Test strips and lancets are essential components of blood glucose monitoring for people with diabetes.

Test strips are small, rectangular pieces of paper that are used with a blood glucose meter to measure the amount of glucose in a person’s blood. The strips are inserted into the meter, which then uses a small drop of blood obtained by pricking a finger with a lancet.

Lancets are small, disposable needles that are used to obtain a drop of blood for testing. They come in different sizes and gauges and can be used with most blood glucose meters.

It’s important for people with diabetes to always have a sufficient supply of test strips and lancets on hand, as frequent testing is a crucial part of managing the disease. Some insurance plans may limit the number of strips and lancets that can be obtained each month, so it’s important to understand the coverage and make sure there is enough to meet the needs of the individual.

When using test strips and lancets, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and to handle them carefully to avoid contamination and injury. Used lancets and strips should be disposed of properly to prevent the spread of infection.