How long is the shelf life of blood glucose test strips?
Disease description:
I've stockpiled quite a few blood glucose test strips at home and never really paid attention to the expiration date. How long can these test strips generally be stored? Are the results accurate if used past the expiration date? Could there be any negative effects from using expired strips?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
The expiration date of blood glucose test strips is usually clearly indicated on the packaging, generally ranging from 18 to 24 months.
The specific shelf life of blood glucose test strips should be determined by referring to the manufacturer's instructions, as some strips may have expiration dates of 8 months, 12 months, 18 months, or 24 months. During the shelf life, the strips should be stored in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to ensure their accuracy and stability. Expired or improperly stored test strips may affect the accuracy of test results, leading to falsely high or low blood glucose readings, which can impact diabetes management and treatment decisions.
In addition, once the blood glucose test strips are opened, they become susceptible to environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and chemicals, which may cause them to become ineffective. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's guidelines, as the usable lifespan typically shortens to approximately 3 months after opening.
In daily life, test strips should be stored properly, avoiding direct sunlight and refrigeration. The opening date should be marked after opening to prevent the use of expired blood glucose test strips.
