On Call Extra Test Strips 50 vs 100 vs Foil Pack: Which Should You Buy?
Dr Pramod kumar
If you use an On Call Extra glucometer, compatible test strips are available in different quantities and packaging formats, including 50 strips, 100 strips and individually foil-packed strips.
All three options are intended for the same On Call Extra meter family when the packaging specifically identifies them as compatible On Call Extra Blood Glucose Test Strips.
The main differences are therefore not the meter itself, but quantity, packaging format, storage convenience, travel use, expiry management and how often you need to reorder.
This guide compares On Call Extra 50 vs 100 vs individually foil-packed test strips to help you choose the format that better matches your usage.
View the complete range: On Call Extra Glucometers & Test Strips →
On Call Extra 50 vs 100 vs Foil Pack: Quick Comparison
| Feature | 50 Strips | 100 Strips | Individually Foil-Packed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantity | 50 strips | 100 strips | Current Microsidd foil option: 50 strips |
| Packaging | Standard vial pack | 50 × 2 standard packs | Each strip individually sealed |
| Compatible meter | On Call Extra | On Call Extra | On Call Extra |
| Suitable for | Regular users wanting a standard quantity | More frequent users wanting larger stock | Travel, occasional use and individual strip protection |
| Reordering frequency | More frequent | Less frequent | Depends on usage |
| Unused strip exposure | Depends on keeping vial closed | Each unopened vial can remain sealed until required | Each unused strip remains individually sealed |
| Travel convenience | Good | Moderate | Very convenient |
| Best comparison factor | Lower quantity | Larger quantity | Individual packaging |
What Is the On Call Extra 50-Strip Pack?
The On Call Extra Test Strips 50 is the standard strip pack for users who prefer a moderate quantity at one time.
It may be practical if:
- you want a regular replacement quantity,
- you do not want to keep a larger strip inventory,
- you prefer simpler expiry management,
- you are newly using the On Call Extra system, or
- 50 strips comfortably match your normal usage.
Shop On Call Extra Test Strips 50 →
What Is the On Call Extra 100-Strip Pack?
The current On Call Extra 100-strip option available through Microsidd is supplied as 50 strips × 2 packs.
This gives a total of 100 compatible On Call Extra Test Strips while allowing the second pack to remain unopened until required.
A 100-strip quantity may be useful if:
- you regularly use more than 50 strips,
- you want fewer repeat orders,
- you have consistent ongoing strip consumption, or
- you prefer having an additional unopened pack available.
Shop On Call Extra Test Strips 100 →
What Are Individually Foil-Packed On Call Extra Strips?
The individually foil-packed On Call Extra Test Strips differ mainly in how each strip is protected before use.
Instead of multiple strips sharing one vial, every strip remains individually sealed in its own foil pouch until required.
The current Microsidd foil-packed Extra product contains 50 individually packaged strips.
This format may be particularly useful for:
- travel,
- occasional testing,
- carrying only a few strips at a time,
- users who want each unused strip separately sealed, or
- clinical workflows where individual strip packaging is convenient.
Shop On Call Extra Individually Foil-Packed Test Strips →
Do All Three Work with the Same On Call Extra Meter?
Yes, when each product is specifically labelled as compatible with the On Call Extra Blood Glucose Monitoring System.
The basic rule remains:
On Call Extra meter → On Call Extra Test Strips.
Quantity and packaging style do not make On Call Plus or GK Dual strips compatible with Extra.
For detailed compatibility guidance:
On Call Extra Test Strip Compatibility Guide →
Does Pack Size Change the Test Procedure?
No.
Where the product is the correct On Call Extra strip, the underlying Extra testing system remains the same.
The standard On Call Extra system uses approximately:
- 0.4 µL of blood,
- about 4 seconds for the result, and
- automatic strip calibration without routine manual coding.
The meter also supports the Extra-specific short re-dosing feature when the first sample is insufficient and the manufacturer's conditions are met.
