Are Expired Glucose Monitor Test Strips Accurate? Should You Use Them?

Is it safe to use expired glucose test strips in your glucose monitor? Are they still accurate? What are the risks of using expired glucose strips in your glucometer when managing diabetes?

I wanted to point out that with this monitor it was not necessary to wipe away the first drop of blood. Some newer monitors don't require this, however, always read your monitor's instructions.

In this video, Nurse Sarah demonstrates the difference between strips that were expired approximately 8 months vs strips that are still valid. Although some strips might still read accurate, you can also get some inaccurate results.

It is important to always use valid, unexpired test strips because your diabetes medication is often adjusted based on your glucose (blood sugar) readings.

#glucose #glucometer #diabetes #diabetesawareness

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[RegisteredNurseRN]

Hey, everyone! Thanks for watching. I wanted to point out that with this monitor it was not necessary to wipe away the first drop of blood. Some newer monitors don't require this, however, always read your monitor's instructions. Don't forget:
TikTok: Nurse Sarah

[marystephens]

This is so interesting! I JUST found some expired test strips for myself yesterday! Thank you, I will be throwing them out!

[TUKByV]

The little plastic canisters the strips come in can be pretty useful.

[Snipely]

I just tested some 5 year old test strips and some from this year. Same result. If you have any doubts, double check against a known accurate standard, and don't throw out any strips that are within 5% of the the known reading. It's not like a difference of 10 mg/dL is clinically significant. I would guess the repeatability/reproducability of the meter itself is no better than this.

[sandrayeboah-ncfx]

So informative. Keep up the good work dear ❤

[hartless]

Thank you so much for this information! A lot of things can still be used past the expiry date but there is real danger with test strips. They are very expensive but I will be throwing them away.

[michaezell]

I have to definitely check mine to make sure they're not expired.

I'm supposed to check mine at least 3 times per day.

[frankmontez]

Yah they can be lil off from expired strips compared to unexpired strips but generally they can fairly accurate. They can vary by almost 10- 15 points or be very accurate. I’ve used both expired and unexpired strips and they are pretty close to. I just tested mine using unexpired strip and it was 114 and used an expired one from 2-28-22 and it was 113 . Pretty darn close. But hey they can be fairly inexpensive too so do as you can afford 😊

[CandleGuyFX]

I've had the same experience with the non-expired test strips, with the strips providing a variation between 10 a 15 mg/dl.

[chilson]

How does heat exposure to the stops affect the readings? I know a lot of house hold will be climate controlled, but what about first responders?

[drnabikhan-cjoz]

Hey Dr sweet meem lovely information good guide family halping video good channel team warking like to thanks godbalsing ❤❤🌄🌹🌷

[goldenquaarter]

Sarah from register nurse do you know how to cure Sharp abdominal pain? 🤕🪒🤒🤢😞😨😲