Wonky AlphaTrak test strips

This is the first vial of test strips that has given me issues. I had a couple of results that seemed off, so I used the control solution, and the result was outside the range it should have been.

Vial says control solution should be 100-185. First test was 209. I did another, and it was 131 - actually in the range. Went for a third, and it was 187. The results are supposed to be within the range, not at all over. So, this is concerning. Now, I am not going to really be able to trust any of the strips in this vial.

These strips are too expensive for this!

 

And, I should have mentioned, I do have the meter coded correctly for the code on the vial - 37.

 

How old is the test/control solution? Typically there is an expiration date on the bottle of control solution AND that itm expires a listed time after the bottle is first opened.

 

It expires 06/2018.

I finally found the 'after opening part'. It is so small that I could barely read it even with a little magnifying glass! It says 3 months after opening. It has been open more like 7 months.

 

That could be your issue.

 

Thanks, @Larry and Kitties I did not realize there was a time period other than the expiration date. I have ordered more control solution. I still think something is wonky with these strips though. I think I will set them aside until I get the solution and can test. Thank goodness, I keep extra vials on hand.

 

Maybe call Alpha Trak and they'll be nice enough to send you some new strips? That'd be nice!

 

If the new control solution shows that the strips are bad, I will probably at least contact the seller I bought them from and/or Zoetis (makers of AlphaTrak). I do not hold out much hope, but it is worth a shot since the things are so expensive.

 

I got the new control solution today and tested a strip in each vial and all were within the range. I guess those wonky numbers were Mia, not the strips (unless a couple of bad strips were in the mix).

 

About a year ago I read something about printing strips on an inkjet printer. There's always something that third-world people could use that we either haven't thought of or turn our noses up but this was just a mess. I didn't post anything then because it was too obviously a complete cluster****