20 days ago

Dawna • 20

@_715

Hi, I'm sorry to ask this question, but I can't find anything about changing the probe base on my Icare Home2. I am sure there is a few (well probably heaps) of previous chats about this, but I couldn't find them...... ;0)

I had to change the batteries for the first time, and now the machine is saying I need to 'reload'. I have changed the probe several times, but it still saying it. I am guessing I may need to change the probe base. So, my question is, do I need to buy another one, or although the manual says not to clean and reuse the old one, can I do that (which I learned here to do with the probe), or do I actually have to buy another one?

Kindest regards, Dawn (Australia)

20 days ago

david 4.4k

@david_fe

I am guessing I may need to change the probe base. So, my question is, do I need to buy another one?

I clean and reuse my probe bases (and my probes). They do eventually wear out, but how long they last depends on how much they are used. I have not worn out my probe bases after years of use. But I own 3 probe bases and I rotate them (for convenience).

I learned I can clean and reuse the probes. Can I do that for the probe tube? Or do I actually have to buy another one?

iCare put out an instructional video on how to clean the probe base (a.k.a., probe tube) for the HOME 1 model. If you are subscribed to the FitEyes email list, you can access the information here:

[FitEyes Discussion 59461] Re: Icare home - FitEyes Discussion

The cleaning video is hosted in a private individual's cloud storage, but the link is provided in that message and access is free.

The cleaning process is exactly the same for HOME 1 and HOME 2 probe tubes. And because the internal mechanism of action is the same (i.e., rebound tonometry), I don't know of any reason it shouldn't be done on a HOME 2 since it was clearly officially supported for the HOME 1. It's been working for me for years.

I dry the cleaned parts with compressed air as shown in the video. I have 3 probe bases so that I can go about 3 months between cleaning them, then I clean all 3 at once. It's just for my convenience & efficiency.

How would you know if your probe base needs to be changed if you're not replacing them on a schedule? Do you wait until measurements seem to be outta whack?

I try not to wait until there's a measurement problem. I just keep track in my head -- if I've been doing a lot of IOP monitoring, I change my probe base sooner. I'm not scientific about it. There's no problem changing to a clean probe base more frequently -- in fact, it's a good idea. If following a set calendar schedule works better for you, there's no harm in that.

You can get probe bases (and anything else related to iCare tonometers) from Enlivened.com and shopping with them helps support our community too. Personally, I think every iCare owner should have 2 or 3 probe bases.

I'm sorry to ask this question...

Actually, thank you for asking the question!