Care Touch Blood Glucose Test Strips for Use with Care Touch Monitor, 100 ct.
- Care Touch Blood Glucose Test Strips help with accurate blood glucose monitoring that is vital for proper diabetes management. Only a small blood sample is needed for accurate and fast blood-level readings.
Everything You Need to Know Before Purchasing This Popular Brand
Blood glucose test strips are an essential tool for people with diabetes to monitor and manage their blood sugar levels. With so many brands on the market, it can be tricky to know which one to choose. Care Touch blood glucose test strips have become a popular option due to their affordability, accuracy, and reliability.
But are they right for you? This comprehensive buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know before purchasing Care Touch blood glucose test strips.
How Do Care Touch Blood Glucose Test Strips Work?
Care Touch test strips work similarly to other glucose test strips on the market. They use a small sample of blood, applied to the strip’s absorbent pad, to detect the amount of glucose present. The test strip is inserted into a compatible blood glucose meter, which measures the electrical current caused by the reaction between the blood sample and chemicals on the test strip. It then converts this reading into a blood sugar level displayed on the meter screen.
Most Care Touch strips require only a 0.5 microliter blood sample size, which is smaller than some competitor brands. The strips draw blood into the tip through capillary action. This means you won’t have to collect a large blood drop, making testing easier and less painful.
Where Can I Buy Care Touch Blood Glucose Test Strips Online?
Care Touch test strips are available for purchase from several online retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and medical supply stores. It’s important to ensure you are purchasing through a reputable seller to avoid counterfeit products. Some things to look out for are:
- Verified purchase reviews
- Domestic shipping locations
- Indicators of authentic products like lot numbers and expiration dates printed on the test strip foil packets.
When sourcing Care Touch strips through third party online sellers, pricing can range from $0.15 – $0.60 per test strip depending on the quantity purchased. It’s recommended to buy from the official Care Touch website or authorized distributors when possible.
What is the Price Range for Care Touch Blood Glucose Test Strips?
The retail price directly from Care Touch ranges from $0.18 – $0.25 per test strip when purchased in bulk quantities. For example, a box of 100 strips costs around $18 – $25.
Some secondary online marketplaces may offer packages of 100 strips for under $15, however caution should be used as these may not be licensed resellers. Authorized distributors typically sell Care Touch strips for $0.20 – $0.30 per strip in bulk.
Compared to leading competitor brands like OneTouch Ultra and Freestyle Lite which can cost $1 or more per strip, Care Touch offers one of the most budget-friendly test strip options for those paying out of pocket. However, savings must be weighed against factors like accuracy and performance.
Are There Any Reviews for Care Touch Blood Glucose Test Strips?
Numerous online reviews provide valuable insight into the real-world performance of Care Touch test strips. On Amazon, Care Touch products have an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from over 1,400 customer reviews. Positive feedback often cites ease of use, price, and accuracy compared to more expensive name brands.
Critical reviews mention occasional errors in accuracy, strips not working consistently, and issues contacting customer service. It’s important to consider that Amazon combines reviews for Care Touch’s wide range of products, so experiences may vary by specific test strip type.
Independent testing by Consumer Reports in 2022 rated Care Touch test strips as “excellent” in attributes like blood sample volume and avoiding false readings. While not as highly ranked overall as strips from Abbott or Roche, they performed well for an affordable option.
How Accurate Are Care Touch Blood Glucose Test Strips?
According to the company, Care Touch test strips meet ISO standards for accuracy which require 95% of measured glucose values to fall within +/- 15% of the medical lab reference value.
Real-world accuracy can vary based on proper use, storage conditions, the specific meter they are used with, and if the correct code number is entered. Factors like clean hands, following expiration dates, and allowing strips to come to room temperature before testing can help improve accuracy.
Users report Care Touch’s accuracy as generally within 10-15% of their lab reference which is on par with most home-use glucose monitoring systems. However, it’s important for diabetics to be consistent in using their chosen brand of strips and consult a physician if any suspicious readings arise.
How Many Strips Come in a Box of Care Touch Blood Glucose Test Strips?
Care Touch test strips are primarily sold in quantities of 50, 100, or 200 strips per box. The 50 count box is well-suited for those who just need a small supply for occasional testing. The 100 count is their most popular size for an average user.
Their largest packages contain 200 strips, which is a two month supply for most daily testers. This bulk size allows further savings on the already low per-strip cost. However, be mindful of the 6-12 month expiration and check your insurance’s quantity limits before purchasing the 200 count box.
Are Care Touch Blood Glucose Test Strips Compatible with All Meters?
