Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or diabetes care team before making changes to your treatment plan.
Diabetes test strips are medical devices used to check glucose levels. These strips work with glucose meters and read a drop of blood with a special enzyme to calculate blood sugar. These strips are essential for day-to-day diabetes self-management.
Using diabetes test strips correctly is important because proper usage ensures accuracy, safety, and the proper treatment decisions. If your test strip has expired or been stored incorrectly, it may lead to misleading results.
In this guide, you will learn what test strips for diabetes are, how to use, handle, and store them, among other necessary recommendations.
Quick Facts
- Test strips for diabetes work with glucose meters to measure blood sugar.
- Do diabetes test strips expire? Yes — and expired strips can give inaccurate results.
- Can you use expired test strips for diabetes? Generally, no. Accuracy of expired strips is not guaranteed.
- The costs of diabetes test strips vary widely depending on brand, insurance, and quantity.
- Proper storage of strips in a cool, dry place and in the original vial protects accuracy.
- Never buy pre-owned strips, as the FDA warns that they may be unsafe or unreliable.
What Are Diabetes Test Strips & How They Work
Diabetes test strips may look simple, but they’re engineered with precision. On one end of each strip, there’s a special enzyme coating (typically glucose oxidase). When a drop of blood reaches this area, the enzyme reacts with the glucose and produces a tiny electrical charge.
That electrical signal is sent through the strip’s built-in circuit to your glucose meter. The meter measures the strength of that signal and converts it into a number on the screen, your blood sugar level. A strong signal means a higher number on your blood glucose meter.
In short, when blood touches the strip:
- The enzyme reacts with glucose.
- A tiny electric current is created.
- 3. The glucose meter reads the current to calculate the blood sugar level.
To get an accurate reading, the strip and meter must work in sync. Hence, you must use the correct model or brand of the strip for the meter, and handle strips carefully as they are sensitive to heat, humidity, and contamination.
Step-by-Step: How to Use Diabetes Test Strips
📌 Tip: Always follow the instructions for your specific meter and strips.
1. Prepare Your Finger
Wash and dry your hands completely. You can also use alcohol wipes to clean the test site, but ensure your finger is dry.
2. Insert the Test Strip
Insert a new strip with the contact points first into the meter. Wait for the meter to prompt you to apply blood.
3. Use a Lancing Device
Prick the side or the pad of your fingertip, and gently squeeze it to form a full drop of blood.
4. Apply a Drop of Blood
Gently touch the drop to the test strip port. Do not smear or apply too little blood.
5. Read the Result
Soon after applying blood, your meter will display your glucose reading. If you’re tracking your blood sugar levels, record the result in your logbook or a diabetes app.
6. Dispose Properly
Put the strip and lancet in a sharps container or biohazard-safe disposal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your blood sugar reading is accurate, avoid the following mistakes:
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| Not fully inserting strip | Meter may error or misread |
| Not drying hands | Water or dirt can affect the accuracy of the reading |
| Applying too little blood | Can cause error messages or false readings |
| Waiting too long to apply blood | Disrupts proper reaction timing |
| Using expired or damaged strips | Higher risk of inaccurate readings |
| Storing strips in bathrooms or hot cars | Heat and humidity degrade testing enzymes |
Expiration, Accuracy & Risks of Expired / Improper Use
Do diabetes test strips expire?
Yes. Diabetes test strips can expire; the enzymes on the strip break down over time.
Can you use expired test strips for diabetes?
No. If you use expired test strips, the results on the meter may not be accurate.
Inaccurate reading on an expired test strip may lead to other issues, including your healthcare provider recommending an incorrect treatment decision or mismanaging potential hypo- or hyperglycemia.
📌 FDA Statement: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns against using expired or secondhand strips due to risks of incorrect results and contamination.
What are the signs of an expired strip?
