Diabetic test strips are a crucial tool for managing diabetes, but their cost can add up quickly. For many individuals with diabetes, finding ways to save on test strips without sacrificing quality is essential. In this blog, we’ll explore various strategies to help you save money while ensuring you get reliable and accurate test results.

1. Understanding the Costs of Diabetic Test Strips

Diabetic test strips can vary significantly in price, depending on the brand and type. On average, the cost of a box of 50 test strips can range from $30 to $60. Over the course of a year, this can lead to a substantial expense, particularly for those who need to test their blood glucose frequently.

2. Utilize Insurance Coverage

Many health insurance plans cover diabetic test strips, but the level of coverage can vary. Here’s how to maximize your insurance benefits:

• Check Your Policy: Review your health insurance policy to understand what’s covered and what isn’t. Some plans cover the full cost, while others may require a co-pay or have limits on the number of strips covered.
• Prescription Requirements: Ensure that you have a valid prescription for test strips, as many insurance plans require one for coverage.
• Preferred Providers: Use preferred pharmacies or suppliers listed by your insurance company to take advantage of discounted rates.

3. Patient Assistance Programs

Several manufacturers and non-profit organizations offer patient assistance programs to help reduce the cost of test strips. These programs can provide free or reduced-cost strips for eligible individuals. Here’s how to take advantage of them:

• Manufacturer Programs: Check the websites of major test strip manufacturers like Abbott, Bayer, and Johnson & Johnson for information on their patient assistance programs. Eligibility requirements may vary, so be sure to read the criteria carefully.
• Non-Profit Organizations: Organizations such as the American Diabetes Association and NeedyMeds offer resources and assistance for those struggling with the cost of diabetes supplies.

4. Bulk Purchasing and Online Discounts

Buying in bulk or shopping online can lead to significant savings. Here are some tips for reducing costs through these methods:

• Bulk Purchases: Consider buying larger quantities of test strips if your insurance or prescription allows. Purchasing in bulk often reduces the per-strip cost. However, be mindful of expiration dates to ensure that you use the strips before they expire.
• Online Retailers: Look for reputable online pharmacies or retailers that offer discounts on test strips. Websites like Amazon, Walmart, and specialized diabetes supply stores often have competitive prices and bulk discounts.
• Coupons and Promo Codes: Keep an eye out for coupons and promotional codes from both manufacturers and retailers. Signing up for newsletters or joining loyalty programs can sometimes provide access to special deals and discounts.

5. Alternative Testing Methods

In addition to traditional test strips, there are alternative glucose monitoring methods that may be more cost-effective in the long run:

• Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs): While CGMs have a higher initial cost, they can reduce the need for frequent fingerstick tests and potentially lower overall testing costs.
• Alternative Brands: Explore less expensive or store-brand test strips that are compatible with your meter. Many generic options provide the same level of accuracy and reliability as name-brand strips at a lower cost.

6. Smart Management and Tracking

Effective management of your testing supplies can also help reduce costs:

• Track Usage: Monitor how many test strips you use and adjust your order frequency to avoid over-purchasing and wastage.
• Regular Check-ups: Regularly consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that your testing needs are met and that your current test strip supply aligns with your health goals.

Managing the cost of diabetic test strips doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality. By utilizing insurance coverage, patient assistance programs, bulk purchasing, and exploring alternative methods, you can keep expenses manageable while maintaining effective diabetes management. Staying informed and proactive in finding cost-saving opportunities can help you make the most of your diabetes care routine.

If you have any specific questions about managing the costs of your diabetes supplies, feel free to reach out or consult with your healthcare provider. They can offer personalized advice and resources tailored to your needs.

We Buy Unused Diabetic Test Strips and Supplies

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!

Diabetic test strips are a vital part of managing diabetes, allowing you to monitor your blood glucose levels and adjust your treatment accordingly. However, using and storing these strips correctly is crucial for ensuring accurate results and prolonging their effectiveness. In this blog, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to use test strips properly and offer tips on their storage to maintain their accuracy.

Using Diabetic Test Strips Correctly

1. Wash Your Hands
   • Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water. Dry them completely before handling test strips or your blood glucose meter. This helps prevent contamination and ensures the accuracy of your results.
2. Prepare Your Glucose Meter
   • Turn on your glucose meter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure the meter is clean and functioning properly. Some meters require calibration, so follow the specific guidelines for your device.
3. Insert a Test Strip
   • Remove a test strip from its container. Insert it into the glucose meter’s test strip port as directed. Ensure the strip is inserted fully and in the correct orientation.
4. Obtain a Blood Sample
   • Use a lancet device to obtain a small blood sample. Typically, this involves pricking the side of your fingertip with the lancet. If your meter uses alternative sites for testing, follow the instructions for those areas.
5. Apply the Blood Sample
   • Gently touch the blood sample to the end of the test strip. The strip will draw the blood in and begin processing the sample. Avoid applying too much or too little blood, as this can affect the accuracy of the reading.
6. Wait for the Results
   • Wait for the meter to process the sample. This usually takes just a few seconds. Once the test is complete, the meter will display your blood glucose level. Record the result as needed and follow any additional steps recommended by your healthcare provider.
7. Dispose of Used Test Strips and Lancets
   • Dispose of used test strips and lancets properly. Use a designated sharps container for lancets and follow local guidelines for disposing of medical waste.

