![]() ![]() Improper storage of strips can result in false high or low readings which affect not only doses of insulin, but may prompt medical emergencies. This applies to new, sealed boxes as well. First, test strips must be stored correctly for accurate results. Doing so carries potentially increased risk of serious injury (or even death) to patients relying on accuracy of such tests to monitor and treat their diabetes.īuying expired strips online from sites like Craigslist, eBay or independently owned ‘cash for strips’ websites is not recommended for a variety of reasons. The agency recently issued a press release warning against previously owned testing strips. Saving money is always very important, but the FDA warns that saving money on pre-owned or expired strips may not be a safe practice in the long run. A diabetic selling his or her test strips for extra cash puts their own health at risk by not testing themselves as often as they should. Unfortunately, some people with diabetes reduce the number of times they test themselves to save money on strips. Seniors on fixed incomes may find selling their unused strips lucrative to making ends meet. When patients have to switch, they are often left with unused strips. According to a recent New York Times article, insurance coverage changes often, leaving a patient with little choice other than to purchase newer monitors and their associated and often more expensive testing strips. Why risk buying expired test strips? Cost. Why would you buy expired test strips in the first place? Some glucose meters can’t read an expired strip and some manufacturers sell proprietary blood glucose monitors that only read their brand of test strips (always read the fine print on meters before purchase). ![]() Major brands suggest discarding any test strips or control solutions by the Use By date. Any temperatures outside of the recommended range provided by the manufacturer may also damage test strips and interfere with accuracy.Īlways follow manufacturer guidelines for usage. Use of test strips exposed to moisture, heat, and humidity may give false results. Instructions for care and storage of test strips are provided through printed inserts or on the box itself. The FDA recommends that strips not be used after that date to ensure accurate results. Test strip brands usually specify a Use By date. These factors are important when considering the use of expired strips. The stability of the chemicals used and their longevity and accuracy differ by brand, age, and other factors. The middle layer generally acts like a filter of sorts that allows the blood sample to reach the glucose oxidase as well as other stabilizing chemicals where the analysis process occurs. The top layer of the strip collects the blood. Though many different brands of glucose testing strips are manufactured today, most are constructed the same way. The enzyme on the strip enables the device to ‘read’ the current between the terminals, using an algorithm to determine the glucose concentration in the blood. After a drop of blood is placed on the strip, it’s inserted into the glucose meter device, which transmits a small current of electrons to the end of the strip. ![]() This enzyme produces gluconic acid when combined with a blood sample. A small area at the tip of the strip is coated with an enzyme known as glucose oxidase. Glucose test strips are primarily made of thin, flexible plastic. Blood sugar levels rise and fall throughout the day, but diabetics must carefully monitor such changes. These readings provide valuable information that determine whether insulin or food or liquid intake is needed to boost levels, and whether adapting activities during certain times of the day is required. They may not look so special, but these strips enable glucometer devices to ‘read’ glucose levels in the blood. Diabetic test strips are an important part of blood sugar (glucose) monitoring. ![]()
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