Skip to content Skip to main content Skip to search

Archives for May 2022

How to Dispose of Glucose Test Strips

People with diabetes have dozens of things to consider each day and one of those is disposing of their used glucose test strips, lancets and syringes. Many test strip packages have instructions on the inside detailing how to dispose of them, but the information is buried in a mountain of small print.

The first thing to know is that any object that contains blood is considered biomedical waste and must be disposed of in an appropriate manner. There are specially made sharps containers specifically designed for disposing of used test strips, lancets and syringes. The containers are red, come in different sizes, and are available in pharmacies. They also contain visible warnings on the outside of the container about what they hold.

When a sharps container is full, tape the top securely and place it in the middle of the trash bin for pick up. Many Florida counties and health departments have initiated drop off programs where people can take their full containers for disposal. In some instances, individuals can receive another container at no cost or at minimal cost. Drop off programs are also available at some pharmacies, clinics, hospitals and medical waste facilities.

If residents don’t have such a program in their area, the Florida Health Department offers another solution, but advises that individuals should check with their trash pickup company to ensure that the following method is allowed.

People without a sharps container can use a hard plastic or metal container with a screw on top. The most commonly used containers are liquid detergent bottles, though a paint can is also acceptable. When the container is full, secure the top with heavy duty tape. Use a marker and clearly mark the container as “Medical Waste.” It can then be placed in the center of the trash bin for pick up.

If you would like to find out about earning cash for your unwanted, unused and boxed test strips, complete our online quote form today.

If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

Visit us at Sell Your Test Strips and get your free quote today!

Read more
test strip accuracy

Does the Price of Test Strips Reflect Effectiveness?

People with diabetes rely on accurate readings from their glucose test strips and meters to effectively manage their disease. All test strips and meters must meet minimum standards for reliability and accuracy. However, a higher priced glucose test strip doesn’t automatically translate into greater accuracy.

A controversy over test strips has raged for years as some have been proven to be more accurate than others. However, it’s not just the test strips that have to be considered. The meters also figure highly into the equation. Some meters and test strips haven’t been re-evaluated or tested for accuracy since first being approved by the FDA.

The introduction of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) that use a sticky sensor applied to the body and read by phones, is gaining popularity and widely used by many diabetics. However, the cost can be prohibitive and there are millions of people that are still pricking their fingers and using glucose test strips and monitors.

The Diabetes Technology Society, a non-profit organization based in California, compared 18 popular glucose meters and test strips for accuracy. The gold-standard is a meter and test strip combination that yields blood glucose readings within 15 percent of laboratory values of at least 95 percent. Only 6 passed the organization’s accuracy tests:

  1. Bayer Contour Next, 100 percent
  2. Roche Accu-Chek Aviva Plus, 98 percent
  3. Walmart ReliOn Confirm from Arkray, 97 percent
  4. CVS Advanced from Agamatrix 97 percent
  5. Abbott FreeStyle Lite, 96 percent
  6. Roche Accu-Chek SmartView, 95 percent

The cost of both the test strips and meter should factor into the decision as to which meter/test strip combination to purchase. Another consideration is if the meter and test strips are covered by insurance, along with any applicable co-pays. Use care when selecting the meter/test strip combo. There are multiple options from each brand and the cost of test strips will be an ongoing expense.

If you would like to find out about earning cash for your unwanted, unused and boxed test strips, complete our online quote form today.

If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

Visit us at Sell Your Test Strips and get your free quote today!

Read more
sell your test strips

Can I Sell Open Boxes of Test Strips?

Many people are trading in their unused glucose test strips for cash and you can, too. Before you start inventorying what you have to sell, there are some things you need to know. Buyers of test strips are very particular about what they accept and for very good reason. They sell the test strips to individuals that need them and the strips must conform to the same standards as you’d purchase them in the store.

The answer is no – you can’t sell opened boxes of test strips. The boxes must be unopened and in good condition. Test strips also have an expiration date and companies that buy test strips typically want a minimum of an 8-month window until the strip’s expiration date.

They should also have been stored under appropriate conditions and not exposed to high heat or dampness. Test strips paid for through government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid can’t be resold.

Test strips that don’t meet those requirements can’t be counted upon to provide an accurate reading that’s essential for individuals to manage their disease. Even though they appear simple, test strips are high tech devices and the manufacturing process is complicated. Test strips utilize stabilizing chemicals and enzymes to read glucose levels.

Those enzymes and stabilizing chemicals have a specific shelf life. Each manufacturer has its own proprietary combination of chemicals, each of which remains stable and effective over varying lengths of time.

Companies that purchase test strips resell them to those with diabetes that can’t afford expensive co-pays, are underinsured or are uninsured. Selling your test strips for extra cash is easy.

You can obtain a quote online and the companies will even pay the postage to send the test strips to them. If the strips are accepted, they offer multiple payment methods. If the test strips are rejected, the company will pay the postage to return them to you. It’s a win-win situation for you as the seller and those with diabetes.

If you would like to find out about earning cash for your unwanted, unused and boxed test strips, complete our online quote form today.

If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

Visit us at Sell Your Test Strips and get your free quote today!

Read more

How Are Test Strips Made?

The little plastic test strips for testing glucose levels appear simple, but are a marvel of modern technology, allowing individuals to effectively manage their diabetes at home. All manufacturers of test strips use essentially the same process and the strips work in the same way. However, each manufacturer incorporates small, proprietary differences that ensure it’s only compatible with the company’s brand of meter.

The laminated test strips are comprised of multiple ultra-thin layers and essentially work by using a blood sample to create an electrochemical reaction. A chemical reaction takes place and is converted into an electrical impulse that’s sent to the meter where it’s read.

Test strips begin with a base of polyester, overlaid with a carbon layer to facilitate conductivity. A micro-thin gold or silver-based layer is added and cut into a printed circuit designed to make an electrical circuit when blood is introduced.

A layer of enzymes and stabilizing chemicals are applied to the end of the test strip that accepts the blood sample. When blood is introduced to the strip, a chemical reaction takes place and converted into an electrical impulse that is then read by the glucose meter and presented as a number on the meter’s readout.

The enzymes and stabilizing chemicals have a specific lifespan. High humidity and extremes in temperature degrade the enzyme and chemicals used, thereby rendering an inaccurate reading and placing users’ health at risk.

Test strips that have exceeded their expiration date can exhibit errors by giving readings that are over or under the actual glucose level. Individuals may use too much or too little insulin to compensate. Manufacturers use different enzymes and chemicals unique to their particular brand. Some test strips may provide better accuracy but have a longer shelf life, while other brands may be slightly less accurate but have a longer expiration date.

If you would like to find out about earning cash for your unwanted, unused and boxed test strips, complete our online quote form today.

If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

Visit us at Sell Your Test Strips and get your free quote today!

Read more
0
Your Cart
Your cart is empty.