How to Properly Care for and Store Your Diabetic Test Supplies
Diabetic test supplies are crucial for managing diabetes effectively, and their accuracy can significantly impact your health. Proper care and storage of these supplies are essential to ensure that they provide reliable results.
In this article, we’ll explore the best practices for handling and storing diabetic test supplies such as glucose meters, test strips, lancets, and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices. Additionally, we'll provide tips to extend the lifespan of your supplies and keep them in optimal working condition.
Understanding the Importance of Proper Care and Storage
Maintaining the integrity of your diabetic test supplies is critical for accurate blood glucose readings. Exposure to improper storage conditions, such as extreme temperatures or moisture, can compromise the effectiveness of these supplies, leading to inaccurate readings that could result in poor diabetes management decisions.
Storing Your Diabetic Test Strips
Test strips are among the most sensitive diabetic supplies. They are designed to react with your blood sample and provide a glucose reading on your meter. Here’s how to ensure they remain in good condition:
- Keep Test Strips in Their Original Container: Test strips come in a sealed container that protects them from moisture and air exposure. Always store them in their original container and close the lid tightly after each use.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Test strips should be stored at room temperature, ideally between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C). Avoid storing them in the bathroom or kitchen, where temperature fluctuations are typical. Never leave them in a car, where temperatures can vary drastically.
- Check Expiry Dates: Test strips have an expiration date printed on the container. Using expired strips can result in inaccurate readings. Always check the expiration date before use and dispose of any expired strips.
- Handle With Clean, Dry Hands: Ensure your hands are clean and dry when handling test strips. Moisture, oils, or dirt on your fingers can interfere with the chemical reaction in the test strip, leading to incorrect readings.
Caring for Your Glucose Meter
Your glucose meter is a vital tool in managing your diabetes, and keeping it in good working order is essential:
- Regularly Clean Your Meter: Clean your glucose meter according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use a soft cloth and avoid alcohol or other harsh cleaning agents unless recommended. Cleaning helps prevent the build-up of dirt and blood residue that could affect the accuracy of readings.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Your glucose meter should be stored in a stable environment like test strips. Please keep it in a case to protect it from dust, moisture, and accidental drops.
- Perform Regular Quality Control Checks: Most glucose meters come with control solutions that allow you to verify their accuracy. Perform these checks regularly, especially when you open a new container of test strips or if you suspect your readings are inaccurate.
- Replace Batteries as Needed: A low battery can affect the performance of your glucose meter. Keep spare batteries on hand and replace them when the low battery indicator appears.
Handling and Storing Lancets
Lancets are used to prick your finger and obtain a blood sample. Proper care ensures that they are safe to use and effective in obtaining a sample:
- Use Each Lancet Only Once: Lancets are designed for single use to minimize the risk of infection and ensure a clean, sharp needle for each test. Dispose of used lancets in a proper sharps container.
- Store Lancets in a Clean, Dry Place: Store lancets in their original packaging or a clean, dry container. Avoid leaving them exposed to air or moisture.
- Rotate Finger Sites: To avoid irritation and allow healing, rotate the sites on your fingers where you take blood samples. This practice also helps prevent calluses from forming, which can make obtaining a sample more difficult.
Managing Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Devices
CGMs provide real-time glucose readings and require careful handling to ensure accuracy:
- Keep Sensors at Room Temperature: Store CGM sensors at room temperature and avoid exposing them to extremes of heat or cold. Sensors that are too hot or cold can fail to provide accurate readings.
- Properly Apply and Secure Sensors: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying and securing the sensor to your skin. Improper application can cause the sensor to dislodge or fail to work correctly.
- Monitor Adhesion: Check the adhesion of your sensor regularly. If it starts to peel away, use medical tape or an adhesive patch to secure it. Proper adhesion ensures that the sensor remains in place for accurate monitoring.
- Follow Replacement Guidelines: CGM sensors have a recommended usage duration. Adhering to these guidelines ensures that you receive accurate readings. Replace sensors as indicated by the manufacturer.
