The high cost of diabetic test strips has led to many people using them past the manufacturer’s expiration date, but it’s not a good idea. Test strips contain an enzyme and stabilizing chemical on the end that can give a false reading past the expiration date.
The humble test strip is far more complicated than it appears. It’s a technological wonder of electrochemistry comprised of many ultrathin layers. Enzymes and stabilizing chemicals are applied to the end of the strip that accepts the blood sample during the manufacturing process. If test strips aren’t stored properly, they can degrade and provide inaccurate readings.
When home users introduce blood to the strip, a chemical reaction takes place that’s transformed into an electrochemical reaction in the strip. That reaction is then read by the glucose meter. High humidity and extremes in temperature degrade the enzyme and chemical 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 may provide better accuracy but have a longer shelf life, while other brands may be slightly less accurate but have a longer expiration date.
Accurate glucose readings can be disrupted by a variety of blood components such as acetaminophen and other medications. The sophisticated design of diabetic test strips enables them to read and ignore those components to provide an accurate reading.
The manufacturing process of diabetic test strips involves multiple steps and highly sensitive elements to provide diabetics with an accurate reading to manage and control their disease. The reason test strips expire is due to the enzymes and chemicals used – the very same reason that they work to accurately measure glucose levels.
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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!
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