No – Care Touch strips are designed for use with their own brand of Care Touch glucose meters. The test strips will not work with common meter brands like OneTouch, Freestyle, or Accu-Chek.
Within the Care Touch ecosystem, their various strip types are compatible with different meter models. For example, the Care Touch Premium strips work with the Care Touch Ultra and Premium meter models. Consult the product details before purchasing to ensure strip and meter compatibility.
How Do You Use Care Touch Blood Glucose Test Strips?
Using Care Touch strips involves a few quick steps:
- Wash hands with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly. This helps avoid skewed results from sugars on the skin.
- Insert test strip into meter port with gold side and two blue lines facing up. Push in until it clicks.
- Use lancing device on the side of fingertip to draw blood sample. 0.5 microliters is needed.
- Touch blood drop to edge of yellow sample tip on test strip. Strip will draw blood in.
- Meter will start counting down test time. Results appear in 30-40 seconds.
- Dispose of used strip carefully to avoid blood contact.
Refer to meter instructions for full guidance. Proper testing technique is key for accurate readings with Care Touch and all glucose test systems.
Do Care Touch Blood Glucose Test Strips Require Coding?
Most Care Touch meters require you to manually enter a code number printed on each new test strip foil packet prior to testing. This improves accuracy by calibrating the meter to that specific test strip batch.
Failing to code the meter properly is one of the most common reasons for inaccurate results with their system. Thankfully, newer models like the Care Touch Premium Meter now feature automatic strip coding for added convenience.
What Makes Care Touch Blood Glucose Test Strips Unique?
Care Touch stands out for its focus on affordability and accessibility. Their strips cost well under $0.50 per strip, with frequent sales bringing prices lower. This makes them ideal for cost-conscious individuals managing diabetes.
They also emphasize ease of use and compact size. Their bottles take up minimal storage space, while their meters feature large digital displays and buttons. The 0.5 microliter blood sample size allows for less painful sampling.
While not as flashy as big brands, Care Touch provides a quality budget-friendly option catering to everyday testing needs rather than advanced features. Combined with good accuracy, they reduce financial barriers to regular monitoring.
Are There Any Bundle Deals for Care Touch Blood Glucose Test Strips?
The main way to save on Care Touch strips is by purchasing higher volume boxes to benefit from bulk pricing. Their largest 200 count boxes provide the biggest discount at approximately $0.18 per strip.
Many online sellers also offer discounts when you purchase a bundled kit containing both a Care Touch meter and test strips together. This ensures strip and meter compatibility while saving around 10-15% compared to purchasing separately.
You can also find occasional coupons and limited time sales on Care Touch test strips and meter bundles by checking sites like Amazon, eBay, and medical supply retailers. Signing up for Care Touch’s email newsletter will alert you to periodic deals on their website too.
How Do Care Touch Blood Glucose Test Strips Compare to Other Brands?
When comparing Care Touch to popular competitors like OneTouch, the most obvious difference is Care Touch test strips cost a fraction of the price. For example, OneTouch Ultra strips can run $1 per strip, over 5 times more than Care Touch.
Brands like OneTouch also advertise advanced accuracy and smart meter features Care Touch does not provide. However, Care Touch meets the clinical standards for accuracy and precision needed for home blood glucose monitoring. Their basic meters are easy to use for daily testing.
For diabetics on a tight budget or with no insurance coverage, Care Touch delivers reliable performance without premium pricing. They hit a sweet spot between clinical-grade accuracy and affordability.
Do Care Touch Blood Glucose Test Strips Have an Expiration Date?
Yes, Care Touch strips have an expiration date printed on the test strip foil packet. This is the date after which the strips should no longer be used for testing, as accuracy can decline over time.
The shelf life is typically 6-12 months from the date of manufacture. Since the manufacturing date isn’t always easy to find, it’s best to pay close attention to the printed expiration date on each batch of new strips.
Using test strips past the expiration date can lead to inaccurate results and complicate diabetes management, so be sure to check and abide by the date. Also avoid purchasing strips close to expiration to maximize useful life.
Can Care Touch Blood Glucose Test Strips Be Used for Pets?
Care Touch does not specifically market their glucose monitoring products for veterinary use. Their strips are designed and FDA cleared for human blood glucose testing. Using Care Touch strips for pets would constitute “off-label” use.
That said, anecdotal reports from pet owners suggest Care Touch strips can work for animal testing in a pinch when veterinary glucometers or strips are unavailable. Accuracy compared to veterinary systems is not guaranteed. As always when monitoring a pet’s blood sugar at home, advise your veterinarian first.