Read:
How to Use On Call Extra Glucometer & Test Strips →
50 vs 100 Strips: What Is the Practical Difference?
The main practical difference is quantity.
The 100-strip option gives you twice as many strips as the 50-strip pack.
| Pack | Total Strips | Relative Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 50 Pack | 50 | Standard quantity |
| 100 Pack | 100 | 2× the 50-pack quantity |
The larger quantity may reduce the frequency of repeat ordering, but expiry, storage and realistic usage should still be considered.
How Long Might 50 or 100 Strips Last?
This depends entirely on how frequently the person has been advised to test.
The examples below show strip consumption only. They are not recommendations for testing frequency.
| Illustrative Usage | 50 Strips | 100 Strips |
|---|---|---|
| 1 strip per day | About 50 days | About 100 days |
| 2 strips per day | About 25 days | About 50 days |
| 4 strips per day | About 12–13 days | About 25 days |
Your actual testing frequency should be based on healthcare-professional guidance.
How to Compare Cost per Strip
Selling prices can change, so the most accurate comparison is to use the current live product price.
Calculate:
Current pack price ÷ number of strips = approximate cost per strip
For example:
- 50-pack price ÷ 50
- 100-pack price ÷ 100
- foil-pack price ÷ 50
This lets you compare value without looking only at the total pack price.
Is the 100 Pack Always Better Value?
Not necessarily for every customer.
The larger pack can be more convenient and may provide attractive per-strip value, but the benefit depends on whether you can appropriately use the strips within their expiry and storage conditions.
Consider:
- current selling price,
- expected strip consumption,
- batch expiry,
- storage conditions, and
- whether a smaller quantity would be easier to manage.
Standard Pack vs Individually Foil-Packed Extra Strips
| Feature | Standard Vial Pack | Individually Foil-Packed |
|---|---|---|
| Unused strips | Share a manufacturer vial | Each strip separately sealed |
| After taking one strip | Close the vial immediately | Other strips remain sealed |
| Moisture exposure | Correct vial closure is important | Each unopened pouch remains protected |
| Carrying a few strips | Usually means carrying the vial | Individual pouches can be carried |
| Travel convenience | Good | Very convenient |
| Occasional use | Vial handling remains important | Unused strips stay individually sealed |
| Compatibility | On Call Extra | On Call Extra |
Why Choose Individually Foil-Packed Strips?
The main advantage of the foil-packed format is individual strip protection before use.
Every unused strip remains sealed until it is needed.
This can be useful if:
- you test less frequently,
- you travel often,
- you carry diabetes supplies in a small bag,
- you want to carry only a few strips, or
- individual packaging is preferred for operational reasons.
Are Foil-Packed Strips Better for Travel?
They can be more convenient for travel because only the number of sealed strips needed for the trip may need to be carried.
However, all strips still need to be protected from:
- excessive heat,
- moisture,
- direct sunlight,
- physical damage, and
- storage conditions outside the manufacturer's instructions.
Are Foil-Packed Strips Better for Occasional Testing?
They may be convenient for users who test less frequently because the remaining unused strips stay individually sealed.
However, the manufacturer expiry date still applies.
An individually sealed strip should not be used after its applicable expiry simply because the pouch has never been opened.
Which Format Is Better for Frequent Testing?
A standard 100-strip quantity may be practical when strip consumption is consistently higher.
Advantages can include:
- fewer repeat orders,
- more stock available at home,
- two 50-strip packs rather than one smaller supply, and
- potentially attractive cost per strip depending on current pricing.
Expiry and storage should still be checked before purchasing a larger quantity.
Why the 100 Pack Being 50 × 2 Matters
Microsidd's current On Call Extra 100-strip product is supplied as two 50-strip packs.
This can be useful because the second pack can remain unopened until required.
Rather than opening both packs together:
- Use the first pack according to its instructions.
- Keep the second manufacturer pack sealed.