Additional Tips for Optimal Care
- Avoid Moisture: Moisture is a common enemy of diabetic supplies. Whether it’s your glucose meter, test strips, or CGM sensors, always keep them dry. This includes storing them in a moisture-free environment and ensuring your hands are dry.
- Keep Away from Direct Sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause damage to diabetic supplies. Store them in a cool, shaded area to prevent degradation.
- Be Mindful of Travel Conditions: Carry your diabetic supplies in a temperature-controlled environment. Consider using insulated bags to protect against temperature changes.
- Proper Disposal: Used diabetic supplies, especially sharps like lancets, should be disposed of properly. Use a dedicated sharps container and follow local regulations for disposal. Please do not dispose of them in regular trash to prevent injury and environmental hazards.
When to Replace Your Diabetic Supplies
Even with the best care, diabetic supplies have a limited lifespan. Recognizing when it’s time to replace them is crucial:
- Glucose Meters: While glucose meters are designed to last several years, they should be replaced if they become damaged, if the screen becomes unreadable, or if they consistently give inaccurate readings despite proper care.
- Test Strips: Test strips should be discarded after their expiration date or if they have been exposed to extreme conditions.
- Lancets: As mentioned, lancets should only be used once. Dispose of them immediately after use.
- CGM Sensors: Follow the manufacturer's replacement schedule. If a sensor fails to adhere correctly or gives erratic readings, it’s time to replace it.
FAQs
How should I store my diabetic test strips?
Test strips should always be kept in their original container with a tightly sealed lid to protect them from moisture and air. Store them at room temperature, ideally between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C), and avoid exposure to extreme heat or cold. Never leave them in your car or areas with fluctuating temperatures, such as the kitchen or bathroom.
Can I use expired test strips?
No, using expired test strips can lead to inaccurate blood glucose readings, which can affect diabetes management. Always check the expiration date before use and dispose of any expired strips properly.
How should I clean and maintain my glucose meter?
Your glucose meter should be cleaned regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a soft cloth to wipe the surface, and avoid harsh cleaning agents unless specified by the manufacturer. Regular maintenance includes performing quality control checks with control solutions to ensure the meter’s accuracy.
How often should I change the batteries in my glucose meter?
It’s recommended that you replace the batteries in your glucose meter as soon as the low battery indicator appears. Keeping spare batteries on hand is a good practice to ensure that your meter is always functional.
Can I reuse lancets?
No, lancets are designed for single-use to minimize the risk of infection and ensure accurate blood sampling. Always dispose of used lancets in a proper “sharps” container immediately after use.
How do I store continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors?
CGM sensors should be stored at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. They should also be kept in a dry environment and avoid exposure to extreme temperatures. Proper storage helps maintain sensor accuracy and reliability.
What should I do if my CGM sensor starts to peel off?
If your CGM sensor begins to peel, you can secure it with medical tape or an adhesive patch. Ensuring the sensor remains properly adhered to your skin is important for accurate glucose monitoring.
How often should I replace my diabetic supplies?
The replacement frequency varies by item. Test strips should be discarded after their expiration date. Lancets are single-use, and CGM sensors should be replaced according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Glucose meters typically last several years but should be replaced if damaged or consistently inaccurate.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your diabetic test supplies is not just about preserving their functionality; it’s about ensuring that you get accurate readings every time you test, which is vital for effective diabetes management.
At Discount OTC, we offer a wide range of high-quality diabetic supplies at affordable prices designed to meet your needs and help you maintain your health. Visit our online store today for the best deals on glucose meters, test strips, lancets, CGM devices, and more. And remember, with our fast shipping and customer satisfaction guarantee, caring for your diabetic supplies has never been easier. Take control of your health—shop now at Discount OTC!
Sources:
Client Website
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/diabetes-care-blood-sugar-test-supplies
https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guidelines-for-buying-and-using-diabetes-supplies