There’s a lot of debate surrounding how often to replace a blood glucose monitor. Manufacturers of the devices recommend doing so every 4 to 5 years to maintain accuracy.

However, purchasing a new meter is also a matter of profitability for manufacturers. Some diabetics report using the same meter for 10 years with great success. There are a number of factors that people may want to consider when deciding when to replace their glucose meter.

Accuracy is Essential

It may be time to replace a glucose monitor if it begins providing suspect readings. Glucose levels that suddenly display as too high or too low when there’s no discernable reason could indicate the need for a new meter. Don’t let the battery power level get too low. There are also testing solutions that can be used to ascertain the accuracy of the meter’s readings.

It’s a good idea to compare at-home testing results with those of the lab when individuals visit their physician if there’s concern. If the at-home readings are within a point or two of the lab results, it may not be the meter that’s a problem.

Test Strips

Be aware that the test strips used in the devices can also be at fault. Test strips must be stored away from high heat, moisture, and be used before the expiration date. The enzymes used in the strips can deteriorate and give faulty readings. Alcohol, hand sanitizer and other substances on the skin can also affect readings. Be sure the strips are inserted correctly.

Blood Sample

Fingers are generally pricked to obtain a blood sample for use in the meter. Samples from other locations don’t provide a reading that’s as accurate. Dehydration and anemia will affect the outcome of testing.

New Meter

Individuals don’t need a cause for concern to replace their current glucose monitor. They may want a meter that uses less expensive test strips or they may desire a meter with updated/upgraded abilities, features and technology.

We Buy Unused Diabetic Test Strips and Supplies

If you would like to find out about earning cash for your unwanted, unused, and boxed test strips, complete our online quote form today.

If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

Visit us at Sell Your Test Strips and get your free quote today!

Blood glucose meters are a critical device for those with diabetes. Through testing a small blood
sample, the meters enable those with the disease to monitor their glucose levels as part of their
management regimen. A glucose meter can last for 10 years and more.

From meter manufacturers to doctors, the decision on when to replace a glucose meter varies, and for
different reasons.

The typical recommendation by manufacturers for replacing a meter is every 4 to 5 years.
They’re financially motivated for individuals to do so. Doctors usually advise the same schedule
so patients can take advantage of technological advances. Companies that supply diabetes
supplies take a different approach – replace the meter when it loses accuracy.

Control Solution
Manufacturers recommend using a brand specific control solution any time a new meter or vial
of test strips is used to ensure the device or strips are functioning properly.

Blood Problems
Test strips are very particular when it comes to a blood sample. It’s possible to have an
insufficient amount or an overabundance of blood on the test strip. Either situation can result
in an inaccurate reading. Inaccuracies can also occur if an individual is anemic or dehydrated.

Fluctuations
Anyone that begins to experience glucose readings that are unusual, fluctuate from their norm,
or are otherwise out of the ordinary should replace their meter. Alternately, performing a new
control solution test may pinpoint whether it’s the test strip or meter that’s faulty.

Advanced Technology
Glucose meter technology has advanced significantly, with features that make it much easier
and more convenient to monitor glucose levels. Those improvements alone may be enough to
encourage getting a replacement meter.

Depending on the monitor, they can include
Bluetooth® technology and online tracking of glucose levels, along with alerts and blood sugar
readings that are read aloud. It’s a feature that’s particularly beneficial for those with vision
loss, a common problem for diabetics.

We Buy Unused Diabetic Test Strips and Supplies

If you would like to find out about earning cash for your unwanted, unused, and boxed test strips, complete our online quote form today.

If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

Visit us at Sell Your Test Strips and get your free quote today!

Blood glucose meters provide individuals with diabetes a means of measuring sugar levels in
the bloodstream. The readings tell diabetics if they need to administer insulin or eat something
to increase their levels. When used correctly, the monitors are accurate, but as with all devices,
some are more accurate than others and a number of factors can affect the reading.

Individuals don’t have to spend an enormous amount of money to obtain an accurate glucose
meter. According to testing by The Diabetes Council, the following 10 meters received the
highest marks for accuracy, cost, features, and ease of use.

 Contour Net EZ
 Accu-Check Aviva Connect
 Walmart ReliOn Confirm
 OneTouch Verio
 Abbott FreeStyle Light
 Walgreen True2Go
 OneTouch Ultra 2
 Livongo Health In Touch
 Nova Max Plus
 Accu-Check Smartview

Test Strips
One of the things that can affect test results is the test strip used to obtain a blood sample. Test
strips past their expiration date is the most common problem. Inaccuracies can also occur if
they’re exposed to high heat, cold or humidity. Test strips are monitor specific and won’t work
in other monitor brands.

Foreign Substances
Dirt, alcohol and other substances can alter readings. It’s important that individuals wash their
hands before testing and thoroughly dry them. Never use hand sanitizer prior to testing as it
contains alcohol.

Batteries
A weak battery or a test strip that’s not inserted into the meter completely can result in
incorrect or error readings.

Blood, Anemia & Dehydration

A test strip must have a sufficient amount of blood applied to obtain a reading. An insufficient
sample won’t produce reliable results. Testing from sites other than a fingertip can also
produce a faulty reading.

Dehydration is a major problem for diabetics. It affects red blood cells that in turn can alter
accuracy. Anemia will also affect result reliability.

We Buy Unused Diabetic Test Strips and Supplies

If you would like to find out about earning cash for your unwanted, unused, and boxed test strips, complete our online quote form today.

If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

Visit us at Sell Your Test Strips and get your free quote today!