Do test strips actually expire?

[AndBreathe]

Do test strips actually expire, or is there merely a chance their accuracy will diminish? (Accepting the inbuilt +/-20% potential variance.)

I have a couple of packs for my alternative meter, which have an expiry date of 05/2014, but the meter is really quite variable in its results. It's more an irritation than a real concern, but for me, my readings are a constant reinforcement that I am doing the right things, so distrusting the scores isn't ideal.

Thoughts anyone?

(I'm probably going to revert to my preferred meter, and risk the strips going "off".)

 

[Crimsonclient]

I'm sure all test strips have an expiry date ans I think I have read that meters can tell the date some how not sure how true though


Type 2 diagnosed 24/01/2013.
Novomix 30, Victoza, Simvistatin.

 

[robert72]

I am using some strips dated 06/2013 with my backup meter which still seem to be OK. I use them when I am suspicious of readings on my current meter. They are individually foil wrapped which probably makes a difference.

 

[Spiker]

Some meter types will refuse to use out of date strips. I don't think it's a good idea to use out of date strips unless you have some way of verifying or calibrating them, such as with a control solution. BG measurement is too important, it's the foundation of all other diabetes management.

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

 

[noblehead]

As Spiker says some meters won'y accept strips that are out of date. Not too sure how it would effect the accuracy having past their use-by-date but I wouldn't like to chance it.

 

[AndBreathe]

Thanks all.

I'm going to go,back to my preferred meter and to,hang with the few quid in strips. I have enough for the rest of my trip, so I'd prefer not to be irritated when I'm not confident in a reading. I find that sort of inconsistency demotivating.

If I were in the UK, I'd be happy to pass the strips on.