Diabetic testing strips are an essential tool in monitoring blood glucose levels and managing the disease. When not used and stored correctly, they provide inaccurate readings that can be dangerous. Diabetic test strips are complex, represent advanced technology, and should be treated accordingly. The following are tips for using test strips properly and ensuring glucose readings are accurate.

Testing

The testing process is easy to perform and will play a major role in your diabetic routines.

• Insert a test strip into the monitor
• Prick a fingertip with the lancet, the device with a tiny needle on the end, to obtain a blood sample for the strip.
• Squeeze out a small drop of blood, then touch it to end of the test strip.
• Never use a test strip that’s not made for the monitor that’s being used.

The enzymes contained in the test strip will be analyzed by the glucose meter and provide a reading of the amount of glucose currently in the bloodstream. Each test strip can only be used one time. A new strip is required each time for testing and the individual’s doctor will determine how often the person should be testing glucose levels.

Storing the Strips

Test strips have specific storage requirements to ensure they provide accurate readings. It’s important that the strips remain in the vials in which they’re packed and that individuals only remove a single strip each time that will be used for testing.

• Keep strips away from heat, moisture and humidity.
• Depending on the brand, before using a new batch of test strips, individuals may need to perform a calibration test. Don’t ignore this step and don’t use expired calibration solutions.
• Never use a strip that is damaged.
• Never use expired test strips.

Safety and Accuracy

Obtaining an accurate reading when testing glucose levels is essential for managing and controlling diabetes. The accuracy of the readings will depend on using test strips that are properly stored and used in accordance with all applicable manufacturer’s guidelines.

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!

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Diabetic test strips are an essential and critical tool for monitoring blood glucose levels and managing the disease. The affordability and access to test strips have become a major problem for many people. People with diabetes won’t find test strips on sale, but it’s important to shop around for the best prices for diabetic supplies as any other product.

One of the problems with test strips is that there’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Test strips aren’t interchangeable and will only fit the glucose meter for which it’s designed. An additional problem is that those fortunate enough to have insurance may discover that their insurance company may not pay for as many test strips as they actually need as determined by their doctor.

Generic or Store Brands

Rather than purchasing name brand glucose meters and accompanying test strips, consider generic or store brands that are substantially less expensive. They provide the same quality test results and out-of-pocket costs will be less.

Buy Test Strips Online

There are a number of companies that purchase the excess test strips that people have and resell them at a discount to those that need them. These outlets are an important resource for people that are underinsured or uninsured.

Assistance Programs

Several types of assistance programs are available. There are also local, regional and national organizations that provide assistance based on financial need. Some manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs – provided the individual has commercial insurance coverage. Additionally, some medical providers and clinics accept donations of test strips and other supplies for redistribution to people that need them.

Loyalty Perks and Discounts

Some chain and independently operated pharmacies offer discounts, cashback, coupons, and loyalty programs that provide incentives for individuals to shop with them. Ultimately, individuals will have to explore each opportunity for themselves and choose the option that’s best for their personal situation.

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!

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People across the nation are selling their diabetic test strips to earn extra money and alleviate the costs for those that need them and can’t obtain what they need. There are certain circumstances in which test strips are rejected by buyers and when that happens, you can still donate them to a variety of worthy organizations.

If your test strips were paid for by government-based coverage such as Medicaid or Medicare, you can’t sell them. Test strips that can be sold must have a significant expiration date remaining. Expired test strips won’t provide the accurate reading that individuals need. Ideally, test strips should be in the original, unopened, and undamaged package.

People with diabetes rely on diabetic test strips to manage their disease and must test multiple times each day. The strips are expensive to buy over-the-counter and insurance doesn’t always pay for as many strips as people need. Test strips by one manufacturer won’t work in other brands of meters, further complicating the situation.

For those that want to donate their test strips, there are multiple options. In rural areas, some local medical clinics accept donations of test strips, lancets, and meters to help those in need. Even if they don’t conduct such a program, they may know of local organizations that do. Some hospitals and clinics in larger cities do the same and you can also ask your doctor if they know of any programs.

