Glucose strips are a very useful tool in the management of diabetes since they enable people to measure their blood sugar levels. These strips are used together with a glucose meter to monitor fluctuations in blood glucose levels to manage the disease. However, one of the biggest issues that people have with glucose strips is how long they can be used and whether using old strips will impact the readings. Now in this article, we will discuss the shelf life of glucose strips, how to store them, and the effects of using expired glucose strips.
Glucose strips structure narrow strip-like test strips commonly used in conjunction with a glucometer. When a drop of blood is applied to the strip, the chemicals in the strip oxidize the glucose in the blood and generate an electrical signal that is read by the glucometer and converted into blood glucose level. The strips are measured in meters and glucometers of different brands or model use their strips of that measure.
Almost all glucose strips have a usage-by date on the box containing the strips and on the vial where the strips are stored. The expiration date is calculated with the help of the manufacturer’s stability studies that prove that the strips are accurate until the date mentioned.
Glucose strips normally have a shelf life of 12-24 months from the date of manufacture, although this may differ with different companies and storage conditions. If the strips are used beyond the expiry date, the chemical composition of the strips may change and will then give an incorrect reading. One should always check the strip’s expiry date before using it for measuring blood sugar levels so that it can be accurate.
The main cause of the expiration of glucose strips is the degradation of the chemicals incorporated in the strip. Glucose strips have enzymes like glucose oxidase or glucose dehydrogenase which reacts with glucose present in the blood. These enzymes are very delicate and may get damaged depending on environmental factors and may be affected by air, moisture, or temperature.
This is because when the strip enzymes are denatured they are no longer capable of giving out the right results. This is the reason it is important to keep glucose strips in the right manner and ensure that one uses strips that have not expired.
While the expiration date gives a general idea of how long glucose strips are good for, several factors can affect their shelf life, including: While the expiration date gives a general idea of how long glucose strips are good for, several factors can affect their shelf life, including:
In theory, you can use expired glucose strips and still get some results, however, it is not advised. It is dangerous to use these strips once they have expired because this will result in incorrect readings, especially for patients with diabetes. Sometimes the reading can be off and this will mean that you either do not correct enough or correct too much – both of which are dangerous and can lead to serious health complications such as hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
While working with expired glucose strips, you may get a reading, but this is likely to be off or inaccurate. Hence, strips should be used before their expiry date to enable you to monitor your blood sugar level appropriately.
Used glucose strips should also be disposed of properly since they are considered medical waste especially if the strips have expired. Although they are not toxic they should be disposed of under the rules and regulations of your state. Some regions provide certain instructions for the disposal of medical waste such as the used or expired glucose strips.
The strips of glucose are very essential in the management of diabetes since they offer a chance for individuals to assess their blood sugar levels. However, their reliability depends on the accuracy of the strips which may be a problem if the strips are expired or stored inappropriately. To get accurate results, glucose strips must be kept in a cool and dry area, they should be handled gently and should not be used after their expiry date. By observing these measures, you can be confident that your glucose strips will give you the correct readings, and thus manage your diabetes and prevent serious complications.
The glucose strips, once a vial is opened, have a lifespan of 3 to 6 months depending on the type of strips used. One has to ensure that the vial used has not expired and the strips should be stored right to ensure accuracy.
Yes, expired glucose strips can either provide incorrect or false results. The chemicals in the strips also get exhausted with time and thus, give less accurate results. Contrary to the glucose strips, it is advisable to use ketone strips before they go bad.
It is recommended that glucose strips should be kept in a cool and dry area and should not be exposed to direct sunlight, humidity, or heat. Ensure that the vial is closed properly after taking a strip so that the strips are not affected by air and humidity.
ANTITECK provide glucose strip production line for glucose test strips manufacturing, contact us for more information via [email protected]
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