5 Little-Known Things about Diabetic Test Strips
From what you may notice today, it is evident that most people now know the why and how to use quality diabetic test strips. They are some of the best items you can use if you want to test diabetes while at home. However, you shouldn’t just buy these glucose monitors before you have known some things. Here are five things you need to bear in mind when buying these strips.
How much will they cost you
Going for the right diabetic test strip is among the vital aspects you shouldn’t undermine. It is likely that you may find a free monitor somewhere and go with it. One important thing to remember is that you may have to meet some unavoidable monthly expenses on those diabetic test strips. One aspect you should not ignore is that these medical equipment are lasting, and it’s probably one of the reasons you need to invest in them in you are in need.
Verify expiration date
You are likely to get unreliable data from your meter in case your strips are out of date. Always ensure you check expiry date since its usually printed clearly, and if they are outdated send them back. Ensure you use all your strips before you open a new batch since you can easily forget when you are distracted.
Don’t forget coding
It’s of importance to ensure all the meters have been coded for every new batch.
However, many new meters do not require coding and if you like that, ensure you buy one that is written “no coding” before you shop for your glucose meter.
If your meter requires coding, then there is an number that always shows up the moment you place the test strip into it, and you need to verify that the number matches that one on your package or vial.
How to Protect Your Diabetic Test Strips
It is quite needful to protect your diabetic test strips.The strips are made unusable by moisture humidity and heat.They come sealed in vials or packs and they can be stored in the same way. Leaving them exposed to the air at any time should never happen. You also should not store them in the refrigerator.Simply store them at room temperature. If they are kept either too hot or too cold, they will not be accurate anymore.
You will be required to know how to use your diabetic test strips. If the test disc strips will function well, they must be properly sat in the monitor. Before they turn on the meter, they must be completely inserted. Bent strips can’t function.The amount of blood also counts. If the blood is less, the test cannot run.Excess blood will bring an error message.