Storing Diabetic Test Strips Properly

Proper storage is essential for maintaining the accuracy and effectiveness of your test strips. Follow these tips to ensure they remain in good condition:

1. Keep Test Strips in Their Original Container
   • Store test strips in their original container with the lid tightly closed. The container is designed to protect the strips from moisture and contamination.
2. Avoid Exposure to Extreme Temperatures
   • Store test strips at room temperature, typically between 59°F and 86°F (15°C to 30°C). Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures, such as leaving them in a hot car or near a heater, as this can damage the strips and affect their performance.
3. Protect from Moisture and Humidity
   • Keep test strips away from moisture and humidity. Do not store them in the bathroom or other high-humidity areas. Moisture can cause the strips to degrade and become less accurate.
4. Avoid Direct Sunlight
   • Store test strips in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Ultraviolet (UV) light can deteriorate the strips and reduce their effectiveness.
5. Check Expiration Dates
   • Always check the expiration date on the test strip container before use. Expired test strips may not provide accurate results. Discard any expired strips and replace them with new ones.
6. Handle with Clean Hands
   • Handle test strips with clean, dry hands to avoid transferring oils, dirt, or moisture from your fingers to the strips. This helps maintain their accuracy and longevity.
7. Use Within Recommended Time Frames
   • Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for how long test strips can be used after opening the container. Most test strips have a specific time frame in which they should be used once opened to ensure accuracy.

Using and storing diabetic test strips properly is essential for accurate blood glucose monitoring and effective diabetes management. By following these step-by-step instructions and storage tips, you can ensure that your test strips remain reliable and perform as expected. Regularly checking the condition and expiration dates of your strips, along with proper handling and storage, will help you maintain consistent and accurate blood glucose readings.

If you have any questions or concerns about using or storing your test strips, consult your healthcare provider or the manufacturer’s guidelines for personalized advice and recommendations.

We Buy Unused Diabetic Test Strips and Supplies

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!

Diabetic test strips are a cornerstone of effective diabetes management, providing crucial information about your blood glucose levels. However, their accuracy can be compromised by common mistakes during use. Understanding these errors and learning how to avoid them can help ensure that your test results are reliable and that you manage your diabetes more effectively. In this blog, we’ll highlight frequent mistakes people make with test strips and offer practical advice on how to avoid them.

1. Using Expired Test Strips

Mistake: Using test strips past their expiration date can lead to inaccurate readings. Expired strips may not react properly with your blood sample, leading to erroneous results.

How to Avoid It:

• Check Expiration Dates: Regularly check the expiration dates on your test strip containers. Dispose of any expired strips and replace them with new ones.
• Track Opened Containers: Keep track of when you open a new container of test strips. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for how long the strips are effective after opening.

2. Incorrect Storage Conditions

Mistake: Improper storage of test strips, such as exposure to heat, moisture, or sunlight, can degrade the strips and affect their accuracy.

How to Avoid It:

• Store Properly: Keep test strips in their original container with the lid tightly closed. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Avoid Humid Areas: Do not store test strips in high-humidity environments like bathrooms. Moisture can affect the strips’ performance.

3. Not Following the Meter’s Instructions

Mistake: Each glucose meter has specific instructions for inserting test strips and obtaining blood samples. Not following these instructions can lead to incorrect readings.

How to Avoid It:

• Read the Manual: Familiarize yourself with your meter’s user manual and follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely.
• Consult Support: If you’re unsure about any steps, consult the manufacturer’s customer support or ask your healthcare provider for assistance.

4. Touching the Test Strip with Dirty Hands

Mistake: Handling test strips with unclean hands can transfer oils, dirt, or moisture to the strips, potentially contaminating them and affecting results.

How to Avoid It:

• Wash Your Hands: Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling test strips. This reduces the risk of contamination and ensures accurate readings.

5. Applying Too Much or Too Little Blood

Mistake: Applying too much or too little blood to the test strip can result in inaccurate readings. Strips are designed to process a specific amount of blood.

How to Avoid It:

• Follow Instructions: Adhere to the instructions for blood sample size provided with your test strips. Most meters will indicate if the sample is insufficient or excessive.
• Practice Technique: If you’re unsure of the right amount of blood, practice on a test strip that you don’t need to use for actual testing, if your meter allows it.

6. Reusing Test Strips

Mistake: Some people may attempt to reuse test strips, which can lead to incorrect results due to contamination or degradation of the strip.

How to Avoid It:

• Use a New Strip Each Time: Always use a fresh test strip for each blood glucose test. Reusing strips can compromise accuracy and reliability.

