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Diabetes Testing Supplies

Other Supplies: Test Strips

All meters require test strips to operate—a small chemically treated strip that slides into the meter. After insertion, a drop of blood is placed on the opposite end of the strip that protrudes from the meter, and the meter reads the glucose level and displays the number on the screen.

Some monitors use test strip drums, which are self-enclosed spools of strips that automatically load without user intervention. Small children and adults who have difficulties with their fine motor skills may find this type of monitor easier to use.

If your monitor requires you to enter a code number provided on your test strip package each time you open a new box, it's important that you follow the instructions. You may also be required to insert a code chip from your test strip bottle into the meter. Or you may be able to press a button on the meter to code. When a monitor is miscoded, the test strips and monitor can't properly communicate with each other, and that may lead to readings that are off by more than 40 percent. If coding sounds confusing and time consuming, consider purchasing a newer monitor that automatically codes.

SOURCES:

1 - American Diabetes Association. ADA Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2008. Diabetes Care, Volume 31, Supplement 1, January 2008. (PDF accessed 2/19/08).

Reviewed by Francine Kaufman, MD. 4/08

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