Can I Reuse Diabetic Test Strips?

The skyrocketing costs of medical supplies have prompted some people to do the unthinkable---reuse their diabetic test strips. Not only is this practice not recommended, it can also be dangerous. Diabetic health is dependent on glucose meter readings and the reuse of a test strip may hinder its accuracy.

• Some people cannot afford the cost of their medical testing supplies.

What is a Diabetic Test Strip?

• Diabetic test strips are placed into a glucose meter in order to check blood sugar levels. A drop of blood is released from the finger or other lanced area and placed on the test strip. According to Liebert Online, diabetic test strips are coated with a chemical that reacts to the glucose in the blood. Glucose meter measurements are dependent on this chemical reaction to give an accurate blood sugar reading.

Not Designed for Reuse

• Diabetic test strips are designed to be used one time and one time only. Wiping the test strip free of blood and then reusing it will cause the glucose meter to give an inaccurate reading. In fact, Freestyle Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems explains that the technology used in blood glucose testing is so sensitive that too much blood can actually interfere with the accuracy of the meter reading.

Even if you Make a Mistake

• Even if you make a mistake---do not reuse the test strip. If full color development does not occur on the strip, or if you apply too little or too much blood to the test strip, throw it away and use a fresh one. If you feel that you are receiving an abnormal reading, discard the used test strip and perform the test again with a new one.

Can't Afford Diabetic Test Strips

• The decision to reuse diabetic test strips is usually based on necessity. People who cannot afford the price of purchasing new strips will often resort to reusing their test strips until they can afford to buy more. However, what many people are not aware of is that some companies that supply diabetic test strips sponsor programs that can help people acquire fresh testing strips, even if they can't afford them. In fact, Liberty Medical Supply takes the concept one step further by doing most of the paperwork for the patient. According to Diabetic Seniors, some people can have their new test strips in less than five business days.

Expired Test Strips

• It is important to note that the use of expired diabetic test strips is also discouraged. Just as a diabetic test strip can cause a glucose meter to give an inaccurate reading if it is used more than once, the same is true for an expired diabetic test strip. In fact, Lifescan recommends writing the date directly on the vial, the day you open the test strips. If for any reason the diabetic test strips are not used within four months of that date---they should be thrown away.