# TrueHb Test Strips Expiry & Storage Guide: Temperature, Shelf Life & Handling **By Dr Pramod kumar** · 2026-09-29 **TrueHb Hemoglobin Test Strips** are part of the TrueHb Hemometer testing system and must be stored and handled correctly to help maintain reliable hemoglobin measurements. Test strips contain specialised reagent chemistry designed to react with a small whole-blood sample. Exposure to excessive heat, moisture, damaged packaging or inappropriate storage can affect strip performance. The manufacturer states that TrueHb strips have a shelf life of up to approximately **2 years**, subject to the expiry date printed on the particular strip pack and correct storage conditions. This guide explains how to store TrueHb strips, how to check expiry, why the original vial matters, what to avoid and what to do when a strip pack has been stored incorrectly. * * * ## TrueHb Test Strip Storage at a Glance Storage Factor Recommended Practice **Shelf life** Up to approximately 2 years, subject to printed expiry date **Storage environment** Cool and dry, below 30°C according to the standard TrueHb manual **Refrigeration** Do not refrigerate the standard TrueHb system unless your current strip packaging specifically instructs otherwise **Container** Keep strips in their original TrueHb vial **Sunlight and heat** Protect from direct sunlight and excessive heat **Moisture** Keep dry and protect from humidity and water exposure **Expiry** Do not use after the printed expiry date **Used strips** Single use only * * * ## What Is the Shelf Life of TrueHb Test Strips? The TrueHb manufacturer states that its hemoglobin test strips have a shelf life of approximately: **2 years** However, this does not mean that every strip pack remains usable for two years from the date you purchase it. The actual expiry date printed on the vial or packaging should always be checked before testing. For example, if a strip pack already has only six months remaining before its printed expiry when you purchase it, the printed expiry date takes priority. * * * ## Always Check the Printed Expiry Date Before using a TrueHb strip, inspect the expiry information on the original packaging. Do not use a test strip after the manufacturer's stated expiry date. An expired strip may still: - Look normal - Fit correctly into the meter - Be recognised by the TrueHb Hemometer - Accept a blood sample - Produce a numerical result None of these confirms that an expired strip remains suitable for reliable hemoglobin testing. * * * ## Where Should TrueHb Strips Be Stored? The standard TrueHb user manual advises storing the meter, strips and associated materials in a: **Cool, dry place below 30°C.** Suitable storage should also protect strips from: - Direct sunlight - Excessive heat - Water - High humidity - Condensation - Dust - Chemical contamination If the current TrueHb strip vial supplied to you specifies a more detailed temperature range, follow the storage instructions printed on that pack. * * * ## Should TrueHb Test Strips Be Refrigerated? The standard TrueHb manual specifically instructs users to keep the system in a cool, dry place and **not refrigerate it**. Refrigeration is therefore not required for the standard TrueHb strips covered by this guide. Always follow the current storage instructions printed on your specific strip vial if the product packaging has been updated. * * * ## Why Should TrueHb Strips Stay in Their Original Vial? The TrueHb manual advises storing the test strips only in their **original vial**. The original container helps preserve several important things: - Product identification - Strip batch code - Lot information - Expiry date - Storage instructions - Protection from environmental exposure Do not transfer loose TrueHb strips to an unlabelled container, plastic bag or another brand's strip bottle. * * * ## Why the TrueHb Batch Code Should Stay with the Strip Pack The standard TrueHb Hemometer uses a **three-digit batch code** associated with the test-strip pack. Before testing, the batch code displayed on the meter should be checked against the code printed on the current strip bottle. Keeping the original vial therefore helps reduce the risk of: - Using the wrong batch code - Mixing strips from different lots - Losing the expiry information - Confusing TrueHb strips with another Hb system For more information, read: [**TrueHb Test Strip Compatibility Guide**](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/truehb-test-strip-compatibility-guide) * * * ## Keep the TrueHb Strip Vial Properly Closed Do not leave the TrueHb strip vial open unnecessarily. The standard TrueHb manual warns against using strips when the vial has been damaged or left open to air. A good routine is: 1. Open the strip vial. 2. Remove only the strip required for the immediate test. 3. Close the vial promptly. 4. Return it to the correct storage location. This reduces unnecessary environmental exposure. * * * ## What If the TrueHb Strip Vial Was Left Open? If the strip container has been left open for an unknown or prolonged period, especially in a humid environment, strip performance may be uncertain. The manufacturer warns not to use TrueHb strips if the vial has been left open to air. In situations where testing reliability is important, use strips from a correctly stored and properly closed pack rather than relying on questionable stock. * * * ## What If the TrueHb Strip Vial Is Damaged? Do not use a strip pack if the original vial is significantly: - Cracked - Broken - Unable to close properly - Water damaged - Contaminated A damaged container may no longer provide the storage protection intended for the strips. * * * ## Protect TrueHb Strips from Excessive Heat Do not store TrueHb test strips where temperatures can become excessively high. Examples include: - Inside a parked vehicle - On a vehicle dashboard - Near a window exposed to direct sunlight - Beside heaters - Near laboratory