What is the proper storage of glucose test strips?

Blood glucose test strips should be stored at room temperature between 4˚C to 30˚C and at normal humidity levels (below 70\%). Do not place test strips in the refrigerator. Do not pack test strips separately into several small bags, as humidity will affect the accuracy of strips.

Why are diabetic test strips valuable?

“Test strips are absolutely necessary for anyone who uses insulin to be able to safely adjust the dose of insulin to a person’s blood glucose levels,” Petersen said in an email. “They are also helpful for people with diabetes who don’t use insulin to know how well they’re managing their diabetes.”

What are glucose test strips made of?

Each strip is a laminate of plastic and chemicals little bigger than a fingernail, a single-use diagnostic test for measuring blood sugar. More than 30 million Americans have Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and most use several test strips daily to monitor their condition.

Why are glucose test strips coded?

The batch-specific code of glucose test strips ensures the accuracy and safety of each blood glucose measurement.

What is the appropriate storage and stability for the reagent test strips?

STORAGE AND STABILITY Store as packaged in the closed canister at room temperature or refrigerated (2-30°C or 36-86°F). Keep out of direct sunlight. The strip is stable through the expiration date printed on the canister label.

Why do blood test strips expire?

And in case, the reading shows a higher value, they perceive it as their blood sugar level is too high for which they need to seek medical advice for the correction of dosages or anti-diabetic drugs. This is why; they continue to use the test strips that are expired.

What metal is in diabetic test strips?

Diabetes test strips pack a lot of technology into a small space. The plastic strips are coated with a very thin layer of gold. The gold is cut into a pattern that becomes the strip’s circuit. One end of the strip also has a coating of chemicals.

Are glucose test strips accurate?

When used correctly, blood glucose monitors — small devices that measure and display your blood sugar level — are usually accurate. But occasionally they may be incorrect.

What does the code mean on test strips?

Some blood glucose meters require manual coding, which means inputting a code every time you start using a new pack of test strips. A meter that is “No Code” means it’s already calibrated, saving you an extra step in the testing process.

What is glucose coding?

Manual coding is the process of calibrating – or ‘coding’- your blood glucose meter each time you start using a new box of test strips. You may have to enter a code number into the meter, or insert a code strip or chip into the meter.