Many diabetics wonder about the shelf life of test strips for the meter. How many and how can and should they be stored and when to use is not recommended? Consider the features of the glucometer, as an important device for all diabetics, as well as consumables for it.
Varieties of blood sugar measuring instruments
Glucometers are used to measure blood sugar. They are an indispensable device for many diabetics who constantly need to monitor this parameter. But there are still differences in the principle of operation in these devices. Although, regardless of the device, it is important to know the expiration date of the test strips for the meter, since in the case of using expired material, the indicators can be significantly distorted.
Varieties of glucometers according to the principle of operation:
- photometric - the very first device for measuring control of blood sugar, works by the principle of comparing the color of the strips before and after the chemical reaction (not quite popular due to the large error);
- electrochemical - modern devices, the principle of operation is based on an electrical impulse, all indications are displayed (for the analysis, a minimum amount of blood is required);
- biosensor optical - the principle of operation is based on a sensitive chip, this is a non-invasive method of research with high accuracy (while such devices are at the testing stage).
Most often, the first two types of glucometers are used, for which you need to additionally buy test strips. They are not sold individually, but are completed with 10 pieces per pack. Glucometers can also differ in shape, size and display interface, memory size, complexity of settings and the fence of the required amount of materials.
Varieties of test strips for a glucometer
Just like glucometers can be of a different type and principle of operation, test strips also differ from each other, that is, a consumable for calculating an indicator of the level of sugar in a person’s blood. Regardless of the type, there is a clear suitability of the test strips for the meter and special storage rules.
All test strips can be divided into two types, depending on the device on which they will be used. There is a consumable that is compatible only with a photometric glucometer, there is also material for working on an electrochemical apparatus.
The prince of the operation of devices and their differences we examined in the first paragraph. It is worth noting that due to the unpopularity of using a photometric device, since it works with a large error, it is not so easy to find test strips for it. In addition, such devices are dependent on temperature differences, high humidity and mechanical influence, even insignificant. All this can significantly distort the measurement results.
Test strips for an electrochemical glucometer can be found in any pharmacy, because the device itself accurately takes measurements, and its operation does not depend on environmental factors.
How to check the meter before use?
Before taking measurements on the meter, it is worth checking it. This applies not only to the shelf life of the meter and test strips. The decision on further treatment of the patient depends on the readings of the device.
In order to test the device for operability, it is worth making a control solution. Dilute glucose in a certain concentration and compare with the indications on the device. Experts recommend using liquid to control the same company as the device itself.
When is it necessary to check the glucometer for performance?
- Be sure to test before buying or before first use in action.
- If the device accidentally fell, lay for a long time in the sun or in the cold, it was hit, you need to check whether it works correctly regardless of the type of device.
- In case of any suspicion of failure and incorrect readings, it must be checked.
Despite the fact that many glucometers do not respond to mechanical stress, it is still a sensitive device on which even human life can depend.
Errors in the indicators of the glucometer
It turns out that 95% of all glucometers work with errors, but they do not exceed acceptable standards. As a rule, they can vary between plus or minus 0.83 mmol / L.
The reasons why there are errors in the indicators of the meter:
- poor quality or improper storage of the glucose meter test strips (test shelf life expired);
- high or low ambient temperature or in the room where measurements are taken (more precisely, the indicators will be when taking measurements at room temperature);
- increased humidity in the room;
- incorrectly entered code (some instruments require a code to be entered before measuring with new test strips, an incorrectly entered value may distort the results);
- insufficient blood sampling (in this case, the device signals an error).
Shelf life test strips for glucometer
Most test strips can be stored in tightly closed packaging for up to a year. If you open it, then the shelf life is reduced to six months or three months. It all depends on the manufacturer, as well as the chemicals used in the manufacture of the consumable.
In order to extend the shelf life of the test strips for the meter, it is worth storing them in sealed packaging or a special container. The manufacturer indicates all the information on the package.
Some manufacturers at the same time took care of the suitability of the consumable, which was opened, but not used for a certain period of time. For this, sealed packaging is used. It is believed that the use of expired consumables is useless, moreover, it can be life threatening.
Most blood sugar level meters are equipped with notification functions that the shelf life of the test strips has expired. And if a person has lost the instruction or does not remember when and what is the shelf life of the test strips for the meter, the device will notify him of this with the appropriate signal.
Rules for storing test strips:
- store at a temperature of +2 ° C to +30 ° C;
- do not take strips with dirty or wet hands;
- the storage container should be tightly closed;
- Do not buy cheap products or those that are about to expire.
Can i use expired test strips?
Many people wonder if expired test strips for the meter can be used and how. It is known that expired material can significantly distort the measurement results. And the quality of treatment and the well-being of a person directly depend on this. Therefore, their use is not recommended.
On the Internet you can find a lot of tips on how to use such failed test strips. Many diabetics are sure that if the strips are used within a month after the expiration date, then nothing bad will happen. At the same time, doctors continue to insist that the manufacturer not in vain indicates the expiration date on their products and that saving can cost lives, especially in the presence of diabetes.
How to measure expired test strips?
Knowing what storage conditions and expiration date of test strips, you can try to deceive measurements. Patients recommend installing a chip from another package, as well as setting a date a year earlier. You can not change the chip and do not encode the device for a new batch of test strips, then you can use expired materials for another 30 days. But they must be the same manufacturer as before.
Choosing a more complicated way to use expired test strips? Then you can open the backup battery on the device. To do this, open the case and open the contacts. As a result of this manipulation, the analyzer deletes all the data that the device saved, and you can set the minimum date. The chip will recognize expired goods as new.
But it is worthwhile to understand that such use can not only distort performance, but also lead to loss of warranty for the device.
Glucometer Test Strips: Manufacturers Review
How to choose test strips for a glucometer when there are a lot of manufacturers on the market? To do this, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the features of the most popular of them.
Manufacturers of test strips for glucometers:
- Longevita (glucometers and test strips made in Great Britain) - they are suitable for all models of the company, they are easy to use, the shelf life of open plates is only 3 months, and the cost is high.
- Accu-Chek Active and Accu-Chek Performa (Germany) - do not depend on humidity or temperature of the room where measurements are taken, shelf life up to 18 months, the price is affordable.
- "Contour Plus" for the Contour TS glucose meter (Japan) - high quality, shelf life of six months, convenient plate size, high price, and there are products not in all Russian pharmacies.
- Satellite Express (Russia) - each plate is packed in an airtight box, shelf life is 18 months, affordable cost.
- One Touch (America) - convenient in use, reasonable price and availability.