- Open the second pack only when needed.
- Follow the expiry and storage instructions on each pack.
Expiry Matters When Choosing Pack Size
A larger quantity is only economical if it can be appropriately used before the applicable expiry limits.
Before buying 100 strips instead of 50, consider:
- the batch expiry,
- how quickly you normally use strips,
- how the strips are packaged, and
- whether you can store the unused pack correctly.
For complete expiry guidance:
On Call Extra Test Strips Expiry & Storage Guide →
Does the Foil Pack Have the Same Expiry Rules as a Vial?
The manufacturer's printed expiry applies to both packaging formats.
However, handling after opening differs:
- vial-packed strips share one opened container,
- individually foil-packed strips remain sealed one by one until needed.
For any specific after-opening period, follow the instructions printed on the exact product supplied.
Does Re-Dosing Work with All Three Options?
Where the strips are genuine compatible On Call Extra Test Strips and the manufacturer instructions support the standard Extra testing procedure, follow the meter's Extra-specific sample and re-dosing instructions.
The On Call Extra system permits a second blood application within approximately 3 seconds under the specified conditions when the first sample is insufficient and the countdown has not begun.
Read:
On Call Extra Re-Dosing & Second Blood Sample Guide →
Does Packaging Change Accuracy?
Packaging style alone should not be used to judge test accuracy.
The important factors are that the strip is:
- genuinely compatible with On Call Extra,
- within expiry,
- correctly stored,
- undamaged, and
- used according to the manufacturer instructions.
Choose vial or foil packaging primarily according to quantity, storage convenience and usage requirements.
Can You Mix Strips from Different Packs?
Do not transfer strips between manufacturer containers.
Keep each pack associated with its original:
- lot information,
- expiry date,
- packaging, and
- storage history.
This also makes it easier to identify which strip supply was being used if a problem occurs.
Which Option May Suit Your Requirement?
| If This Sounds Like You... | Consider |
|---|---|
| I want the standard smaller quantity | 50 strips |
| I regularly use more than 50 strips | 100 strips |
| I want fewer repeat orders | 100 strips |
| I prefer two separate 50-strip packs | 100-strip option |
| I test only occasionally | 50 strips or foil-packed strips |
| I travel frequently | Individually foil-packed strips |
| I want every unused strip separately sealed | Individually foil-packed strips |
| I want the simplest regular pack | 50-strip standard pack |
Quick Buyer Decision Table
| Usage Type | Best-Fit On Call Extra Pack | Why It May Suit You |
|---|---|---|
| Frequent Use | 100 Strips (50 × 2 Packs) | Larger quantity, fewer repeat orders, and the second 50-strip pack can remain sealed until needed. |
| Regular / Moderate Use | 50 Strips Standard Pack | Simple standard quantity with easier stock and expiry management. |
| Occasional Use | 50 Strips or Foil-Packed Strips | Lower quantity is easier to manage; foil packs keep each unused strip individually sealed. |
| Travel | Individually Foil-Packed Strips | Convenient for carrying only a few strips while each unused strip remains separately sealed. |
| Want Fewer Reorders | 100 Strips | Twice the quantity of the 50-pack and convenient for consistent use. |
| Want Individual Strip Protection | Foil-Packed Strips | Every unused strip remains individually packaged until required. |
Simple rule: choose the 50-pack for a standard quantity, the 100-pack for more frequent use and fewer reorders, and the foil-packed option when travel convenience or individual strip packaging is the priority.
Five Things to Check Before Buying
- Meter: confirm you are using On Call Extra.
- Compatibility: choose On Call Extra Test Strips.
- Quantity: decide whether 50 or 100 better matches your usage.
- Packaging: decide whether standard vial or individual foil packaging better suits your needs.
- Expiry: consider whether you can use the quantity within the applicable manufacturer period.
