Blood glucose test strips are a very useful tool that can assist people with diabetes in monitoring their blood sugar levels. However, like most other medical supplies, test strips also have their shelf life, even if they have not been opened yet. However, they become worse with time especially when they are exposed to air, humidity, and other factors. This article will also explain the shelf life of long test strips once they are opened, the reason why it is important to store the strips properly, and how to ensure that the right results are obtained. We will also post tips on how to enhance the use of these tools and address some of the frequently asked questions.
In general, most of the glucose test strips are expected to last for 3-6 months once the pack has been opened but this may vary depending on the brand and the company that produced it. But it is always advisable to go to the specific information on the expiry date stated on the container of the product. The strips are taken out of the vial or the container and they come into contact with air and humidity; this means that even if the printed date has not been reached, the strips are not as effective as before.
Several factors can impact how long test strips remain accurate after opening: Some of the factors that may affect the accuracy of the test strips after opening are as follows;
It is therefore possible to have a longer life for the test strips especially if the strips are put in a cool and dry place after opening the pack. It is also important not to leave them out basking or in hot humid areas like the bathroom or kitchen. The temperature of the room is usually good for storing glucose test strips.
It is also necessary to ensure that the container holding the test strip is well closed each time it is not in use. This minimizes interference of the strips with air and moisture which are agents that are not friendly to the chemical used in the making of the strips.
As far as possible, do not regularly use your hands to touch the test strips. Instruments such as thermometers, oil, dirt, and moisture from the fingers can change the accuracy of the instrument. ALWAYS wash your hands before touching a strip from the container, and make sure that your hands are dry.
Many signs may suggest that your test strips are no longer usable, however, one of the most apparent is the fact that you get different results. For example, if you have done your blood sugar test and you are getting different readings when you do it again immediately after the first test, then it is high time to replace the strips.
Most glucose meters can alarm the user of a faulty test strip by displaying an error message. If this is the case, it may occur more frequently because of the use of expired ones or strips that have been stored inappropriately.
It may also be possible to determine from the look of the test strips that they are not as clean as they used to be when the strips were first purchased. It is, however, important to understand that the change in appearance does not necessarily imply that the strips are not working as they are supposed to work, but it is an indication that the strips may be faulty and may not function in the right way.
Here, if you discover that the test strips that you have used have a small span of usability or their precision is compromised after use, then the only option is to buy new ones. Even though glucose test strips are relatively costly there are always ways of reducing the costs such as the use of coupons and manufacturer subsidies.
One way of confirming the effectiveness of the test strips is by using a control solution. This liquid contains a standard amount of glucose and thus can be employed to check the strips and determine if they are in proper working condition. Control solutions are supplied with the glucose meters but they are also available as accessories.
Monitoring the amount of glucose present in the blood is necessary for the proper control of diabetes in a bid to avoid possible complications. The strips used may be expired or damaged once the vial is opened and this will lead to wrong results that will lead to improper insulin dosage or dietary choices. You should always ensure that you are using new test strips and that you store them well so that you can be in a position to manage your blood sugar levels and the long-term complications.
If you are still in doubt that the test strips are as accurate as before when used after opening the pack, put one of the strips under test against a new strip from the new pack. Check the results on both strips and if the numbers are close to each other then it means that your blood sugar level is normal. The difference could have been large enough to suggest that the older strips are no longer accurate.
In as much as possible do not question the accuracy of your test strips or your capacity to read the outcomes; it is always recommended that you consult your physician. They can also show you how to verify the strips’ accuracy and whether you should change your test strips more frequently.
Diabetes test strips are used by diabetics and once they are used, their efficiency is low since they are sensitive to air, moisture, and temperature. In general, the glucose test strip has a shelf life of 3-6 months after opening the packet and depends on the storage conditions and handling. One should also make sure that he or she uses the strips as instructed by the manufacturer as well as store the strips in the right manner lastly, one should also make sure that he or she does not use the strips after their expiry date or the open date shelf life. This is important because glucose monitoring is the key to proper diabetes management and this can be achieved by the use of new test strips.
The duration for which test strips should be used after opening the pack varies with the type of strips and the prevailing storage conditions and it is advised that they should be used after 3-6 months. In this case, it is always advisable to heed the manufacturer’s instructions concerning the shelf-life of the product.
The idea of reusing old test strips cannot be encouraged since it has been found that the chemical composition in the strips has already degraded.
For the test strips, they must be kept in a dry and cool place and they should not be exposed to the sun or be in contact with humidity. It is also important to store them in a well-sealed container so that they are not contaminated with air and moisture.
ANTITECK provide glucose strip production line for glucose test strips manufacturing, contact us for more information via [email protected]
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