Diabetic Supply are a UK based wholesaler of diabetic test strips and diabetic meters from the leading brands such as Accu-Chek, Contour, Freestyle and One Touch. We stock and ship blood glucose test strips and blood glucose meters from our own warehouse to the UK and abroad and we can deliver orders as quickly as the next day. We are fast, reliable, low cost and we reward existing and new customers alike with competitive prices and excellent discounts. Blood glucose test strips (diabetes test strips) are an important part of blood glucose testing. These small disposable strips of plastic provide a very important role in helping people with diabetes to monitor and control their diabetes. In the vast majority of cases, each meter will take one type of test strip only. There are some blood glucose meters however that take blood ketone strips as well, to test for ketone levels. Diabetic-Supply also provide these as well. How do I use a diabetes test strip? Blood is placed onto the test strip, it reacts with a chemical called glucose oxidase producing gluconic acid from the glucose in the blood. At the other end of the test strip, the meter transfers a current to the test strip. The test strip has electric terminals which allow the meter to measure the current between the terminals. The current between the terminals changes depending on the level of gluconic acid that has been produced. The blood glucose meter then uses an algorithm to work out the blood glucose level based upon the difference in current. Some blood glucose test strips allow the reapplication of more blood to the same test strip if needed during the test. The amount of blood required by a test strip can vary between manufacturers. Generally, between 0.5 μl to 1 μl of blood is required. Some test strips, not so commonly used these days, do not require a meter. When blood is placed on the active part of the strip and then wiped off after a specified number of seconds, the reagent will change colour and the result can be obtained by matching the colour of against a colour chart on the side of the pot. It is less accurate than using a blood glucose meter but the test strips can often be cheaper. Where can I get test strips? Diabetic-Supply sell a range of diabetic test strips and diabetic meters. We are a trusted supplier with competitive prices offering deals such as free UK delivery on all orders over £30. Shop from our range here. In the UK, all people with type 1 diabetes, or otherwise on insulin, should qualify for test strips free on prescription. People with other types of diabetes, or on other treatments, may also be given test strips on prescription but this will be judged on an individual basis. How long do diabetic test strips last? Blood glucose test strips (diabetic test strips) will usually have a use by date on the strips or box they come in. After opening, blood glucose test strips will typically be good to use for another 3 to 6 months but refer to the box or information leaflet for advice specific to your brand of test strips. Always use your older box first as long as it hasn't expired, this will prevent you from having to throw out test strips past their expiry date. How should diabetic test strips be stored? The information below is generally applicable for most test strips, but refer to the information leaflet for specific advice on the test strips you use: Store test strips at room temperature Do not refrigerate, as extreme temperatures can seriously damage test strips Exposure to humidity can render test strips unusable, and so can direct sunlight Keep test strips within the closed (sealed) vial Do not use test strips that have been in contact with dirt, crumbs, food or liquids Do not use test strips if they have been damaged in any way How accurate are diabetic test strips? Blood glucose test strips should meet specific International Organization for Standardization (ISO) accuracy standards when used with the meter they are designed for. What diabetic test strips do you stock? Diabetic-Supply stock a growing number of products. Right now that range includes Accu-Chek Aviva, Accu-Chek Active, Accu-Chek Performa, Accu-Chek FastClix, Abbott Freestyle Optium, Abbott Freestyle Libre, Abbott Freestyle Lite, Contour TS, Contour Next, GlucoMen Areo Sensor, GlucoMen LX, GlucoRX HCT Ketone, GlucoRX Nexus, Ketostix Reagent, MyLife Pura and One Touch Verio. We also sell a range of epaderm creams and ointments, lancets, syringes, pen needles and much more.