equipment producing heat - On top of electronic equipment - In poorly ventilated cupboards exposed to roof heat A closed car can become much hotter than the surrounding outdoor temperature and is therefore unsuitable for routine storage. * * * ## TrueHb Strip Storage During Indian Summer Conditions During hot weather, some indoor areas can exceed the storage conditions recommended for diagnostic test strips. Choose a cooler, dry indoor location away from: - Direct sunlight - Sun-facing windows - Metal roof heat - Cooking areas - Electrical equipment - Hot vehicles Do not assume that every cupboard remains cool simply because it is indoors. * * * ## Protect TrueHb Strips from Moisture Moisture can affect diagnostic test-strip chemistry and should be avoided. Do not store TrueHb strips: - Near sinks - In bathrooms - Near steam - On wet worktops - In damp cupboards - In areas where condensation regularly forms Handle strips only with clean, dry hands. * * * ## Do Not Touch the White Test Area The white reaction area of the TrueHb strip is the part that receives the blood specimen and participates in the analytical reaction. Avoid touching this area with your fingers. Finger oils, moisture, dirt or other contaminants can interfere with proper strip handling and testing. Hold the strip by the appropriate non-reaction area. * * * ## Inspect Every TrueHb Strip Before Use Before inserting the strip into the meter, check its physical condition. Do not use a strip that appears: - Bent - Cracked - Wet - Contaminated - Discoloured - Physically altered - Previously used A fresh, correctly stored strip should be used for every test. * * * ## Can TrueHb Strips Be Reused? **No.** TrueHb Hemoglobin Test Strips are single-use diagnostic strips. After a blood sample has been applied and the test completed: - Do not wash the strip. - Do not clean and reuse it. - Do not apply a second blood sample. - Do not use it on another person. - Do not return the used strip to the vial. Dispose of used strips appropriately. * * * ## What If TrueHb Strips Were Exposed to High Heat? If a strip pack has clearly been exposed to excessive heat for a significant period, its performance may be uncertain. Examples include strips: - Left inside a hot vehicle - Stored in direct sunlight - Kept near heating equipment - Stored in a room consistently exceeding the permitted conditions Returning the pack to a cooler location does not necessarily reverse deterioration that may already have occurred. Where reliable measurement is important, use correctly stored strips. * * * ## What If TrueHb Strips Became Wet? Do not use visibly wet test strips. Water or another liquid can interfere with the strip's reagent area or physical properties. Do not attempt to: - Dry a wet strip and reuse it - Wipe the strip with tissue - Heat the strip to dry it - Place it back into the vial with unused strips Discard the affected strip and use a fresh one. * * * ## Can TrueHb Strips Be Stored in a Car? A car should not be used as a regular storage location for TrueHb test strips. Vehicle interiors can experience rapid and substantial temperature increases, especially in direct sunlight. Carry strips in a protected container during transport and move them into appropriate indoor storage as soon as practical. * * * ## How Should TrueHb Strips Be Transported? During transport, keep strips: - Inside their original closed vial - Protected from direct sunlight - Protected from rain and water - Away from excessive heat - Away from crushing or physical damage For professional distribution or long-distance transport, follow the manufacturer's applicable transport requirements and local medical-device procedures. * * * ## Should Different TrueHb Strip Lots Be Mixed? It is preferable to keep strips from different lots in their original labelled containers. Do not mix loose strips from different batches into one bottle. The standard TrueHb meter uses the batch code printed on the strip container, so maintaining clear lot identification is particularly important. * * * ## FEFO: A Useful Stock-Rotation Method Clinics, laboratories and users who keep multiple TrueHb strip packs can use: **FEFO — First Expiry, First Out** This means using the correctly stored pack with the nearest valid expiry date first. For example: Pack A expires March 2027 Pack B expires August 2027 Pack C expires January 2028 Pack A should normally be used before Packs B and C. This helps reduce avoidable expiry-related wastage. * * * ## TrueHb Storage Checklist for Clinics and Laboratories For professional settings, consider checking: - ✓ TrueHb strips remain in their original vial - ✓ Vial closes correctly - ✓ Storage area is cool and dry - ✓ Storage stays below 30°C for the standard system - ✓ Strips are protected from direct sunlight - ✓ Printed expiry date is monitored - ✓ Batch code remains identifiable - ✓ Different strip lots remain separated - ✓ Used strips are never returned to the vial - ✓ Expired or questionable stock is removed from active use * * * ## TrueHb Meter Storage The TrueHb Hemometer should also be stored correctly. The standard user manual recommends storing the meter, strips, control materials and accessories in the supplied carrying case after use in a cool, dry environment. Protect the meter from: - Water - Extreme temperature - Excessive humidity - Strong magnetic fields - Physical impact Keep the strip channel clean and dry. * * * ## Keep TrueHb Away from Strong Magnetic and Wireless Sources During Storage The standard TrueHb manual advises against storing the device close to strong magnetic fields or wireless systems that could interfere with proper meter operation. Store the meter in its carrying case away from unnecessary electromagnetic exposure and physical damage. * * * ## Before Testing After Storage Before performing a TrueHb test after the meter or strips have been stored for some time: 1. Check the meter condition. 