Tips For Proper Storage And Handling Of Glucose Test Strips

Blood glucose monitoring systems rely on the integrity of Glucose Test Strips. However, you need to store your testing supplies properly to get accurate readings.

Why Proper Storage Of Glucose Test Strips Matters?

The strip contains a specific enzyme that reacts with the blood glucose to produce a tiny electrical current. Your meter reads this current to calculate your blood sugar level. So, poor storage can degrade them long before the official expiration date, leading to inaccurate data. Treating your strips with care directly ensures the reliability of your daily data.

Tips For Proper Storage And Handling Of Glucose Test Strips

Keep In Their Original Container

The original vial is specially designed to protect the strips from light, air, and moisture. Keeping the strips in any other container exposes them to air, leading to rapid degradation.

Store At The Recommended Temperature

Most manufacturers recommend storing your supplies in a controlled environment. Avoid extreme heat, avoid freezing, and skip the refrigerator.

Protect From Moisture And Humidity

Moisture is possibly the enemy of accurate blood glucose testing. High humidity triggers microscopic chemical reactions on the strip. Look for a dry bedroom drawer, a linen closet, or a dedicated medical supply basket kept in a climate-controlled room.

Handle Test Strips With Clean, Dry Hands

Always wash your hands thoroughly before testing. Dry them completely. Once you remove a single strip, snap the vial lid completely shut immediately to protect the remaining supply.

Always Check Expiration Dates

Manufacturers print an expiration date on every vial. Additionally, many brands feature an "open-vial expiration date. Make sure the Glucose Test Strips are not expired.

 

Signs Your Test Strips May Have Been Damaged

Frequent Error Messages

Your meter repeatedly displays error codes when you insert the strip.

Inconsistent Readings

You receive back-to-back readings that vary by 50 or 100 mg/dL within a two-minute window.

Physical Alterations

The strips appear bent, discolored, scratched, or damp.

Known Exposure Incidents

You remember leaving the cap off overnight or dropping the vial into a damp sink.

Conclusion

Modern meters are only as good as the Glucose Test Strips you insert into them. Order online today! Diabetic Corner offers a range of branded test strips online. Explore the products, read the product descriptions, compare prices, and choose to buy wisely. Don’t hesitate to consult with your doctor before making a decision.