Diabetic Test Strips

Diabetic test strips and compatible glucose meters are the most popular way individuals living with diabetes test their blood sugar on a daily basis. While some people, particularly those with Type 1 diabetes and those who have difficulty controlling their blood sugar, have moved to a doctor-prescribed continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system, test strips remain the go-to blood sugar testing method for the majority of diabetics.

What You’ll Need Beyond Test Strips

– Glucose meter used to read blood sugar measurements

– Lancet, a sharp and sanitary device used to prick the finger, resulting in a blood sample.

– Lancing device which quickly deploys the lancet to safely prick the finger.

The Proper Blood Sugar Testing Process

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap. Dry completely using a clean towel.
  2. Insert a fresh lancet into the lancing device
  3. Insert a compatible test strip into the glucose meter
  4. Using the lancing device, quickly press down and prick the finger. It is usually recommended to prick towards either side of the fingertip to avoid irritation after testing.
  5. Allow a small drop of blood to form on the fingertip and apply it to the test strip (which is already inserted into the glucose meter)
  6. Your glucose meter should display your blood glucose level on a digital display.
  7. Dispose of the used test strip and lancet in an approved “sharps container” and dispose of sharps following local heath and waste collection guidelines in your area.