When do test strips expire?

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Kathy and Kitty

Kathy and Kitty

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Kitty has been OTJ. Went to test him with bottle of strips first opened a year ago and got an error, saying code had expired. I guess I need to buy new strips...?
 
Hmm, maybe your meter is set to use a different strip?

I use an One Touch UltraMini, so if you have a different model it may be different for you, but when I put in the strip, the screen will say C25. 25 is the code of the strips I'm using (it's on the vial of testing strips), but I had to set it to that number when I first started using the strips I'm using.

The testing strips could be exprired though, it'll say on the vial when they do.

*Edit* I just looked at my vial of testing strips, and it says "Discard six months after opening". Maybe that's the problem?
 
Aviva meters are the only ones I know of that won't let you use expired test strips. Mine quit about noon on the expiration date printed on the bottle. :-(

i think with the other meters you can use expired strips. as far as for how long would the readings be accurate, that's hard to say. i know with freestyle they have been accurate for over a year past the expiration date
 
there's a way to get around it but you have to get into the back of the meter and do some soldering. if you have that ability, i can find you the instructions on how to?? dian and wheezer have managed to do that and can use expired aviva strips
 
SOLDER???? :shock: I can barely use a screwdriver!! :lol:

Yes, I definitely opened this bottle more than six months ago. Maybe they really aren't fresh.

Maybe this is the time to buy a meter with less expensive strips - since he's OTJ, and I'm testing less often. I will keep in mind that another meter will probably have a different range than the Aviva.

Thanks!
 
That only works with the older Aviva meters. The time limit is because the strips can absorb moisture which can affect the accuracy. the vials contain a desiccant but that can get uses up over time if the container is opened.

Cindy + Mousie said:
there's a way to get around it but you have to get into the back of the meter and do some soldering. if you have that ability, i can find you the instructions on how to?? dian and wheezer have managed to do that and can use expired aviva strips
Click to expand...
 
Cindy + Mousie said:
there's a way to get around it but you have to get into the back of the meter and do some soldering. if you have that ability, i can find you the instructions on how to?? dian and wheezer have managed to do that and can use expired aviva strips
Click to expand...

I just did this with a spare Aviva! Works great. I compared the expired strips to unexpired strips and at most they've been 11 points off and actually lower than the unexpired strips. And the expired strips are over 8 months expired. I used 2 different meters though so that could also explain the difference.

Anyone who feels they are up to this, PM me. You need certain small tools and to be handy with them. I would not recommend this to anyone whose cat is not regulated though. BGs are too important when unregulated to question whether your strips are working right. And it's probably a good idea to keep some unexpired strips on hand to double check against every once in a while. That was what human diabetics who did this recommended.
 
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