Also known as blood glucose test strips, diabetic testing strips are simple plastic strips that are used along with a glucose meter to monitor the levels of glucose in the bloodstream. Some strips are also formulated to test for ketones, although they are not as widely used as the strips used to check blood sugar levels. Each strip may be used once, and then must be discarded.
The strips are part of an overall glucose monitoring system. Along with diabetic testing strips, this system will include a glucose meter, alcohol pads, and small sharp instruments known as lancets. The pads are used to clean the fingertip where the blood sample is harvested, while the lancet is used to puncture the surface of the skin and extract the blood sample. This is usually accomplished by gently squeezing the fingertip after the puncture is made, and depositing a small amount of blood on a strip. Over the years, the amount of blood required to obtain an accurate reading has been reduced significantly.
Diabetic testing strips are rectangular, and are generally very small. One end of the strips are treated with a chemical solution that helps to hold the blood sample in place, making it possible for the meter to analyze the sample and provide a reading. The opposite end of the strips are coded to allow the meter to make a connection with the blood sample, and initiate the testing process. Depending on the design of the glucose meter, data from diabetic testing strips can be analyzed within a matter of seconds, and provide an accurate reading of the current glucose levels in the blood sample.
Care must be taken when handling diabetic testing strips. Touching the end where the blood sample is applied can leave behind minute traces of oil from the fingers, which will compromise the ability of the meter to properly analyze the blood sample. In like manner, touching the opposite end with the fingers will also interfere with the function of the meter. People who routinely use glucose meters learn to grip the strips along the middle section when removing them from a storage container, during the administration of the blood sample, and when inserting the loaded strip into the meter.
All brands of diabetic testing strips are intended for use within a given period of time. Generally, it is possible to purchase strips in sets of twenty-five, fifty, or one hundred units that will remain functional for a period of up to one year. Once a container of strips passes the expiration date noted on the packaging, it is highly unlikely that an accurate reading can be obtained. With some brands, the meter will simply fail to recognize the expired strips, providing no reading at all.
There are a number of different brands of diabetic testing strips on the market today. This is because most glucose meters that are sold require the use of a proprietary brand of testing strip. The strips are sold at a number of retail outlets, notably pharmacies, supermarkets that have a pharmacy department, and large discount retailers that include a pharmacy as part of their store plan. Diabetic testing strips and other diabetic supplies can also be purchased online, often at very competitive prices.
