Accurex Lipid Profile Test Strips Expiry, Storage & Temperature Guide
Dr Pramod kumar
Accurex Lipid Profile Test Strips are precision dry-chemistry diagnostic consumables designed for use with the compatible Accurex / LPM-101 Blood Lipid Analysis System.
Correct storage matters because the test strips contain reagent areas that must remain protected from unsuitable temperature, excessive humidity, contamination, physical damage and use beyond their permitted expiry period.
For compatible Accurex blood lipid test strips, the manufacturer specifies storage and transportation conditions of approximately:
2°C to 30°C with relative humidity of 90% or less.
For strips supplied in a protective canister, an additional rule applies:
Use the canister within approximately 3 months after it is first opened, or before the printed manufacturer expiry date, whichever occurs first.
This guide explains strip expiry, storage temperature, humidity, opened-canister dating, foil-pouch handling, code-chip matching and common storage mistakes that should be avoided.
Accurex Lipid Strip Storage at a Glance
| Storage Factor | Accurex Guidance |
|---|---|
| Strip Storage Temperature | 2°C–30°C |
| Relative Humidity | ≤90% RH |
| Unopened Pack Expiry | Follow the expiry date printed on the original manufacturer packaging |
| Opened Canister | Approximately 3 months after first opening or printed expiry, whichever comes first |
| Original Packaging | Keep strips in the original tightly closed canister or foil pouch |
| Direct Sunlight | Avoid |
| Freezing | Do not freeze; freezing is outside the specified storage range |
| Operating Temperature for Testing | 10°C–35°C |
| Strip Reuse | Single use only |
| Code Chip | Use the code chip supplied with the current strip box and verify that the codes match |
Which Accurex Lipid Strips Does This Guide Apply To?
The Accurex / LPM-101 Blood Lipid Analysis System supports several designated test-strip references:
- LPS-101 – 3-in-1 Lipid Profile Strip
- TCS-101 – Total Cholesterol Strip
- TGS-101 – Triglycerides Strip
- HLS-101 – HDL Cholesterol Strip
These strips perform different tests but belong to the compatible Accurex Blood Lipid Analysis System.
If you are unsure which strip you need, read:
Accurex Lipid Test Strip Compatibility Guide: LPS-101 vs TCS-101 vs TGS-101 vs HLS-101
What Temperature Should Accurex Lipid Strips Be Stored At?
The manufacturer's LPM-101 documentation specifies:
2°C–30°C
for test-strip storage and transportation.
This means unused strips should remain within this temperature range throughout normal storage.
Avoid locations that can become hotter than 30°C, including:
- Parked vehicles
- Vehicle dashboards
- Sunny windowsills
- Rooms exposed to strong roof heat
- Near heaters
- Beside hot laboratory equipment
- Unventilated cupboards exposed to direct sunlight
Storage Temperature Is Different from Testing Temperature
One of the most important details to understand is that:
Storage temperature and operating temperature are not the same specification.
| Condition | Temperature | Humidity |
|---|---|---|
| Test Strip Storage / Transport | 2°C–30°C | ≤90% RH |
| Meter During Testing | 10°C–35°C | ≤80% RH |
| Meter Storage / Transport | 0°C–55°C | ≤90% RH |
A location that is acceptable for storing the reusable meter may therefore be unsuitable for storing the disposable test strips.
Allow Test Materials to Reach Operating Temperature
The Accurex LPM-101 system is intended to perform lipid testing at approximately:
10°C–35°C
If test strips or other materials have been stored in cooler conditions, allow them to reach appropriate testing conditions before use.
Keep the packaging closed while temperature equalisation occurs to reduce unnecessary exposure to environmental humidity.
Can Accurex Lipid Strips Be Refrigerated?
The manufacturer specifies a storage range beginning at 2°C.
Therefore, the important requirement is that the actual storage environment remains within the manufacturer's specified 2°C–30°C range and the strips remain correctly packaged.
Routine refrigeration is generally unnecessary when a clean, dry indoor location within the specified range is available.
If your exact strip carton or package insert contains more specific storage instructions, always follow the instructions supplied with that strip batch.
Can Accurex Lipid Strips Be Frozen?
No.
Freezing falls outside the manufacturer's specified 2°C–30°C storage range.
Do not intentionally freeze the strips.
What Humidity Can Accurex Strips Be Stored At?
The manufacturer's specification lists:
≤90% relative humidity
for strip storage and transportation.
However, that does not mean that consistently humid environments are desirable.
Keep test strips dry and protected inside their original packaging.
Avoid routine storage:
- Near sinks
- In bathrooms
- In damp cupboards
- Near steam
- In wet laboratory work areas
- Anywhere condensation regularly forms
Why Moisture Protection Matters
Accurex lipid strips are dry-chemistry diagnostic devices.
