Can Roche blood glucose test strips still provide accurate readings after their expiration date?
Today, we used Roche blood glucose test strips to measure Grandpa's blood sugar at home, but only realized afterward that the test strips had expired. May I ask, can Roche blood glucose test strips still provide accurate readings after they have expired?
Doctor's answer (1)
After the expiration date, Roche blood glucose test strips often no longer provide accurate measurements.
In the medical field, the expiration date of medical devices and medications is a key indicator for ensuring accuracy and safety. As an essential tool for blood glucose monitoring, the shelf life of Roche blood glucose test strips directly affects the accuracy of test results. Once the strips expire, their chemical components may degrade or change, affecting the reaction efficiency with blood samples and thereby causing measured values to deviate from actual blood glucose levels. The shelf life of Roche blood glucose test strips typically does not exceed one year, and once opened, they should be used within three months. Using the strips beyond these timeframes may affect their performance. To ensure accurate blood glucose measurements, it is recommended to purchase blood glucose test strips from licensed pharmacies or hospitals and to use them before the expiration date. After opening, the strips should be used as soon as possible and stored in a dry, cool, and light-protected environment.
Therefore, it is strongly advised not to use expired Roche blood glucose test strips or those of any other brand for blood glucose testing, in order to avoid hidden health risks.
