New test strips

[Lilly’s Mom]

Lilly's BG has been right around the 200's, sometimes a bit lower in the 180's sometimes a little above but hanging pretty consistent there. Then, I opened a new container of test strips and they dropped quite a bit. Does opening a new jar of strips make a difference? Thats really the only thing that is different. Its puzzling to me.

 

[Sandi and Toby]

I have not personally seen an issue like this before, but we will see if anyone else has.

I also don't know anything at all about your meter. Do you have to type in a code for each box of strips? That is the only thing that comes to mind that could explain it, but I think that most meters no longer require you to type a code for each new box of strips.

Thoughts, anyone else? Or is the timing of better numbers and new strips just a coincidence?

Sandi.

 

[Maggies Mom Debby]

Some meters require you use a control solution and code each new batch of strips. If yours doesn’t, I’d call the company and ask about the discrepancy, but do not tell them you are using it on a cat, unless it’s a pet meter, of course. And do remember that meters can vary up to 20% and still meet regs. So a reading of 200 means the bg is between 180 and 220.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Some meters require you use a control solution and code each new batch of strips.

Not really true. The control system only determines ( by comparing "BG" measured when using the control solution with the "BG" range marked on the control system vial) if the meter/strip combination is working OK. There is no way to "calibrate" a meter.
How much difference did you experience with the new vial of strips?
It would not be unusual to see some difference in measurements when using a new vial of strips especially if the strips have different lot numbers.

 

[Maggies Mom Debby]

Not really true. The control system only determines ( by comparing "BG" measured when using the control solution with the "BG" range marked on the control system vial) if the meter/strip combination is working OK. There is no way to "calibrate" a meter.

Larry, it just goes to show that things have changed a lot in the over 10 years since I had a diabetic! I used to have to use the control solution, compare it with the meter and then enter a code on the meter if it was different. It was a pain and I’m glad it’s no longer required.

 

[Lilly’s Mom]

no code required and I do use a pet meter. I had been leaving the lid of the jar open so maybe that was a factor too.....maybe the humidity wasn't good for them. I now keep it closed. I have a shelf that I keep all of Lilly's supplies on and her testing meter, pen to stick her ear, and strips are all in a little container so I was just leaving the jar of strips open....IDK, maybe that was it and I was getting readings that were actually higher than what she was? Argh! now she is consistently in the 120's to 150's, which I like a lot better. You know, I can tell even before I take the morning reading how she is by how much she pee'd the night before. Since I scoop her litter morning and evening, I know how much she is going. If I see big pee's, then I know her number will be high, less and smaller pee's and her number will be lower. She seems to be really stable now....back to how she was before she went diabetic so it seems I have her on the right dose. She goes to the vet Monday so I'll see what he says too.

 

[HereKittyKittyKitty]

Yes, this happened to a family member. Keep track of the numbers, and when you get the next new strips, watch those numbers, as well. The biggest thing that will determine how well the strips function is the storage conditions. Did you buy your new strips at a new place? Some places are better about their storage. Some warehouses are better than others. And depending on how long transit is and the temps, that can make a difference. Some places and warehouses the turnover is a lot higher than other places. Also see if the company has a voluntary recall on any lots. You could also call or email the company and ask. It may be a change in factories/manufacturing practices/packaging/etc. Who knows, you could save a cat/dog/human life...

 

[Lilly’s Mom]

I was thinking it might be how I stored them. I pretty much kept the cap open all the time and just lifted out a new one when testing. Maybe that was not the best thing....maybe they were impacted by ambient temp and humidity. Now I keep the cap closed.

 

[JanetNJ]

I was thinking it might be how I stored them. I pretty much kept the cap open all the time and just lifted out a new one when testing. Maybe that was not the best thing....maybe they were impacted by ambient temp and humidity. Now I keep the cap closed.

You have to keep them closed. There's something built into the lid to remove humidity (like those little packets in New pocketbooks ).

It even has it in the documentation that the cap contains drying agents.

 

[HereKittyKittyKitty]

And don't keep them in the bathroom or anyplace else damp (even with the cap closed), and don't keep them in the attic, kitchen, or anyplace else hot (even with the cap closed).
I keep my strips in a little plastic basket with the meter, bag of cotton balls, lancets, sharps container, and treats on the top shelf of a small free-standing shelf in the bedroom where we test. The box of syringes that we don't need right now, but could again someday, is also on the shelf behind the basket The cat stands by the shelf, looks up, and meows when it's time to test/treat Hard to forget that way

 

[Larry and Kitties]

There's something built into the lid to remove humidity (like those little packets in New pocketbooks ).

Most strip vials that I have seen have the desiccant incorporated in the the lining of the via. It is usually white and the wall thickness is a lot thicker that just the plastic vial,

 

[Rardito]

I use the ReliOn strips and they definitely say to close the strip container immediately after removing the strip, so that may have been the issue as others have stated.