This blog is about the ways we as
diabetes patients take care of our test strips. We need to avoid
wasting them as each test strip we waste costs us money. They are
expensive so we do not need to waste them carelessly.
Yet, people waste test strips. Common
errors include not storing test strips properly, handling them with
wet fingers, and not waiting until the meter says the strip is ready
to be used. I have seen people jam the test strips into the meter
carelessly and bending test strips. These errors happen too
frequently and that is wasting money. Yes, errors will happen, but a
few precautions will save test strips and save your hard-earned
money.
First, make sure that you store your
test strips properly. The containers they come in are the proper
container to keep them in. Do not transfer the strips between
containers as this can damage some of them. If you are like me and
have large fingers, the first few strips are often hard to remove
from the container. I keep a plastic tweezers handy for getting out
the first few. No, I did not say metal tweezers, as that would be a
good way to damage the delicate strips. Check with your pharmacist
for a plastic one, they are available, but may need to be ordered.
The original containers are made of
special materials that help preserve the test strips and keep them
dry. Keep the test strips in the original container and do not
transfer them between containers. It is important to use the strip
as soon as possible after removing it from the container. Close the
container after removing the strip to use. Keep the container out of
direct sunlight especially when taking strips out and do not expose
the strip to direct sunlight. Please do not put a few test strips in
a baggie or in your purse to carry them. The test strips are
delicate and can be damaged beyond use.
Keep the container of test strips in a
dry place. The bathroom or the kitchen is often the worse place to
store your test strips. Please wash your hands with warm soapy water
(as hot as you can tolerate) and dry carefully before handling test
strips. Never use wet or damp hands or fingers to handle the strip
container or for removing a strip from the container.
It is important to perform tests with
the meter and strips as close to room temperature as possible to get
accurate results. Do not freeze your strips or store them in extreme
cold, as this will probably produce errors or false readings. This
applies to extreme heat or direct sunlight. I have seen people store
them on the car dash in direct sun and then they wonder why they get
weird test results.
Now that I have explained proper
storage, I will return to proper use of the test strips. When you
are ready to test, always have your meter out and ready to insert the
test strip carefully. Make sure the lancing device is ready to use.
Push the test strip straight into the slot provided. Then use your
lancing device to prick your finger and get an adequate amount of
blood available. By this time, your meter should be ready to have
the test strip receive the required amount of blood. Hold the meter
with the test strip inserted properly and slide the strip at an
approximate 10 to 20-degree angle that will allow the strip to wick
sufficient blood to get an accurate reading and move it into the
blood. Do not hold the meter and test strip at a 90-degree angle to
the blood spot as you may shut off the wicking of your blood before
it has enough for a reading. This will get you an error message.
Good luck and may your readings be good
and not receiving error messages. The test strips are important and
you need to make efficient use to prevent waste.
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