Introduction

Diabetic test strips are one of the most important medical supplies for people with diabetes, yet their cost of them continues to rise. A recent study found that the price of test strips had increased by over 50% in the past 5 years. So, what’s causing this dramatic increase in price? In this blog post, we will explore everything about diabetic test strips – from the manufacturing process to the market competition – to try and understand why they are so costly.

What are diabetic test strips?

A diabetic test strip is a small, thin piece of plastic that has a chemically treated area that changes color when it comes in contact with a drop of blood. Test strips are used with portable blood sugar meters to measure the amount of sugar (glucose) in a small drop of blood.

Most test strips have enough chemicals on them for about 400 tests. Test strips for most meters cost between $0.50 and $1.00 each. That may not sound like much, but it can add up quickly – especially if you test multiple times per day. A single strip doesn’t provide a lot of information, so people with diabetes often need to test several times per day to get a complete picture of their blood sugar levels.

How do test strips work?

There are a few different types of test strips on the market, but the most common type uses a small drop of blood. The blood is placed on a pad that contains chemicals that react with glucose. The strip changes color based on the level of glucose in the blood, and this color change can be read by a machine or by eye.

The test strips are designed to work with a specific kind of glucometer, and they must be calibrated to that device. This calibration is what allows the Strip to give an accurate reading about your blood sugar fasting test. Each time you open a new bottle of test strips, you’ll need to calibrate your glucometer to the new batch of strips.

Test strips are generally quite accurate, but there are a few factors that can affect their accuracy. If you don’t use them correctly, they may not give you an accurate reading. Make sure you follow the instructions that come with your test strips and glucometer to get the most accurate readings possible.

How much do test strips cost?

The average price of a box of test strips can range anywhere from $15 to $60. The price depends on the brand, where you purchase them, and whether or not you have insurance. For example, a box of 50 Freestyle Lite test strips costs about $30 at Walmart, but the same box of strips costs over $100 at CVS.

If you have diabetes, you know that test strips are an essential part of managing your condition. But you might not know why they’re so expensive.

There are a few reasons for the high cost of test strips. First, the research and development that goes into creating a new strip is costly. Then there’s the cost of manufacturing and packaging the strips. And finally, there’s the cost of marketing and advertising the product.

All of these factors contribute to the high cost of test strips. But there are ways to save money on strips, even if you don’t have insurance. For example, you can buy strips in bulk or shop around for better prices online or in stores. And some drug companies offer discounts or coupons for their products.

If you’re struggling to afford test strips, talk to your doctor or diabetes educator about ways to make them more affordable. They may be able to help you find resources or programs that can assist with the cost.

Why are test strips so costly?

There are a few reasons why test strips are so costly. The first reason is that they are considered a medical device. Test strips are regulated by the FDA and need to go through a lot of testing before they can be sold. This costs manufacturers a lot of money, which is passed on to consumers.

The second reason is that test strips contain small amounts of precious metals, like gold and platinum. These metals are expensive and add to the cost of test strips.

Finally, test strips have a short shelf life. They expire quickly and need to be replaced often. This also adds to the cost.

Conclusion

The high cost of diabetic test strips can be a real burden for many people with diabetes. However, it’s important to remember that these strips are essential for managing the disease and keeping yourself healthy. If you’re struggling to afford test strips, talk to your doctor or a diabetes educator about ways to get them at a lower cost. There are also many organizations that provide assistance to people with diabetes who need help paying for supplies.

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