For best results, look for glucose monitors and test strips made specifically for dogs, cats, or other veterinary patients. Care Touch does not hold any liability for results obtained when using their products outside of their cleared purpose.
How Should Care Touch Blood Glucose Test Strips Be Stored?
To maintain accuracy and shelf life, Care Touch test strips should be stored according to the following guidelines:
- Keep unused strips in their original sealed foil packets. Do not open until ready to use.
- Store packets in a cool, dry place between 41-86°F. Avoid temperature extremes.
- Avoid direct sunlight and humidity. Do not store in the bathroom.
- Check expiration date and use newer strips first.
- Once opened, strips should be used within 3 months if kept in a cool, dry location.
Proper storage helps Care Touch strips stay precise. Test strips exposed to moisture, heat, or opened prematurely can be less accurate.
Are Care Touch Blood Glucose Test Strips Covered by Insurance?
Coverage for Care Touch glucose test strips will depend on your individual insurance plan. As a generic or store brand option, they are often covered similarly to major name brands like OneTouch. However, preferred brand restrictions may apply.
Medicare and Medicaid will generally cover Care Touch strips as a diabetic supply, often with some cost sharing. Many private insurers also include coverage, though subject to deductibles, copays, coinsurance rates, and quantity limits. Contact your insurance provider to understand your benefits.
Even with insurance, the out-of-pocket cost for Care Touch strips is usually lowest for most people due to lower retail pricing. Check if your plan has a pharmacy benefit manager or policies limiting covered strip brands or suppliers. This can impact costs despite coverage.
How Often Should I Use Care Touch Blood Glucose Test Strips?
The ideal testing frequency with Care Touch or any brand test strip depends on each diabetic’s unique needs. Those on insulin may need to test up to 4-10 times daily, while well-managed type 2 diabetics may only test several times per week.
Doctors generally recommend testing at the following times with Care Touch strips:
- Upon waking and before bed
- Before meals
- Anytime symptoms of high or low blood sugar are suspected
- Before, during, and after exercise
- Before driving
- Prior to making insulin dosage decisions
Work with your physician to determine a testing routine using Care Touch strips that provides useful data to guide your diabetes treatment without over-testing.
Are Care Touch Blood Glucose Test Strips FDA-Approved?
Yes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cleared Care Touch blood glucose test strips and meters for over-the-counter sale. This means they are approved for home use in monitoring glucose levels.
Specifically, most Care Touch products are FDA 510(k) cleared as substantially equivalent to other marketed devices in terms of safety, effectiveness, and performance. While not the same stringent approval process required for prescription medical devices, it allows their safe use for at-home diabetes management.
The FDA sets quality standards all glucose monitoring systems must meet. When selecting test strips, look for the FDA 510(k) number which indicates regulatory clearance. Care Touch displays this code on its strip packaging.
What is the Return Policy for Care Touch Blood Glucose Test Strips?
If purchasing directly from Care Touch, they back their glucose monitoring products with a 30-day money back return policy. Simply contact their customer service within 30 days for a refund or replacement. This provides a window to test out their strips risk-free.
Return policies can vary when buying Care Touch strips from third party e-commerce sites or medical suppliers. Many offer at least 30 days for returns of unopened boxes. Review seller policies before purchasing, and contact them promptly with any product issues.
For hygiene and health reasons, once a Care Touch test strip box is opened it usually cannot be returned or exchanged. Check conditions upfront to avoid losing money on open boxes you cannot use.
Is There a Subscription Service for Care Touch Blood Glucose Test Strips?
For convenience, Care Touch offers the option to purchase test strip subscriptions direct from their website. This auto-renews your supply every 30-90 days so you never run out.
After selecting your preferred test strip type and quantity, simply enter payment details. Care Touch will charge and ship new boxes on the recurring schedule chosen.
Subscriptions allow you to save up to 5% versus one-time orders. You can update, pause, or cancel the auto-delivery schedule as needed if your testing frequency changes. This ensures you always have your test strip supply on hand.
The Bottom Line
For those seeking an affordable and dependable option for daily diabetes testing, Care Touch blood glucose test strips check all the key boxes. They minimize the cost barriers many face in monitoring blood sugar levels.
Their strips work accurately when following all storage and usage guidelines. While not packed with bells and whistles, Care Touch provides the basic features needed for safe, routine testing. Compared to pricey premium brands, these budget-friendly strips get the job done.
Consult a doctor to decide if Care Touch test strips fit your individual diabetes monitoring needs. Used properly alongside periodic A1C tests, they can support health and well-being while keeping money in your wallet.
