Simple, accurate health tests for the home and the workplace.
Welcome to the Home Health guide to diabetic test strips. Here we have gathered everything you need to know about diabetic strips, including how to use them. Whether you’re looking for information to aid a friend or family member or have recently been diagnosed, this guide can help.
Find the answers to the most common questions regarding diabetic test strips and more advice and tips below. You can also explore our collection of diabetic test strips available at Home Health UK.
Simply put, a diabetes test trip is a traditional way to get efficient on-the-spot readings of your blood glucose levels. The test strip is used in conjunction with your blood glucose monitor by applying a small drop of blood to the test strip and then inserting the strip into the monitor. Your blood glucose reading will then be displayed for your to record and monitor.
So, while small and simple in design, your diabetic test strips play a significant role in recording accurate blood glucose readings.
No, diabetic test strips are not universal. If you’re new to blood glucose monitoring, you may assume that all test strips are the same. In some instances, the design of different brand test strips may appear similar, which can be confusing. But not all diabetes test strips are compatible with every blood glucose monitor.
It is best practice to buy diabetes test strips manufactured by the same brand as your monitor device. Although used for the same purpose of recording glucose levels in the blood, test strips work in different ways and arrive in different sizes to suit individual monitor devices. This means you may purchase an incompatible test strip that does not even fit in your blood glucose monitor.
Suppose you must shop for diabetes test strips not produced by your monitor brand. In that case, you must carefully study the information on the packaging. You may be able to find an alternative test strip offering that is compatible with your blood glucose monitor. However, this will be communicated in the included information before purchase. Do not make the mistake of buying diabetic test strips just because they look similar to your usual product.
You can find a wide range of diabetes test strips available online in our collection at Home Health UK.
Yes, diabetes testing strips do have an expiration date. Although often subject to debate, diabetes testing strips have expiration dates for a reason. To understand why these are necessary, we must break down the science and construction behind a diabetes test strip.
All diabetes test strips are manufactured with enzymes coating the end of the plastic strip. Enzymes are proteins made by cells in living organisms, and they are on the test strip to either glucose oxidase or glucose dehydrogenase. These processes cause the enzymes to react with blood glucose and convert it into an electrical current used by your monitor to present a glucose concentration reading.
The problem is that over time enzymes break down, especially when exposed to humidity and extreme temperatures. So, in such circumstances, your diabetic test strips can also expire before their advised use-by date.
When the enzymes break down on your test strip, they can give false and inaccurate blood glucose readings. They can present as either higher or lower than expected and, if not caught, can lead to a management decision detrimental to a diabetic person’s health and well-being. In some cases, it can even be fatal.
This is why you must follow the expiration date guidance on your diabetic test strips. If you suspect readings may be wrong before the expiration date advised, try a different pack or consult your doctor for further advice.
Using diabetic test strips is simple, and you can do it in just three easy steps. Remember, it is one of two essential components for monitoring your blood glucose levels on the spot. You also need a blood glucose monitor. Here is a quick breakdown of how to use a diabetic test strip:
If you’re concerned about the accuracy of your diabetes test strip, follow these tips to keep your strips in optimal condition:
By following the tips above, you can get the most out of your diabetic test strip purchase. However, it is also important to note that expiration dates are only one of the reasons you may get inaccurate test readings. Other causes you should be aware of include:
Browse high-quality diabetes monitoring supplies online at Home Health UK and find everything you need in one place. From a high-quality blood glucose monitor to replacement test strips and lancets, we have everything you need to efficiently and accurately record your blood glucose.
For more help and advice, you can find more information in our online health hub. Alternatively, contact our expert team today.
The New Model from SD Biosensor (the manufacturers of the No.1 selling SD Codefree Blood Glucose Meter) has all the benefits of the Codefree plus it boasts a greater accuracy due to a wider haematocrit (HCT) range of 0-70% and GDH-FAD enzyme technology.
All of this with prices starting from just £11.99!
Click here to find out more information.