Handheld electrochemical blood glucose meters give the user the freedom to test his or her own blood glucose level anywhere and at any time. These devices are very handy gadgets for people suffering from diabetes. Frequent monitoring can be included in the treatment plan. Single measurements can be memorized in the devices' internal memory. The data subsequently can be transferred to a PC for further inspection by means of a USB or IrDA interface. Newer generations of electrochemical devices avoid insertion of blood-contaminated test strips into the devices. This ensures compliance with stringent hygiene standards.