Diabetic Test Strips
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According to TheMedSupplyGuide.com
Diabetic test strips or glucose test strips are thin, one-time use, pieces of plastic that are placed into a meter to read your blood glucose levels. Blood can be either dropped onto a test strip or drawn into one, depending on the type.
The Test Strip Market
The Diabetic Test Strip market is huge. Sales in 2002 were $1.6 Billion. That's up from $1.15 Billion in 2001 and $1 Billion in 2000. Roche Diagnostics was the overall market leader in 2002, with a 34% share of the blood glucose meter market, and a 35% share of the blood glucose testing strip market. LifeScan, a Johnson and Johnson company, was second, benefiting from sales of the ONE TOUCH Ultra introduced in 2001. The Ultra isapproved for alternative site testing and is providing stiff competition for Roche's Accu-Chek Compact, also approved for alternative site testing.Bayer and Abbott Laboratories' Medisense are lesser, but important players in this market.
Overall, the diabetes glucose monitoring industry is forecast to reach sales of $3 billion in 2008, expanding 7.2% annually during the 2003-2008 forecast period. Fueling the market will be a growing number of Americans diagnosed with diabetes-estimated to climb to 14.5 million in 2008.
What Makes Diabetic Test Strips so Expensive
It's not necessarily the actual materials that make up the diabetic test strips that make them expensive. Its the research, development, and testing by the manufacturers that make them expensive (at least that's what they say). Its also interesting that the price of most glucose monitors have decreased as of late. Hmm. You ever bought an inkjet cartridge or a razor. Looks like they're following the same trend. Give away the equipment and make money on the supplies.
Test Strip Accuracy
For accurate results, follow a specific routine. Remember to code your meter with every new box of test strips. Be sure to use control solutions. This is the only way to know that your test strips are accurate. One test per box is usually sufficient unless you left the remaining strips exposed for a prolonged period of time. If you get an abnormally high or low test reading (a number that does not match your symptoms), check that your meter is coded properly; then do a control test before adjusting medications. Don’t reuse lancets; this will lead to calluses, infections and increased pain. - MamasHealth.com
Make sure that the test strips you purchase are compatible with your glucose meter. Strips sold by third parties or generic test strips (only available in Europe and Asia) are less expensive and should be used only with the meters for which they are recommended. Many times there are test strips being sold that have a discontinued monitor. Make sure to always check on the compatibility between monitors and test strips before you buy.
Diabetic News and Information Resource - This is a great resource we just found. Please take a look at Rick Mendosa's diabetes information page above.
Comparing the Prices of Test Strips
Medicare Coverage for Diabetic Supplies
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