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Diabetes: Care of Blood Sugar Test Supplies

Overview

It's important to take care of your supplies so that you can test your blood sugar safely and get the most accurate results.

  • Take care of your meter.
    • Follow the care instructions from the manufacturer. Some meters need to be cleaned regularly and have their batteries changed now and then.
    • Meters can be damaged if they're dropped or jarred or are exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures.
  • Dispose of lancets properly.

    Lancets must be thrown away safely after they're used.

    • Put used lancets in a plastic container (such as a small, empty soda pop bottle or laundry detergent bottle). Seal it when it's three-quarters full.
    • Don't put lancets into your household wastebasket or trash can. A used lancet might accidentally stick someone.
    • Check with your local trash disposal agency about how to dispose of lancets. Some agencies have special ways to get rid of this waste.
  • Protect your test strips from dampness and humidity.
    • Don't store your test strips in the bathroom.
    • Replace the lid on the strip bottle right away after you take out a strip.

Credits

Current as of: March 2, 2026

Author: WebMD Ignite Staff
Clinical Review Board
All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: March 2, 2026

Author: WebMD Ignite Staff

Clinical Review Board
All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.