Shop On Call Extra Test Strips
On Call Extra Test Strips 50
Shop On Call Extra Test Strips 50 →
On Call Extra Test Strips 100
Shop On Call Extra Test Strips 100 →
On Call Extra Individually Foil-Packed Test Strips
Shop On Call Extra Foil-Packed Test Strips →
Browse the full Extra range:
On Call Extra Glucometer & Test Strips Collection →
Why Buy On Call Extra Test Strips from Microsidd?
Microsidd offers multiple On Call Extra strip configurations so customers can choose based on actual usage, quantity and packaging preference.
- Genuine On Call / ACON products
- 50-strip standard pack
- 100-strip option supplied as 50 × 2
- Individually foil-packed Extra strips
- Competitive online pricing
- Delivery across India
- GST invoice available where applicable
- Compatibility and troubleshooting guidance through the Microsidd Knowledge Hub
Customers in Bengaluru can also learn more about Microsidd India, RT Nagar, Bengaluru → .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between On Call Extra 50 and 100 strips?
The primary difference is quantity. The 50-pack contains 50 test strips, while the current 100-strip option from Microsidd is supplied as two 50-strip packs.
Do the 50 and 100 packs work with the same On Call Extra meter?
Yes, when both are genuine On Call Extra Blood Glucose Test Strips intended for the compatible On Call Extra system.
What is the difference between standard and foil-packed Extra strips?
Standard strips share a vial or manufacturer pack, while individually foil-packed strips remain separately sealed until they are required.
Are foil-packed strips compatible with the On Call Extra glucometer?
Yes, where the product is specifically identified as compatible with the On Call Extra Blood Glucose Monitoring System.
Which pack is better for travel?
Individually foil-packed strips can be especially convenient because a small number of sealed strips can be carried without carrying an entire vial.
Which pack is better for frequent testing requirements?
The 100-strip option may be more convenient where strip consumption is consistently higher and the quantity can be appropriately used within expiry.
Which pack is better for occasional use?
A 50-strip pack or individually foil-packed strips may be easier to manage when strip consumption is lower.
Is the 100 pack one container with 100 strips?
The current Microsidd On Call Extra 100-strip listing is supplied as 50 strips × 2 packs.
Should I open both 50-strip packs together?
There is generally no need to open both at the same time. Keep the second manufacturer pack sealed until required and follow the instructions on the actual packaging.
Are foil-packed strips more expensive per strip?
They may have a different per-strip cost because of the individual packaging format. Compare the current live selling price rather than assuming one format is always cheaper.
Does pack size change the 0.4 µL sample requirement?
No. Pack quantity alone does not change the underlying On Call Extra testing system. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact compatible strip product.
Does pack size change the approximately 4-second test time?
No. Where the strip is compatible with the standard On Call Extra system, pack quantity does not change the basic meter testing process.
Can On Call Plus strips be used instead?
No. On Call Plus and On Call Extra use separate compatible strip families.
Related On Call Extra Guides
- On Call Extra Glucometer & Test Strips Complete Guide
- On Call Extra Test Strip Compatibility Guide
- How to Use On Call Extra Glucometer & Test Strips
- On Call Extra Re-Dosing & Second Blood Sample Guide
- On Call Extra Error Codes & Troubleshooting Guide
- On Call Extra Test Strips Expiry & Storage Guide
- On Call Plus vs On Call Extra Glucometer Comparison
- On Call Plus, Extra & GK Dual Complete Guide
Medical information notice: This article compares On Call Extra test-strip quantities and packaging formats. It does not recommend how frequently an individual should test blood glucose, interpret glucose results, diagnose diabetes or determine treatment.
Testing frequency should follow the advice of an appropriate healthcare professional. Always use compatible, correctly stored and unexpired On Call Extra Test Strips according to the manufacturer's instructions.
If a glucose result is unexpectedly high or low, repeat testing according to the manufacturer's instructions where appropriate and seek professional medical advice when needed. Repeated extreme readings or serious symptoms require prompt medical assessment.