A hugely overlooked resource that can benefit from donated syringes, lancets, and test strips is animal shelters. Diabetes also affects dogs and cats. Social media can also be helpful if you have a surplus of diabetic supplies, as can placing an ad in local newspapers. Even if you can’t sell your test strips for some reason, there are numerous organizations to which you can donate test strips and other diabetic supplies to help those in need.

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!

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There are many factors that can interfere when diabetics test their blood sugar levels and make the process difficult and inconvenient. It’s imperative that individuals obtain an accurate reading and the easier it is it get those readings, the more likely it is that diabetics will perform the test to manage their disease. The following are some common mistakes to avoid when testing blood sugar.

Finger Pricks

Testing on the side of the finger will cause less discomfort than testing on the middle of the fingertip. Don’t use the same finger each time for testing.

Hand Cleaning

It’s easy to pick up traces of residual sugar from foods that have been eaten or prepared to produce an inaccurate reading. Always wash hands before testing and don’t use hand sanitizers or rubbing alcohol prior to testing. Soap and water works fine and make sure hands are dry.

Insurance Preferences

Each insurance company has a preferred meter, and the accompanying test strips for which they’re willing to pay. Individuals get better coverage when using the insurance company’s preferred meter.

Incorrect Settings

Individuals will need to set the correct date and time on their meter. Failure to do so will result in inconsistencies that affect monitoring blood sugar levels over time.

No Routine

It’s easier to remember to test, and test at the correct times, when a regular routine has been established.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can affect readings. Avoid alcoholic drinks that can cause erroneous readings. Drink more water if dehydration is a problem.

Testing Supplies

Make sure testing supplies are properly stored under the correct temperatures and conditions for accurate readings. Change lancets after every use and use the right test steps for the meter. Test strips aren’t interchangeable between different brands of meters.

Testing Times

One of the biggest mistakes people make is testing too soon after a meal. The optimal time is two hours after eating for the most accurate reading.

Tracking Results

It’s important to track results to know what foods increases blood sugar the most, understand eating patterns, and insulin needs.

Wrong Meter

It’s important to get a meter that fits the person’s individual lifestyle. Young or active people may prefer a small meter that fits in a pocket, purse or briefcase – or one that can feed data into an online chart. Older individuals may require a meter that has larger, easier to read numbers or one that emits a beep.

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!

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Diabetic test strips are the means to test sugar levels in the blood and the readings must be accurate to effectively manage the disease. Test strips are manufactured with micro technology and the strips have to be treated appropriately to ensure accurate readings.

One of the most important things to remember is that test strips aren’t interchangeable among different brands of meters. Always make sure that the test strips you’re using are for the correct meter.

Most test strips are ready to use directly out of the box. However, some require calibration with the meter using a special solution. If you have one of those meters, always make sure the calibration formula hasn’t passed its expiration date.

Test strips should be stored in an appropriate environment. Don’t expose them to extreme heat, cold, humidity, or moisture. Doing so can damage the delicate internal workings of the strip or the meter and readings will be inaccurate. Always store your test strips in their original vial and make sure the lid is closed securely after taking one out.

You never want to use test strips that are past their expiration date. Each strip contains an enzyme necessary for obtaining an accurate reading. Those that have expired shouldn’t be used and you’ll want to dispose of them properly.

Glucose test strips use advanced technology to detect blood sugar levels. They can also detect other substances that will affect the accuracy of your test, including vitamin C, uric acid, and acetaminophen – a common ingredient in many over-the-counter pain remedies. Don’t handle test strips unless you’ve washed and dried your hands.

Test strips have a relatively long shelf life, but they don’t last forever. Incorrect storage and treatment can damage them and you won’t get an accurate reading. That makes managing and controlling the disease that much more difficult.

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!

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The average person would be surprised and shocked at how much diabetic supplies actually cost. It’s not just the monthly cost of insulin that’s a problem. People with diabetes also need – at the bare minimum – a glucose meter, test strips, and syringes or pen needles – depending upon whether their insulin is available by vial or pen-type dispenser.