7. Not Calibrating the Meter Properly

Mistake: Failing to calibrate your glucose meter according to the manufacturer’s instructions can result in inaccurate readings.

How to Avoid It:

• Regular Calibration: Ensure your meter is calibrated correctly and as recommended by the manufacturer. Check the meter’s manual for specific calibration instructions.
• Professional Assistance: If you’re unsure about calibration, consult with your healthcare provider or the meter’s customer support for guidance.

8. Ignoring Error Codes

Mistake: Ignoring error codes displayed on your glucose meter can lead to inaccurate results or indicate that something is wrong with your testing process.

How to Avoid It:

• Review Error Codes: If your meter displays an error code, refer to the user manual to understand the issue and how to resolve it.
• Seek Help if Needed: Contact customer support or your healthcare provider if you frequently encounter error codes or if you’re unsure how to address them.

Avoiding these common mistakes with diabetic test strips can help ensure that you get accurate and reliable blood glucose readings. By following proper usage and storage guidelines, adhering to your meter’s instructions, and handling test strips with care, you can effectively manage your diabetes and make informed decisions about your health. If you have any concerns or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider or the manufacturer for support.

We Buy Unused Diabetic Test Strips and Supplies

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!

Diabetic test strips are essential tools for monitoring blood glucose levels and managing diabetes effectively. However, the accuracy of these strips is crucial for ensuring that you receive reliable information about your blood sugar levels. In this blog, we’ll examine the factors that affect the accuracy of test strips and provide tips on how to ensure you get reliable results.

1. Factors Affecting the Accuracy of Test Strips

1. Test Strip Quality
   • Manufacturing Standards: The quality of test strips can vary between brands and batches. High-quality strips manufactured under stringent standards generally offer better accuracy.
   • Expiration Date: Test strips have an expiration date after which their chemical reagents can degrade, leading to inaccurate results. Always use strips before their expiration date.
2. Proper Storage
   • Temperature Sensitivity: Test strips are sensitive to temperature extremes. Storing them in conditions outside the recommended temperature range can affect their performance.
   • Moisture and Sunlight: Exposure to moisture and direct sunlight can degrade test strips, impacting their accuracy.
3. Handling and Technique
   • Clean Hands: Contaminants from dirty hands can affect the test results. Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling test strips.
   • Correct Blood Sample Size: Applying too much or too little blood to the test strip can lead to inaccurate readings. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct amount of blood.
4. Meter Calibration
   • Regular Calibration: Some glucose meters require regular calibration to ensure accuracy. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for calibrating your meter to maintain accurate results.
5. Meter and Strip Compatibility
   • Correct Strips for the Meter: Using test strips that are not compatible with your glucose meter can result in erroneous readings. Always use strips that are specifically designed for your meter.
6. User Errors
   • Following Instructions: Misinterpreting or not following the instructions for using test strips can lead to inaccurate results. Ensure that you understand and follow the proper testing procedures.

2. Ensuring Reliable Results

1. Choose High-Quality Test Strips
   • Research Brands: Select test strips from reputable brands with a history of reliability and accuracy. Check for reviews and consult your healthcare provider for recommendations.
   • Verify Manufacturing Standards: Ensure that the test strips meet established quality standards and have undergone rigorous testing.
2. Store Test Strips Properly
   • Adhere to Storage Guidelines: Follow the storage instructions provided by the manufacturer. Keep test strips in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
   • Use Original Containers: Always store test strips in their original containers with the lid tightly closed to protect them from environmental factors.
3. Handle Test Strips with Care
   • Maintain Cleanliness: Wash your hands before handling test strips and avoid touching the test area with your fingers.
   • Use Fresh Test Strips: Always use a new test strip for each test to avoid contamination and ensure accuracy.
4. Follow Meter Calibration Procedures
   • Regular Checks: Regularly calibrate your glucose meter as recommended by the manufacturer. Check for any calibration errors and address them promptly.
   • Professional Assistance: If you’re unsure about calibration procedures, consult the meter’s user manual or seek assistance from customer support.
5. Understand Your Meter’s Error Codes
   • Error Code Interpretation: Familiarize yourself with the error codes displayed by your meter and understand their meanings. Address any issues indicated by error codes to ensure accurate results.
6. Regular Monitoring and Quality Control
   • Test Control Solutions: Use control solutions to check the accuracy of your meter and test strips. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for performing control tests.
   • Review Results Regularly: Regularly review and compare your test results with your healthcare provider’s recommendations to identify any inconsistencies.

Understanding the accuracy of diabetic test strips and the factors that affect it is crucial for effective diabetes management. By selecting high-quality test strips, storing and handling them properly, following meter calibration procedures, and addressing user errors, you can ensure that you receive reliable and accurate blood glucose readings.

Maintaining accuracy in your testing routine helps you make informed decisions about your diabetes management and supports your overall health. If you have any concerns about the accuracy of your test strips or glucose meter, consult with your healthcare provider or the manufacturer for guidance and support.

We Buy Unused Diabetic Test Strips and Supplies

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!