size of a one pound coin.
• Water-resistant: It has been tested to withstand immersion in 1 metre (3 ft) of water for up to 30 minutes.
• Suitable from age 2: It is indicated for people aged 2 and older with diabetes mellitus, including pregnant women. Children aged 2 to 12 must be supervised by a carer aged 18 or over.
• Works with the mylife Loop: Abbott states that Libre 3 Plus sensors are authorised to work with the mylife Loop automated insulin delivery system, including the mylife CamAPS FX app and mylife YpsoPump insulin pump.

What do I need to use the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus Sensor?

You need either the free Libre 3 app on a compatible smartphone or a Libre 3 reader, because the sensor needs one of them to show your readings. Abbott publishes a smartphone compatibility guide to check whether your phone works with the app. The Libre 3 app does not share data with the reader, so a sensor started with the reader cannot then be used with the app.

Do I still need finger-prick tests with the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus Sensor?

Sometimes. Abbott states that the system is designed to replace blood glucose testing in diabetes management, but a finger-prick test is needed if your glucose readings or alarms do not match your symptoms or expectations.

What is the difference between the Libre 3 Plus and Libre 3 sensors?

The Libre 3 Plus sensor can be worn for up to 15 days and is indicated for people aged 2 and older. Abbott's Libre 3 sensor is indicated for people aged 4 and older. The Libre 3 Plus is compatible with the current Libre 3 system.

Materials: The manufacturer's product insert does not list the sensor's materials.

Additional information: The sensor sits inside a single-use sensor applicator and has a small, flexible tip that is inserted just under the skin. It is held in place on the skin by an adhesive. The sensor applicator is sterile unless opened or damaged, and was sterilised using irradiation. The product carries UKCA and CE marks.

The sensor is applied to the back of the upper arm and can be worn for up to 15 days. Do not reuse sensors.

1. Select a site on the back of your upper arm.
2. Wash the site with plain soap and dry it, then clean it with an alcohol wipe and allow it to air dry.
3. Unscrew the cap from the sensor applicator. Do not put the cap back on, and do not touch inside the applicator, as it contains a needle.
4. Place the sensor applicator over the prepared site and push down firmly to apply the sensor. Do not push down until the applicator is placed over the prepared site.
5. Gently pull the sensor applicator away.
6. Make sure the sensor is secure, then discard the used sensor applicator. Disposal instructions are in the User's Manual.

To start the sensor, download the Libre 3 app from the App Store or Google Play Store and follow the steps in the app. If you are using the Libre 3 reader, follow the User's Manual included in the reader kit.

Store the sensor kit between 2°C and 28°C. You can keep it in a refrigerator if the refrigerator is between 2°C and 28°C. Do not freeze it.

Please read the following safety information:

• Abbott has issued an Urgent Field Safety Notice for a subset of FreeStyle Libre 3 and FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors. Check www.FreeStyleCheck.com for more information.
• Do not ignore symptoms that may be due to low or high blood glucose. If your symptoms do not match the sensor reading, or you think a reading may be inaccurate, check it with a finger-prick blood glucose test and speak to your healthcare professional.
• On rare occasions the sensor may give inaccurate readings. Check that the sensor has not come loose. If the problem continues or the sensor is coming loose, remove it and apply a new one.
• Sensor glucose can differ from blood glucose, for example after eating, taking insulin or exercising, when your blood glucose is changing quickly.
• The sensor contains small parts that may be dangerous if swallowed.
• Do not reuse sensors. Reuse may result in no glucose readings and infection, and the sensor is not suitable for re-sterilisation.
• Do not use the sensor if it is damaged, if the tamper label shows the applicator has already been opened, or if the expiry date has passed.
• Intense exercise may loosen the sensor through sweat or movement, which can cause no readings or unreliable readings. Choose an appropriate application site.
• Do not immerse the sensor in water for longer than 30 minutes, and do not use it above 10,000 feet.
• Children aged 2 to 12 must be supervised by a carer aged 18 or over, who is responsible for managing the sensor and interpreting readings.
• The system has not been evaluated for use with other implanted medical devices such as pacemakers, for people on dialysis, or for critically ill patients.
• You can safely have a 1.5T or 3T MRI exam while wearing the sensor, but only under the conditions in the User's Manual, and injury may result if they are not followed. Leave your phone and reader outside the examination room. Readings may be inaccurate during the MRI, but the system returns fully to normal 1 hour afterwards.