Some states require a sharps container for disposing of needles, while others allow needles to be disposed of in containers such as empty detergent jugs. Diabetics should also utilize an alcohol wipe each time before they test. All those supplies are expensive and essential for individuals to manage their health. It’s easy to see why there’s a very real need for discount diabetic supplies.

Even for those that have private insurance, the copays can be costly. A great many people are uninsured, underinsured, or their insurance only provides a set amount of supplies – often in contradiction to their physician’s recommendations. A few organizations provide free or reduced-priced diabetic supplies, but those supplies are extremely limited.

Some manufacturers of glucose meters offer individuals a free monitor, but recipients discover they can’t afford the test strips for that particular meter. The cost of test strips varies widely and they aren’t interchangeable among different brands of glucose meters. Diabetics typically test and inject insulin three or more times each day.

Many individuals are turning to companies that buy and sell test strips as an alternative. The companies purchase multiple brands and resell them at a discount to people that need them. The process is easy, discreet, and completely legal as long as the test strips weren’t paid for by government funded insurance such as Medicaid or Medicare.

The array of products required by those with diabetes to manage the disease and maintain their health is extensive. They’re also extremely expensive. One of the most pressing needs for diabetics are test strips. People that sell their excess or unwanted test strips are helping individuals across the nation monitor their health for better outcomes.

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!

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There are many reasons why you might accrue an excess of diabetic test strips and they can help those who are uninsured or underinsured. Contrary to popular belief, it’s completely legal to sell your test strips since they can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. However, it’s illegal to sell test strips that were paid for by Medicaid or Medicare.

Selling your unopened and unexpired boxes of test strips helps others and puts some extra cash in your pocket. Diabetic test strips are expensive for those that need them and it doesn’t make sense to throw them away where they’ll find their way to landfills when you could make some extra money. The following are some of the reasons why you might have extra test strips.

Purchased Too Many

The number of test strips insurance companies will pay for varies widely. Your insurance company may pay for far more test strips than you need.

Changed Glucose Meters

Those with diabetes typically try several glucose meters before finding one that they really like. Test strips aren’t interchangeable among different brands of meters, which means you’ll have left over test strips from discarded meters.

Gestational Diabetes

You may have developed gestational diabetes while pregnant and been prescribed a glucose meter and test strips. Following the delivery of your child, you won’t need to test your blood sugar levels anymore and will have left over supplies.

Not Testing as Often

As you learn to manage diabetes more effectively, you’ll probably discover that you don’t need to test as often. Many insurance companies provide a pre-determined number of test strips that may exceed the amount you need each month.

Wrong Brand

Mistakes can happen even at the most careful of pharmacies and there’s the possibility that you’ll get the wrong test strips for your meter. Many pharmacies refuse to take the strips back, meaning you’ll be stuck with strips you can’t use.

Death

When a loved one dies that has diabetes, their unused and unwanted test strips can help others. Selling them is a good way to ensure they aren’t wasted.

Multiple Advantages

Test strips are small, but they still contribute to the waste in landfills. By selling your test strips you’ll essentially be recycling, helping others preserve their health, and putting some extra cash in your pocket.

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!

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At first glance, test strips used to monitor blood glucose levels all appear pretty much the same. Their appearance is similar and they’re used for the same purpose. They’re all created in much the same way, though each manufacturer utilizes its own process in the creation of the strips. However, each manufacturer incorporates small, proprietary differences that ensure it’s only compatible with the company’s brand of meter.

Each test strip is a modern miracle of engineering that enables individuals to monitor their glucose levels and manage their diabetes. The test strip and the meter must work perfectly together to achieve accurate readings, making the meter equally important. There are no universal test strips that will work with every meter.

The National Institute of Health conducted research on the accuracy of 17 commercially available meters/test strips and discovered that some are more accurate when detecting high glucose levels, some were better at identifying low glucose levels, and that discrepancies in accuracy levels existed between all brands tested. Similar results were confirmed by the American Diabetes Association.