They contain reaction areas designed to interact with the specimen during testing.
Unnecessary environmental moisture may expose unused strips to conditions outside their intended storage environment.
This is why the original protective container should remain closed whenever strips are not being removed for immediate testing.
What Is the Unopened Expiry of Accurex Lipid Strips?
Accurex strip packages carry manufacturer information including:
- Strip code
- Lot number
- Test quantity
- Unopened expiry date
The expiry date printed on the physical manufacturer packaging supplied with your order should be treated as the final reference for that particular batch.
Do not assume that a new pack has the same expiry date as:
- A previous order
- An old product photograph
- A Google image
- An older advertisement
- A marketplace listing
- A customer review
Manufacturing batches change over time.
Can Accurex Strips Be Used After the Printed Expiry?
No.
The manufacturer instructs users not to use test strips after their expiry date.
A strip may still appear physically normal even when its manufacturer-defined usable period has ended.
Use an in-date replacement strip instead.
How Long Can a Canister Be Used After Opening?
A new Accurex-compatible strip canister may be used for approximately:
3 months after it is first opened.
The manufacturer instructs the user to calculate the opened expiry date and write it on the canister.
Example: Calculating the Opened-Canister Expiry
If a new canister is first opened on:
15 October 2026
the approximate opened-canister expiry would be:
15 January 2027
However, suppose the printed manufacturer expiry is:
31 December 2026
In that situation, the strips should not be used beyond 31 December 2026.
The practical rule is:
Printed expiry or 3 months after opening — whichever occurs first.
Write the Opened Expiry Date on the Canister
A practical label can show:
Opened: 15-10-2026
Discard after: 15-01-2027
This is especially useful in:
- Clinics
- Diagnostic centres
- Laboratories
- Screening programmes
- Facilities where several operators share the meter
What Happens After Three Months?
The manufacturer instructs users to discard a canister approximately three months after first opening.
Do not continue using the remaining strips simply because:
- They look normal.
- The canister still contains unused strips.
- The meter continues accepting the strip.
- The printed unopened expiry is still several months away.
The opened-canister period forms part of the manufacturer's handling instructions.
Keep Strips in Their Original Container
Accurex lipid strips should remain in their original:
- Tightly capped protective canister
or:
- Individual protective foil pouch
depending on the packaging configuration.
Do not transfer strips into:
- Another test-strip bottle
- A medicine container
- A loose plastic pouch
- A laboratory organiser
- A canister from another strip lot
Why the Original Container Is Important
The original packaging provides both physical protection and important product information.
It identifies:
- Strip reference
- Lot number
- Code number
- Expiry date
- Manufacturer information
Transferring strips can also make lot and code-chip identification more difficult.
Close the Canister Immediately
For canister-packed strips:
- Prepare the meter first.
- Prepare the specimen-collection equipment.
- Open the canister.
- Remove one strip.
- Replace the cap immediately.
- Make sure it is tightly closed.
Do not leave the strip canister open while performing the finger prick or preparing a venous specimen.
What About Individually Foil-Packed Strips?
If your compatible strip configuration is supplied in individual foil pouches:
- Keep each pouch sealed until the meter is ready.
- Check the printed expiry date.
- Open only the strip required for the immediate test.
- Use the strip promptly after opening.
Do not remove multiple strips from protective packaging in advance.
Keep the Code Chip with the Correct Strip Pack
Accurex uses a code-chip calibration system.
Every time a new box of strips is started, the manufacturer instructs users to insert the code chip supplied with that box.
Before testing, compare the code shown on:
- The strip pack
- The code chip
- The meter display
The codes should correspond.
Do Not Mix Code Chips Between Lots
An old code chip should not automatically be used with a new strip pack.
When opening a new box:
- Remove the previous code chip when appropriate.
- Insert the chip supplied with the new box.
- Check the code printed on the strip packaging.
- Confirm the meter displays the matching code.
Incorrect coding may produce inaccurate results.
Why Storage and Coding Are Both Part of Strip Quality
A correctly stored test strip can still produce an unreliable result if the wrong code chip is used.
Likewise, the correct code chip cannot compensate for a strip that has been:
- Stored incorrectly
- Used beyond expiry
- Exposed to excessive heat
- Damaged
- Contaminated
Reliable testing requires the whole system to be used correctly.
Protect Strips from Direct Sunlight
Avoid storing strips:
- On windowsills
- Near windows receiving strong sunlight
- On vehicle dashboards
- Near direct artificial heat sources
The manufacturer's instructions specifically require protection from direct sunlight and unsuitable temperatures.
Can Accurex Lipid Strips Be Stored in a Car?
A parked vehicle is not an appropriate routine storage location.
Interior vehicle temperatures can rise above the manufacturer's 30°C upper strip-storage limit.
During transportation:
- Keep strips shaded.
