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Libre Identification

How to identify a FreeStyle Libre sensor model

A box-by-box guide to separating Libre 3 Plus, Libre 3, Libre 2 Plus, Libre 2, readers, and special package variants.

Direct answer: Start with the exact product name on the front of the sealed box. “FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus,” “FreeStyle Libre 3,” “FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus,” and “FreeStyle Libre 2” are different products. Then confirm the package identifier, expiration date, and any NFR, sample, DME, or institutional wording on the side panel.

Plus matters: Libre 3 Plus is not the same product as Libre 3. Abbott describes Libre 3 Plus as a sensor with up to 15 days of wear, while the earlier Libre 3 sensor is a 14-day product.

Identify the product in three passes

  1. Front panel: record the full model name, including “Plus.”
  2. Side or back panel: record the NDC, product/catalog number, barcode, expiration, and lot.
  3. Distribution wording: look for NFR, sample, institutional, pharmacy, or DME labels.
Front-panel wordingKey distinctionCommon mistake
Libre 3 PlusPlus model; current U.S. materials describe up to 15-day wearSelecting Libre 3
Libre 3Earlier 14-day Libre 3 sensorAssuming all Libre 3 boxes are Plus
Libre 2 PlusPlus version in the Libre 2 familySelecting Libre 2
Libre 2Standard Libre 2 productUsing reader information for sensor model
14 DayOlder FreeStyle Libre 14 Day familyCalling it Libre 2
ReaderHandheld reader, not a sensorEntering reader as one sensor

Where to look for product identifiers

After confirming the front-panel name, rotate the box and find the panel containing the barcode, lot, expiration, and product identifiers. Depending on the package, you may see an NDC-format number, catalog number, product number, or GTIN. Copy the label exactly rather than relying on memory.

Retail, NFR, sample, and DME wording

Two boxes with the same sensor name can have different distribution restrictions. “NFR” usually means not for resale. A free-trial or sample package may also be ineligible. DME and pharmacy versions may differ in packaging and market value. Photograph all distribution wording before requesting an estimate.

Do not remove pharmacy or distribution labels. Altered, peeled, or obscured labeling can make the package impossible to verify.

Reader versus sensor

A reader is an electronic device used to display glucose information. A sensor is the wearable component. The reader box may share the FreeStyle Libre brand but will say “reader” or show a device image. Quote readers and sensors separately.

Expiration and quantity

Record the expiration from every box. Do not assume all boxes in a stack share the same date. Count sealed retail boxes, then note how many sensors are included per box if the package states a count.

Photo checklist

Official model information

Abbott’s current U.S. product information describes the Libre 3 system with the Libre 3 Plus sensor and explains that Libre 3 Plus extends wear up to 15 days. Abbott also distinguishes Libre 3 Plus from Libre 3 in its support materials.

Abbott: FreeStyle Libre 3 system
Abbott: Libre 3 Plus versus Libre 3

Submission checklist

Know the exact Libre model?

Submit the model, expiration, package type, and quantity for an estimated offer.

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