The Food and Drug Administration relies solely on data provided by test strip/meter manufacturers for accuracy information. One of the most significant reasons for discrepancies was environmental factors. Exposure to excessive temperatures and humidity disrupts the ability of the test strips to function properly. Expired test strips also demonstrate inaccurate readings.

It’s important to note that there are a wide variety of factors introduced by the tester that will affect at-home accuracy. Prescription and over-the-counter medications other than those prescribed for diabetes can affect readings. Dirt, lotions and other substances on the hands, an insufficient blood sample, and dehydration will all affect the accuracy of the reading

Diabetic test strips/meters do demonstrate small discrepancies, but they’re the first and best line of defense for monitoring glucose levels. Even the most conscientious diabetic must test their glucose levels if they hope to manage their disease. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what brand of meter and test strip combination anyone uses. The important thing is that they’re used and the test strips haven’t expired.

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!

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A glucose test strip is a small and unassuming item, but they’re high-tech devices that make it possible for people with diabetes to monitor and manage their disease. Glucose test strips must be accurate and to ensure that they work as intended manufacturers stamp expiration dates on each batch.

Glucose test strips were originally created in 1962 for use exclusively in physician’s offices. It was a complicated process that relied on a light and dye process to analyze a blood sample. The development of home glucose meters in 1980 radically altered the way diabetic patients cared for themselves and placed the power for daily management of their disease in their own hands.

Individuals rely on the accuracy of test strips to ensure they receive correct readings of their blood sugar levels. Test strips that have passed their expiration date can give inaccurate readings that can result in individuals injecting too much or too little insulin, both of which are situations that can be deadly.

There are multiple manufacturers that create test strips and they all work in basically the same way. Today’s diabetic test strips utilize an enzyme that transforms a small blood sample into an electrical current that’s read by the glucose meter. Chemicals are used to stabilize the enzyme. A test strip is comprised of several different layers, each of which has its own specific functionality.

To ensure the accuracy of each test strip, manufacturers must closely control the way the chemicals that stabilize the enzyme is dried during the manufacturing process. The strip has to maintain an exact amount of hydration. Too little and the enzyme won’t function correctly. Too much moisture will accelerate the breakdown of the chemical.

Accuracy also depends on how much blood is allowed to enter the strip. Too much blood will overload the electrical circuit that’s created by the blood. Not enough blood and the circuit won’t be completed. Manufacturers know exactly how long the chemicals and enzymes within the test strips will provide an accurate reading.

Never use a diabetic test strip that has exceeded its expiration date. There’s no guarantee that the readings will be accurate and too much or too little insulin may be injected causing a life-threatening situation.

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!

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Having diabetes comes with a social stigma that’s prevalent throughout the U.S. While there are a number of lifestyle choices that can increase the risk of developing the disease, genetics also play a role and some ethnic groups are more likely to develop diabetes than others.

Adults with diabetes are shamed, blamed and judged for “getting” the disease. Parents with diabetic children are stigmatized as bad parents for “causing” the kids to develop diabetes. Further marginalizing those with diabetes are misconceptions and prejudices concerning everything from testing glucose levels and administering insulin injections when out in public to believing “it will go away” if the person just tries hard enough.

The stigma attached to diabetes can prevent people from getting diagnosed or managing their disease appropriately. The blame game to which diabetics are subjected makes managing the condition even more difficult, leads to an increase in depression, and a feeling of lower self-worth. It affects both adults and children with diabetes and those that rely on insulin rather than oral medications are typically perceived as more of a “failure.”

The CDC has judged diabetes to be an epidemic and a national health crisis, while the Pentagon has indicated that diabetes is a national security threat. Both of those judgements have further stigmatized the disease and those that develop it. There’s also the sentiment in the U.S. that anyone with diabetes is a burden and a drain on the healthcare system. Having diabetes is also seen by many as a character flaw rather than a disease.

No one wants to be diagnosed with diabetes or live the rest of their lives checking glucose levels, injecting insulin or taking pills, and calculating every bite of food they eat. Nor do they want to be ostracized, stigmatized, guilted, shamed, blamed, or judged for developing the disease. They just want to be accepted as they are and live their lives as normally as possible.

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!

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