Are my new test strips toast?

[Alison & Sarge]

I placed my first order on ADW through the FDMB last week and didn't even think about test strips and cold. It is unseasonably cold right now, about 20F and I just pulled the box out of the mailbox. The test strips say do not freeze. Is my whole 5 box order toast? Even if I sent it to work it probably would have frozen in the truck on the way here. There was anything in the box to keep it warm. I would guess there never is. Has this happened to anyone else? Were the strips ok?

 

[Melanie and Smokey]

I live in winter wonderland and I've order strips all times of the year without problems so I think you should be fine. If you have some strips left from your old batch, test along side them for a few strips to see how they compare.

 

[Alison & Sarge]

That is very good news. Thank you Melanie. As luck would have it I used the last strip from the bottle this morning but I have a spare box of fresh Relions in the pantry that would be a good comparison to the arkay's I just received. I'll do some quality control testing tonight. Thanks!

 

[carfurby (GA)]

I get mine from ADW too. I've never thought about them getting cold in the mail. I would let them warm up to room temperature before you use them. They'll probably be fine. I've never had any problems with any of mine.

 

[Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)]

I think they'll be fine. They are in the plastic case, wrapped in foil, and the thick instruction sheet is wrapped around the foil package, and then there is the little box and also the packing box. Test one or two on yourself and see if you get reasonable numbers.

We live in a very cold climate and have a post office box. It brings great peace of mind and is worth the yearly fee.

Ella & Rusty

 

[Alison & Sarge]

That is really good to hear. I tested one of the ADW strips against a Relion batch from the store. They were exactly 10 points apart so I think I am ok. I will probably test each box against a strip from a trusted box as I go through the five boxes I bought. Probably a good habit anyway. I do need to call ADW today though. One of the lancet boxes I ordered has been open. The seal is broken and it appears to be a return. Hopefully they will take care of it. All five boxes of lancets expire next month too. Not super impressed there. I am really hoping that ADW turns out to be a good fit for us. I would love to save trips to Walmart (always a zoo & can you ever get out with just your list??) and saving a little cash would be really nice I will have to keep that PO box idea in mind too. Thanks!

 

[tiffmaxee]

Lancets, needles, and syringes last longer than the expiration. One of the companies said they test theirs 5 years out. I have been very happy with ADW and their customer service. I thought I made a mistake in ordering and called. They got right back to me and double checked. It was a good thing because that was the terumo syringes that are being discontinued and had I just cancelled I would be out of luck.