To understand if your diabetes strips are expired or should not be used, check their:
- Expiration date
- Signs of discoloration
- Signs of being exposed to heat or moisture
- Package with a sign of damage
Storage & Handling Best Practices
If you have unopened strips, keep them in the original vial or foil pack in a dry location, away from steam or humidity. It is also recommended to store them at room temperature (40°F–86°F or 4°C–30°C) unless your packaging says otherwise.
Once opened, keep the strips in the original vial, tightly closed, away from direct sunlight and in a dry location with a temperature between 40°F–86°F or 4°C–30°C (unless advised differently).
Do not:
- Store diabetes test strips in a car or bathroom
- Freeze them or refrigerate
- Leave the vial open
- Mix strips from different vials
- Use if the packaging looks tampered with
Cost, Insurance & Coverage
How much are test strips for diabetes?
Diabetes test strips are typically sold in packs of 50 or 100. The typical cost ranged as follows :
| Brand/Type | Approx |
|---|---|
| Value / generic brands | $0.20–$0.60 per strip |
| Mid-range brands | $0.75–$1.25 per strip |
| Premium / name-brand | $1.20–$2.00+ per strip |
Does insurance cover the cost of strips?
Yes, many insurance plans cover the cost of diabetes supplies, including strips, lancets, and glucometers. The exact coverage will depend on your insurance plan and your state’s requirements.
Some insurance plans cover the full cost of supplies, while others may pay only part of the cost.
Is it possible to reduce the cost of diabetes strips?
Yes, there are several ways to save money when buying diabetes test strips.
Consider purchasing strips in bulk, as it may lower the cost per strip. Some pharmacies also offer their own discounts or loyalty pricing.
You may also be able to use manufacturer coupons to further reduce the price. Your healthcare provider may know what brands or formulas are covered by your insurance and can help you find more affordable options.
📌 Never buy pre-owned or opened test strips. The FDA warns these secondhand strips may be unsafe and provide incorrect results.
What to Do When You Get an Unexpected / Suspicious Reading
If you think you got a suspicious reading or the number on your glucose meter seems incorrect, do the following:
- Wash your hands well and dry them completely before repeating the test.
- Check the expiration date of your diabetes strips to ensure they are not expired.
- Ensure you are using the correct strip for your meter.
- Make sure your strips have been stored properly.
- Repeat the test with a brand new strip.
If the results do not seem right, contact your healthcare provider or meter manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do diabetes test strips expire?
Yes. Test strips have an expiration date printed on the vial or box. After this date, the chemical coating inside the strip may break down, leading to unreliable readings.
Always check the expiration date before use.
Can you use expired test strips for diabetes?
It’s not recommended.
Expired strips can give higher or lower readings than your actual blood sugar level, which may lead to incorrect treatment decisions. When in doubt, replace them with a new pack.
How to choose the right strip?
Make sure the strips are designed for the exact brand and model of your glucose meter.
Most meters only work with one compatible strip type. Check your device manual or ask your pharmacist if you’re unsure.
How much are test strips for diabetes?
Prices vary widely. Without insurance, they may cost around $0.20 to $2.00+ per strip, depending on the brand and where you buy them.
How to store test strips for diabetes?
Keep strips in a cool, dry area and always close the container tightly after opening. Avoid heat, moisture, and direct sunlight, as these can affect accuracy. Do not store them in the bathroom or car.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Using diabetes strips to check blood sugar is a part of the routine of many Americans. Knowing how to use them correctly will ensure accurate reading and confident decisions about your diabetes management.
From inserting the strip properly to storing them in the right conditions, every step contributes to a correct reading. Hence, when in doubt, always check expiration dates, avoid strips that look damaged, and never rely on expired or secondhand products.
If you’re looking for a reliable place to buy test strips for diabetes along with other diabetes care essentials, Insulin Outlet offers a trusted, customer-friendly experience.
We offer authentic, new, and safely handled supplies from Canada and ship them to your doorstep within approximately 10 business days.
Browse our selection of diabetes test strips or other diabetes care supplies!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or diabetes care team before making changes to your treatment plan.
Share:
