When I first starting testing my cat I had no problem with the strips, now it is taking me 2-3 strips to get it sucked up right. I try not to touch the end that is where the blood goes but sometimes when they come out of the bottle I do. Would that have anything to do with it not working? It will have blood on it and not suck it up. Any tips? Thanks so much, you guys are a godsend.
Help with testing strips
- Thread starter postiecat
- Start date
- Status
Shai and The Pirate Fitz (GA)
Member Since 2012
Hi postiecat; I'm very new at this, and have a thread of my own with tons of questions.
There are many experienced, angelic souls on this list whom I'm sure will answer your question soon.
I just happened to be online, saw your post and wanted you to know you're not alone tonight.
I think you might be asked what meter you are using and what kind of strips you have. From my very limited experience, as long as your hands are clean, handling the strips at the end where the blood will be sucked up shouldn't be a problem. You are doing very, very well to be getting blood to test (this was my problem - lots of kitty poking - no blood).
Thinking positive thoughts for you,
Shai
There are many experienced, angelic souls on this list whom I'm sure will answer your question soon.
I just happened to be online, saw your post and wanted you to know you're not alone tonight.
I think you might be asked what meter you are using and what kind of strips you have. From my very limited experience, as long as your hands are clean, handling the strips at the end where the blood will be sucked up shouldn't be a problem. You are doing very, very well to be getting blood to test (this was my problem - lots of kitty poking - no blood).
Thinking positive thoughts for you,
Shai
rhiannon and shadow (GA)
Member Since 2012
I have noticed that it I pre-load a strip and leave it sitting out even just half a day, I get an error message so I always wait now and put the strip in just as I am doing the test.
Air sensitive? But I have noticed a difference in performance. I test myself to see it work correctly when it does that and it shows me it's working.
I just don't have enough blood from her ear and biff it or I let it sit out too long, those seem to be my common errors.
Air sensitive? But I have noticed a difference in performance. I test myself to see it work correctly when it does that and it shows me it's working.
I just don't have enough blood from her ear and biff it or I let it sit out too long, those seem to be my common errors.
MelanieP and Ninja
Member Since 2012
When I first started, I practiced on myself (stuck my hand and fingers) so I could determine the best position to use for sucking up the blood onto the test strip. I use the Relion Micro meter. For me (just my experience)...I hold the strip almost vertical to the blood drop (alongside the blood drop, with the bottom slightly angled toward it -- but still mostly "standing up" ). I first started off holding the strip horizontally (almost lying on the skin)...and it didn't seem to work as well for me that way. But, I think if you practice on your hand you may find what works best for your particular meter and strips -- though you'll probably waste a few figuring this out. 
squeem3
Member Since 2009
Some test strips are air sensitive. I know that the old Aviva test strips can't sit out for more than 3 minutes. They still work after 3 minutes but you might get an inaccurate reading. The instruction manual for your meter will have information about using test strips.
To remove a test strip from the bottle, you can hold the bottle horizontally and gently shake the test strips to get one to partially stick out of the open end. Then pick up the test strip avoiding the testing window. You can hold the flat part part of the test strip or the edges.
To remove a test strip from the bottle, you can hold the bottle horizontally and gently shake the test strips to get one to partially stick out of the open end. Then pick up the test strip avoiding the testing window. You can hold the flat part part of the test strip or the edges.
hmjohnston
Member Since 2011
rhiannon and shadow said:
Okay... that might be your problem. A test strip is only active for about 10-15 seconds AFTER you place it in the meter. You do not load it until you have the blood for it.
And I hold mine like a writing pen- straight up and down.
max&emmasmommie
Member Since 2012
Martine,
Oh, yeah. If you leave the little plastic cap open, they will go bad. You have to keep them sealed up always.
If you put the strip in the meter, and the screen goes blank before you can get the blood droplet, just take the strip out and re-insert it. The screen will light up again.
If those two issues are not possibilities, I am wondering if you got a bad pack of test strips. If you would like, and you are not too far away -- like over an hour in bad traffic -- I could come over and try to help you today (or tomorrow). If that doesn't work or you are far away, I would suggest that you take the strips back to Wal Mart, and ask to exchange them. They are expensive enough that if they are that difficult to use, you should at least try to get a new box. I think Wal-Mart would let you take them back. Not sure. If you get a bad meter you have to send it off to the manufacturer.
I sent you a PM with my phone number in it.
Oh, yeah. If you leave the little plastic cap open, they will go bad. You have to keep them sealed up always.
If you put the strip in the meter, and the screen goes blank before you can get the blood droplet, just take the strip out and re-insert it. The screen will light up again.
If those two issues are not possibilities, I am wondering if you got a bad pack of test strips. If you would like, and you are not too far away -- like over an hour in bad traffic -- I could come over and try to help you today (or tomorrow). If that doesn't work or you are far away, I would suggest that you take the strips back to Wal Mart, and ask to exchange them. They are expensive enough that if they are that difficult to use, you should at least try to get a new box. I think Wal-Mart would let you take them back. Not sure. If you get a bad meter you have to send it off to the manufacturer.
I sent you a PM with my phone number in it.
hmjohnston
Member Since 2011
WalMart WILL NOT take them back as it is against the law in EVERY state to accept anything that could be contaminated by blood-borne pathogens. It has caused bad feelings in the past.
You need to call the 800# on the package and let them know you have been having trouble and they usually send you a free box. Don't tell them it is for a cat though or they might not do it. Just say you are having problems with the strips.
You need to call the 800# on the package and let them know you have been having trouble and they usually send you a free box. Don't tell them it is for a cat though or they might not do it. Just say you are having problems with the strips.
max&emmasmommie
Member Since 2012
Oh, good. Glad it's going better. Let me know if you need anything else.
Ah, that blood borne pathogen issue. That makes sense. I'd still call them and try to get some replacements. You will get bad ones occasionally, and they are expensive.
By the way, there is a code that is suppose to show up on the meter when you put each strip in for the first time. Either the box of the strips or the info you got with the meter will tell you what it is. If you don't get that particular code, then the strip is not reliable. If you get a strange reading test again. I usually don't put the cotton on his ear to stem the blood until I see the BG reading just in case it is wonky. That way I don't have have to stick him again.
Ah, that blood borne pathogen issue. That makes sense. I'd still call them and try to get some replacements. You will get bad ones occasionally, and they are expensive.
By the way, there is a code that is suppose to show up on the meter when you put each strip in for the first time. Either the box of the strips or the info you got with the meter will tell you what it is. If you don't get that particular code, then the strip is not reliable. If you get a strange reading test again. I usually don't put the cotton on his ear to stem the blood until I see the BG reading just in case it is wonky. That way I don't have have to stick him again.
- Status