2. Check the strip vial. 3. Verify the expiry date. 4. Confirm the strips were stored appropriately. 5. Check the strip batch code. 6. Inspect the strip for damage or contamination. 7. Use a fresh strip. Then follow the standard TrueHb testing procedure. [**Read: How to Use TrueHb Hemoglobin Meter & Test Strips**](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/how-to-use-truehb-hemoglobin-meter) * * * ## What If TrueHb Results Become Inconsistent? If results suddenly become unusually variable, strip storage should be one of the factors reviewed. Check: - Expiry date - Strip vial condition - Whether the vial was left open - Heat exposure - Moisture exposure - Physical strip damage - Correct batch-code setup - Blood sample volume - Capillary sampling technique The standard TrueHb manual specifically identifies damaged or improperly maintained strips as one potential cause of widely varying results. * * * ## TrueHb Expiry & Storage: Quick Do and Don't Guide DO DON'T Keep strips in the original vial Transfer loose strips to another container Store in a cool, dry location Leave strips in a hot vehicle Check expiry before testing Use expired strips Keep the vial closed Leave the vial open to air Handle with clean, dry hands Touch the white reaction area unnecessarily Use one fresh strip per test Reuse a strip * * * ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the shelf life of TrueHb test strips? The manufacturer states that TrueHb test strips have a shelf life of up to approximately **2 years**, subject to the expiry date printed on the specific pack and correct storage. ### What temperature should TrueHb strips be stored at? The standard TrueHb manual advises storing the meter and strips in a cool, dry place below **30°C**. If your current strip packaging specifies a more precise storage range, follow the instructions printed on that pack. ### Can TrueHb strips be refrigerated? The standard TrueHb manual says not to refrigerate the meter and strips. ### Can TrueHb strips be frozen? No. Do not freeze diagnostic strips unless the current manufacturer instructions specifically permit it. ### Should TrueHb strips stay in their original bottle? Yes. The standard TrueHb manual instructs users to store test strips only in their original vial. ### Can I use TrueHb strips if the bottle was left open? The manufacturer warns against using strips when the vial has been left open to air. Use correctly stored strips instead. ### Can I use TrueHb strips if the vial is damaged? No. A damaged vial may no longer protect the strips adequately. ### Can expired TrueHb strips still give a reading? They may potentially produce a numerical result, but that does not mean the result is reliable. Do not use strips after their printed expiry date. ### Can TrueHb strips be kept in a car? A vehicle is not recommended for routine storage because internal temperatures can rise well above suitable diagnostic-strip storage conditions. ### Can TrueHb strips be reused? No. TrueHb test strips are single-use only. ### Can I mix strips from different TrueHb batches in the same vial? No. Keep each strip lot in its original labelled vial so its batch code, expiry and identification remain clear. ### What should I do if strips were exposed to heat or moisture? If storage conditions were clearly outside the manufacturer's recommendations or strip condition is questionable, use a correctly stored pack rather than relying on potentially compromised strips. * * * ## Related TrueHb Guides **TrueHb Hemometer & Test Strips Complete Guide** [Read the complete TrueHb system guide](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/truehb-hemometer-test-strips-complete-guide) **TrueHb Test Strip Compatibility Guide** [Check which strips are compatible with the TrueHb Hemometer](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/truehb-test-strip-compatibility-guide) **How to Use TrueHb Hemoglobin Meter & Test Strips** [Follow the TrueHb testing procedure step by step](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/how-to-use-truehb-hemoglobin-meter) **Hemoglobin Meters & Test Strips Complete Guide** [Learn about hemoglobin meters and compatible test strips](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/hemoglobin-meters-test-strips-complete-guide) **Quikchek Plus vs Mission vs TrueHb Comparison** [Compare the three Hb meter systems](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/hemoglobin-meter-comparison-quikchek-plus-vs-mission-vs-truehb) * * * ## TrueHb Products Available from Microsidd ### TrueHb Hemometer Reusable TrueHb Hemometer for rapid quantitative hemoglobin measurement. [**View TrueHb Hemometer**](https://microsidd.com/products/truehb-hemoglobin-meter) ### True Hb Test Strips – 50 Pack Compatible single-use replacement strips for the TrueHb Hemometer. [**View True Hb Test Strips – Pack of 50**](https://microsidd.com/products/true-hb-strips) ### TrueHb Hemoglobin Meter with 50 Strips Meter-and-strip combination for users requiring a larger initial supply of compatible TrueHb test strips. [**View TrueHb Meter with 50 Strips**](https://microsidd.com/products/truehb-hemoglobin-meter-with-25-strips) * * * ## Important Note Storage recommendations can vary between product generations and packaging revisions. This guide covers the standard TrueHb Hemometer and compatible test-strip system. Always check the **expiry date, storage instructions and batch information printed on the actual TrueHb strip vial supplied to you**. If the current product label differs from general online guidance, follow the instructions supplied with the product. If strips have been clearly exposed to inappropriate temperature, moisture, contamination or damaged packaging, do not assume that returning them to normal storage conditions restores their performance. --- > Source: [Microsidd India](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/truehb-strips-expiry-storage-guide)