What Should You Know Before Using Diabetic Test Strips?

 

Quick answer: Always (1) check that they’re compatible with your glucose meter and (2) follow the testing instructions for your specific strips. Many of the diabetic test strips in the market today need only a small drop of blood, and the glucose meter can display your result within seconds. Some products, including On Call test strips, also use automatic calibration and let you collect blood samples from alternative sites such as the palm or forearm.

 

 

 

 

If you monitor your blood sugar at home, having a reliable glucometer and diabetic test strips can help you get quick readings so you can keep track of changes throughout the day.

 

This type of monitoring can be particularly important when you have Type 1 diabetes and use insulin. Before you start using test strips, though, it helps to understand how they work and what you need to get an accurate reading.

 

 

How do diabetic strips work?

 

When using diabetic test strips to monitor your glucose levels, you’re using a type of blood sugar test known as the ‘finger-stick check.’ It’s fairly simple: you use a small needle (a lancet) to prick your fingertip and produce a small drop of blood.

 

You touch that blood drop to the test strip inserted into your glucose meter. Within seconds, the meter displays your blood glucose level.

 

 

How do you use test strips?

 

The exact process can vary depending on the diabetic test strips and glucose meter you use.

 

With modern test strips, the process is more convenient because you only need to provide a very small blood sample. This means you may not need to prick your finger as deeply to collect enough blood for a reading.

 

On Call test strips require only a 0.4-microliter sample of your blood. Each test strip already comes with auto-calibration technology, so you don’t have to manually encode it with On Call’s glucometer. Plus, you can get the result in around four seconds.

 

On Call’s test strips also give you more flexibility over where you collect your sample, such as your palm and forearm. This can be convenient when you have to test your blood glucose several times a day.

 

How should you store diabetic test strips?

 

Keep diabetic test strips according to the manufacturer’s storage instructions and check the expiration date before you use them. Avoid using strips that appear damaged even if they’re technically not yet expired as they may produce inaccurate blood glucose readings. In fact, the FDA specifically warns that expired or improperly stored test strips can give incorrect readings and potentially lead to the wrong treatment. It also advises against using strips from damaged containers.

 

 

What should you check before using diabetic test strips?

 

What to check	Why it is important
Meter compatibility	Test strips need to work with the glucose meter you use
Blood sample size	A smaller required sample can mean a shallower finger prick
Calibration	Some systems require fewer setup steps than others
Reading time	Faster results can make frequent testing more convenient
Testing location	Some strips allow blood collection from places other than the fingertip
Expiration and condition	Expired or damaged strips may not perform as intended

 

 

Where can you buy diabetic test strips?

 

You can usually find test strips at local pharmacies, but ordering online can be convenient when you need to keep a regular supply at home. Just make sure you purchase strips that are compatible with your glucose meter and buy them from a reliable supplier.

 

Need diabetic test strips and a glucose meter? Visit Steede Medical now and shop online. They carry products from reputable brands like On Call, so you know you’re using a reliable and accurate way to test your blood glucose levels.