It is less accurate than using a blood glucose meter but the test strips can often be cheaper. Where can I get test strips?

Depending on how you treat your diabetes then you might need to use a monitor and test strips to manage your diabetes. Here we’re going to take a look at what monitors and test strips are, and how you can get them. Blood glucose monitors Your doctor or nurse will give you a blood glucose meter for free if you have type 1 diabetes or treat your diabetes with medication that can cause hypos. On rare occasions you will get a prescription instead. Remember, you don't pay for prescriptions if you have diabetes and it’s treated with any type of medication. Some test strips, not so commonly used these days, do not require a meter. When blood is placed on the active part of the strip and then wiped off after a specified number of seconds, the reagent will change colour and the result can be obtained by matching the colour of against a colour chart on the side of the pot.Some blood glucose test strips allow the reapplication of more blood to the same test strip if needed during the test. The amount of blood required by a test strip can vary between manufacturers. Generally, between 0.5 μl to 1 μl of blood is required. In the vast majority of cases, each meter will take one type of test strip only. There are some blood glucose meters however that take blood ketone strips as well, to test for ketone levels. How do diabetes test strips work? Test strips x 50pcs + lancets x 50pcs are for Exactive EQ ONLY （not including the meter）, low price allowed you afford to test more frequently If you have Type 2 and want to get test strips, you might not be able to get them on prescription. You will only be able to get test strips on prescription if your doctor or nurse wants you to self-monitor. How to use a test strip In some other countries the preferred unit is mg/dL which is simply converted as described in the table below:

Just insert your strip into the slot and the meter will automatically give you a reading in just 5 seconds You might also be able to get a strip free meter. What this means is that you don't need to insert strips into the meter because they come pre-installed. Instead of replacing a strip each time you use the meter there is a rotation of test strips in the meter, this is called a cassette.

How do diabetes test strips work?

Blood glucose test strips will usually have a use by date on the strips or box they come in. After opening, blood glucose test strips will typically be good to use for another 3 to 6 months but refer to the box or information leaflet for advice specific to your brand of test strips.