- Keep them dry.
- Keep them in original packaging.
- Avoid leaving them inside the vehicle unnecessarily.
- Move them to appropriate indoor storage promptly.
Storage During Hot Weather in India
During summer, indoor temperatures in some locations can exceed 30°C.
This is particularly possible in:
- Top-floor rooms
- Warehouses exposed to roof heat
- Unventilated cupboards
- Rooms without temperature control
Clinics and laboratories holding significant strip inventory should consider monitoring the actual storage temperature rather than assuming that every indoor cupboard remains below 30°C.
What If the Strips Were Exposed to Excessive Heat?
If a strip pack has clearly been exposed to temperatures beyond the recommended storage conditions for a significant period, its integrity may be uncertain.
Examples include:
- A pack left in a hot parked vehicle
- Storage next to a heater
- Exposure to direct afternoon sunlight
- Storage in a room that repeatedly exceeds 30°C
Returning heat-exposed strips to a normal temperature does not necessarily reverse any deterioration that may already have occurred.
For clinically important testing, use correctly stored, in-date strips.
What If the Canister Was Left Open?
If a strip canister was accidentally left open, review:
- How long it remained open
- Ambient humidity
- Whether water or contaminants entered
- Room temperature
- Whether the protective cap was fully replaced afterward
Professional facilities should follow their quality-control procedures whenever strip integrity is uncertain.
What If a Strip Gets Wet?
Do not use a visibly wet test strip.
Do not attempt to:
- Dry it with tissue and use it
- Heat the strip
- Clean the reaction area
- Return it to the canister
Discard the strip and use a fresh one.
Inspect Every Strip Before Testing
The manufacturer specifically instructs users not to use strips that are:
- Torn
- Bent
- Damaged
You should also avoid strips that are visibly:
- Wet
- Contaminated
- Abnormally discoloured
Handle the Strip by the Correct Area
Hold the strip by its designated handle.
Avoid touching:
- The test area
- The specimen application area
- The optical reaction surface
This helps reduce unnecessary contamination of the analytical portion of the strip.
Can Accurex Lipid Strips Be Reused?
No.
Each strip is intended for one test only.
Never:
- Wash and reuse a strip
- Apply another patient's specimen
- Repeat a failed test using the same strip
- Return a used strip to its container
Do Not Add More Blood to an Underfilled Strip
If insufficient specimen is applied:
Do not add additional specimen to the same strip.
The manufacturer instructs users to discard the strip and repeat the test using a new strip.
This applies particularly to maintaining the required specimen fill of:
Approximately 35 µL for LPS-101
or the applicable volume for other compatible strip types.
Storage Problems Can Look Like Meter Problems
If results unexpectedly become inconsistent, review the test strips before assuming the meter itself is defective.
Check:
- Printed expiry date
- Opened-canister date
- Storage temperature
- Humidity exposure
- Strip condition
- Code-chip matching
- Correct specimen volume
If performance is still uncertain, quality-control testing can help assess the complete meter-and-strip system.
Read the Accurex Quality Control & Optical Verification Guide
Use FEFO for Multiple Strip Packs
Clinics and laboratories keeping several boxes in inventory can use:
FEFO – First Expiry, First Out
This means using the correctly stored pack with the earliest valid expiry first.
This can help reduce unused expired stock.
Suggested Accurex Strip Inventory Record
For professional settings, record:
- Strip reference
- Lot number
- Code number
- Date received
- Printed expiry date
- Date canister first opened
- Three-month opened expiry date
- Storage location
- Relevant quality-control information
Accurex Strip Storage Checklist
- ✓ Store at 2°C–30°C
- ✓ Keep relative humidity ≤90%
- ✓ Protect from direct sunlight
- ✓ Do not freeze
- ✓ Keep strips in original packaging
- ✓ Close canister immediately
- ✓ Record the opened date
- ✓ Use an opened canister within approximately 3 months
- ✓ Observe printed expiry
- ✓ Use the correct code chip
- ✓ Confirm meter and strip codes match
- ✓ Inspect each strip before testing
- ✓ Use one fresh strip for every test
- ✓ Do not add additional specimen to an underfilled strip
Accurex Storage: Do & Don't Guide
| DO | DON'T |
|---|---|
| Store at 2°C–30°C | Store above 30°C |
| Keep packaging tightly closed | Leave the canister open |
| Use the original container | Transfer strips to another bottle |
| Write the opened expiry date | Ignore the 3-month opened-canister period |
| Check printed expiry | Use expired strips |
| Keep strips dry | Use wet or contaminated strips |
| Match the correct code chip | Mix code chips between strip lots |
| Use a fresh strip for each test | Reuse a strip |
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should Accurex Lipid Profile Test Strips be stored at?
The manufacturer specifies approximately 2°C–30°C for test-strip storage and transportation.
