FreeStyle Libre 3 plus Sensor

FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus is Abbott's smallest continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor, delivering real-time glucose readings to a compatible smartphone every minute over a 15-day wear period without the need to scan, sold by Ways Pharmacy (UK).

Key facts

Who it is for

• Adults and children aged 2 and over with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes who need continuous glucose data
• Users who prefer real-time alerts on the phone rather than scanning a sensor
• People on closed-loop insulin therapy using mylife Loop (CamAPS FX app + YpsoPump)
• Carers monitoring a child or relative's glucose remotely via LibreLinkUp

Not suitable for: users without a compatible smartphone (the system is phone-led), MRI / CT / X-ray / diathermy procedures (remove the sensor first), or individuals with known allergy to the adhesive.

How to use

1. Download the FreeStyle Libre 3 app (or CamAPS FX if using mylife Loop) and sign in.
2. Wash the back of the upper arm with fragrance-free soap, dry, then wipe with an alcohol swab and let it dry fully.
3. Open the sensor applicator and remove the cap — do not replace it.
4. Press the applicator firmly onto the prepared skin until you hear a click; the sensor is now applied.
5. Start the sensor in the app by holding the phone near it; allow the 60-minute warm-up before the first reading appears.
6. Leave the sensor in place for up to 15 days. Set optional high/low glucose alerts in the app.
7. Remove and dispose of the sensor as clinical waste at day 15; apply the next sensor on the opposite arm.

Frequently asked questions

How is Libre 3 Plus different from Libre 2 Plus?

Libre 3 Plus streams glucose readings to your phone automatically every minute — no scanning needed — and uses a smaller, slimmer sensor. Libre 2 Plus is scan-based: you scan the sensor with the reader or LibreLink app to retrieve readings. Both wear for up to 15 days.

Do I need a smartphone to use Libre 3 Plus?

Yes. Libre 3 Plus is phone-led — you need a compatible iOS or Android device to receive the real-time readings and alerts. There is no separate Libre 3 reader for general retail.

How often does the sensor update glucose readings?

Every minute, automatically. Readings are sent to the app over Bluetooth Low Energy as long as the phone is within roughly 10 metres of the sensor.

Is Libre 3 Plus water-resistant?

Yes. The sensor is water-resistant to 1 metre for up to 30 minutes, so showering, bathing and short swims are fine.

Can a child use Libre 3 Plus?

Yes — Libre 3 Plus is licensed for use in people with diabetes aged 2 years and over. Carers can follow a child's readings remotely through the LibreLinkUp app.

When should I remove the sensor?

Remove the sensor before any MRI, CT scan, X-ray, or diathermy treatment, and before contact sports where it may be torn off. Apply a fresh sensor afterwards.

Safety & storage

• Not licensed for use on animals or for people under 2 years of age.
• Stop use and contact your diabetes team if the application site becomes red, painful, weeping, or infected.
• Treatment decisions remain with the patient and clinician — confirm with a fingerprick if symptoms do not match the reading or during rapid glucose changes.
• Store unopened sensors at 2 to 28 degrees Celsius (per Abbott labelling). Keep out of direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
• Dispose of used sensors via clinical waste — see gov.uk for guidance.

References

• NHS — Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)
• Abbott — FreeStyle Libre 3 product information
• GOV.UK — Request clinical waste collection

This product is a CE-marked medical device for glucose monitoring in people with diabetes. It does not replace clinical advice from your diabetes team. Always read the instructions for use supplied with the device.