### How Reliable Are Expired Glucose Test Strips? Understanding the expiration dates of your testing supplies is crucial for maintaining your health as someone with diabetes. Wil Dubois, a veteran Type 1 diabetic, addresses the reliability of expired glucose test strips. #### Do Test Strips Really Expire? Yes, test strips do expire. The enzymes and chemicals in the strips break down over time, which can affect their accuracy. However, the printed expiration date might not be the exact point when the strips become unreliable. #### Factors Affecting Test Strip Lifespan 1. **Storage Conditions:** Proper storage can extend the lifespan of test strips. Keep them in a cool, dry place. 2. **Brand Differences:** Different brands use different materials, affecting how long they remain accurate. 3. **Usage Patterns:** Just like milk, once a test strip vial is opened, its lifespan may shorten. #### Real-World Experiences - **Beth from New York:** Used expired strips from 2007 and 2008 and found them to be accurate within 5 points of unexpired strips. - **Bob from Sacramento:** Experienced higher readings with strips that expired 4 months ago. #### Manufacturer's Perspective LifeScan, a major test strip manufacturer, states that they conduct tests to determine the shelf life of their products. They emphasize that using expired strips can lead to inaccurate readings, which could pose health risks. ### Conclusion While some expired strips may still provide accurate readings, it's not guaranteed. The older the strip, the higher the risk of inaccuracy. Always prioritize your health and consult with a healthcare professional if in doubt.