What humidity is permitted?
The LPM-101 specification lists approximately 90% relative humidity or less.
What is the unopened shelf life?
Check the unopened expiry date printed on the original manufacturer test-strip package. The exact date depends on the supplied manufacturing batch.
Can Accurex lipid strips be used after the printed expiry?
No. Do not use expired test strips.
How long can a canister be used after opening?
Approximately 3 months from first opening, or until the printed expiry date if that occurs sooner.
Should I write the opened date on the canister?
Yes. The manufacturer specifically instructs users to write the opened expiration date on the canister label.
What happens after three months?
Discard the remaining strips in the opened canister. The manufacturer warns that use beyond the opened period may produce inaccurate readings.
Can strips be stored outside their original canister?
No. Keep them in their original tightly closed protective canister or foil pouch.
Can I transfer Accurex strips to another bottle?
No. The manufacturer specifically advises against transferring strips into another container.
Can Accurex strips be frozen?
No. Freezing is outside the specified 2°C–30°C storage conditions.
What temperature should the meter and strips be at during testing?
The LPM-101 system operating range is approximately 10°C–35°C.
Can Accurex strips be stored in a car?
Routine vehicle storage is not recommended because temperatures can exceed the manufacturer's 30°C upper storage limit.
What if the strip canister was left open?
Its storage integrity may be uncertain depending on the duration, temperature and humidity exposure. Professional users should follow appropriate quality-control procedures before relying on questionable stock.
What if an Accurex strip gets wet?
Discard it and use a fresh strip. Do not attempt to dry or reuse it.
Can I reuse an Accurex lipid test strip?
No. Each strip is intended for single use only.
Do I need the code chip when using Accurex strips?
Yes. Use the code chip supplied with the current box and confirm that the displayed code matches the strip packaging.
Can I use an old code chip with a new box?
Do not assume that it is correct. Insert the new code chip supplied with each new box and verify the corresponding code.
Can QuikCheck cholesterol strips be used in the Accurex meter?
No. QuikCheck and Accurex are separate analytical platforms and their strips are not interchangeable.
Can I add more blood if LPS-101 is underfilled?
No. If the specimen volume is insufficient, discard the strip and repeat the test with a fresh strip.
Related Accurex Knowledge Hub Guides
Accurex Lipid Profile Meter & Test Strips Complete Guide
Learn about the complete Accurex system
Accurex Lipid Test Strip Compatibility Guide
Compare LPS-101, TCS-101, TGS-101 and HLS-101
How to Use Accurex Lipid Profile Meter & LPS-101 Strips
Follow the Accurex test procedure step by step
Accurex Lipid Profile Meter Error Codes & Troubleshooting
Troubleshoot strip, code-chip, battery and environmental errors
Accurex Quality Control & Optical Verification Guide
Learn how to verify meter and strip performance
Accurex Accuracy vs Laboratory Lipid Profile
Understand why Accurex and laboratory results may differ
Accurex Capillary vs Venous Blood, Serum & Plasma Guide
Compare supported specimen types and handling requirements
QuikCheck vs Accurex Complete Comparison
Compare a Total Cholesterol monitor with a multi-parameter lipid system
Shop Accurex Lipid Profile Products
Accurex Lipid Profile Test Strips – 25 Pack
The current Microsidd listing contains 25 compatible Accurex Lipid Profile Test Strips for the designated Blood Lipid Analysis System.
The LPS-101 panel directly measures:
- Total Cholesterol
- HDL Cholesterol
- Triglycerides
and the compatible meter calculates LDL and TC/HDL ratio where applicable.
View Accurex Lipid Profile Test Strips – 25 Pack
Accurex Lipid Profile Meter
The reusable LPM-101 Blood Lipid Analysis System is sold separately from its single-use lipid strips.
View Accurex Lipid Profile Meter
Important Compatibility & Medical Note
Accurex lipid test strips are system-specific in-vitro diagnostic consumables.
Before every test, verify:
- The correct Accurex meter
- The exact strip reference
- The printed expiry date
- The opened-canister date where applicable
- The correct code chip
- The storage history
- The strip's physical condition
- The correct specimen type
- The required sample volume
Do not use QuikCheck, glucose, hemoglobin or unrelated cholesterol strips in the Accurex Blood Lipid Analysis System.
Unexpected, abnormal or clinically important lipid results should be interpreted by an appropriate healthcare professional and confirmed using a suitable laboratory method when clinically indicated.
These diagnostic products are non-returnable and non-exchangeable.
Please verify the meter model, strip reference, compatibility, expiry requirement and pack size before placing your order.
Genuine cases involving an incorrect product received will be handled separately according to Microsidd.com's applicable policies and applicable law.
An original, continuous, unedited and uncut unboxing video is compulsory for making a claim regarding an incorrect product received.