For people managing diabetes, checking blood sugar is an essential part of staying healthy. Diabetic test strips make this possible by providing quick and accurate readings when used correctly. However, even small mistakes during testing can lead to inaccurate results. Inaccurate readings can cause someone to take too much insulin, not enough insulin, or make diet decisions that don’t match their real glucose levels. If you find yourself with extra unopened supplies, services like More Cash For Test Strips provide a convenient option for selling them rather than letting them expire unused. Understanding common mistakes can help ensure reliable testing and safer daily diabetes care.
Using Expired Or Damaged Test Strips
One of the most common issues is using test strips past their expiration date. The enzymes inside each strip gradually weaken over time. When they expire, the strips may no longer react correctly with the glucose in the blood. This can produce results that are higher or lower than the actual blood sugar level.
Likewise, strips that have been stored incorrectly—such as in places with high heat or humidity—may also stop working properly. To ensure accuracy, always verify the expiration date and keep the strips in a dry, cold place.
Not Washing Hands Before Testing
Even tiny amounts of food, lotion, or dirt on the fingers can affect test results. For example, touching fruit and then testing without washing your hands can cause falsely high readings due to sugar residue on the skin.
Before each test, wash your hands with soap and warm water, then dry them completely. If washing isn’t possible, wipe the test area with an alcohol swab and allow it to air dry.
Using Too Little Blood
Each test strip needs a certain amount of blood to produce a correct reading. If too little blood is applied, the glucose meter may:
- Display an error.
- Give a false reading.
- Or require a second test.
Do not attempt to “add more blood” to the same strip—this can also lead to inaccurate readings. Instead, use a new strip and try again with a slightly deeper finger prick or a warmer hand to increase blood flow.
Testing From Cold Hands
Blood circulation slows when hands are cold. This can make it difficult to get a good sample and can sometimes cause readings that are lower than actual levels.
To improve accuracy, warm your hands by:
- Rubbing them together.
- Running warm water over them.
- Holding them under your arms briefly.
A warm fingertip produces a better sample and more reliable results.
Not Matching The Test Strip To The Meter
Each brand of glucose meter is designed to work with specific test strips. Using strips from a different brand—or even a different version of the same brand—may produce incorrect results or cause the meter to error.
Always double-check that the strips match your meter model. If switching brands, consult with a pharmacist, doctor, or diabetes educator.
Reusing Lancets Too Many Times
Although many people do it to save time or avoid discomfort, reusing lancets can lead to soreness, infection, or difficulty drawing enough blood. A dull lancet makes finger pricks more painful and less effective.
Lancets are intended for one-time use. Switching to a fresh lancet helps ensure cleaner pricks and better sampling.
Ignoring Signs Of Incorrect Readings
Sometimes a reading will seem “off” based on how you feel. For example, if the meter shows a low result but you feel energetic and not shaky, it may be worth retesting.
Signs of a possible incorrect reading include:
- Results that are drastically different from typical patterns.
- Meter error messages.
- Strips that feel damp or exposed.
Trust both your meter and your body—if something doesn’t feel right, test again.
Final Thoughts
Diabetic test strips are a vital tool for managing blood sugar levels, but using them correctly is essential for accurate results. By storing them properly, keeping your hands clean, using enough blood, and matching strips with the correct meter, you can help ensure reliable readings every time. Little routines can have a big impact on comfort, peace of mind, and long-term diabetes care.
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