On Call Extra Test Strips Expiry & Storage Guide

On Call Extra test strips expiry storage vial and individually foil packed strips handling guide

On Call Extra Blood Glucose Test Strips are diagnostic consumables designed to work with the compatible On Call Extra Blood Glucose Monitoring System. Correct storage, expiry management and strip handling are important parts of maintaining the test-strip system according to the manufacturer's instructions.

On Call Extra strips may be supplied in different packaging formats, including multi-strip vial packs and individually foil-packed strips. The correct storage and after-opening instructions should therefore be checked on the actual product packaging supplied to you.

This guide explains how to check the expiry date, store On Call Extra strips correctly, protect them from moisture and heat, manage vial and foil-packed strips, and know when a strip should not be used.

For the complete On Call Extra system guide, read: On Call Extra Glucometer & Test Strips Complete Guide .

On Call Extra Expiry & Storage: Quick Guide

Question	What to Do
Expiry date	Check the manufacturer expiry printed on the actual vial, pouch or box.
Vial-packed strips	Keep strips in the original vial and close the cap immediately after removing one.
Foil-packed strips	Keep each individual pouch sealed until the strip is required.
Moisture	Keep strips dry and protect them from high humidity.
Direct sunlight	Avoid.
Excessive heat	Avoid.
Transfer to another container	Do not transfer vial-packed strips to another bottle or organiser.
Damaged strip	Do not use.
Expired strip	Do not use.
Exact temperature / after-opening period	Follow the instructions printed for the exact strip pack supplied.

Where Is the Expiry Date on On Call Extra Test Strips?

The applicable manufacturer expiry date is normally printed on the strip vial, individual foil pouch, outer box or associated product label.

Always check the physical product supplied to you rather than relying on:

an old product-page photograph,
a previous Microsidd order,
another customer's pack,
an old invoice, or
a screenshot from an earlier batch.

Microsidd receives fresh manufacturing batches over time, so expiry dates can change as stock is replenished.

Can You Use On Call Extra Strips After the Expiry Date?

No.

Do not use On Call Extra Test Strips beyond the applicable manufacturer expiry printed on the product packaging.

Test strips contain diagnostic reagents. A strip that has passed its specified use period should be replaced rather than used simply because it still appears physically normal.

Printed Expiry vs After-Opening Period

These are two separate concepts.

Term	Meaning
Printed expiry	The manufacturer expiry shown on the product packaging.
After-opening period	Any specific period stated by the manufacturer for using strips after a vial or package is first opened.

For On Call Extra, follow the exact instructions included with the strip pack you receive for any applicable after-opening period.

Do not automatically apply the opened-vial rule from another glucose strip system, even another On Call product, to On Call Extra.

Why We Do Not Apply the On Call Plus 3-Month Rule to Extra

On Call Plus and On Call Extra are different meter-and-strip systems.

Although some glucose test-strip products specify a fixed period after opening, the correct rule for your On Call Extra strips should come from the actual manufacturer vial, insert or foil packaging supplied with that specific product.

Therefore:

Do not assume that the On Call Plus 3-month opened-vial rule automatically applies to On Call Extra.

This distinction helps avoid applying instructions from the wrong strip system.

How to Store Vial-Packed On Call Extra Test Strips

For On Call Extra strips supplied in a manufacturer vial:

Keep the strips in the original vial.
Remove only the strip needed for the current test.
Close the vial immediately after removing the strip.
Keep the vial dry.
Protect it from excessive heat and direct sunlight.
Do not transfer strips into another container.
Check expiry before use.

The original container is part of the strip-storage system and should not be treated as disposable packaging while unused strips remain inside.

Why Should the Vial Be Closed Immediately?

Repeated or prolonged exposure to ambient air and humidity can affect diagnostic consumables.

A practical testing sequence is:

Prepare the meter and lancing equipment.
Open the strip vial.
Remove one strip.
Close the vial immediately.
Insert the strip into the meter.
Continue the glucose test.

Do not leave the vial open while washing hands, preparing the lancet or waiting for the test to finish.

Should On Call Extra Strips Stay in Their Original Vial?

Yes.

Vial-packed On Call Extra strips should remain in the original manufacturer container.

Do not transfer them into:

another glucose-strip vial,
a medicine bottle,
a plastic bag,
a pill organiser,
a travel pill box, or
another unapproved container.

Moving strips can separate them from important information such as the manufacturer lot, expiry and original storage instructions.

How to Store Individually Foil-Packed On Call Extra Strips

Individually foil-packed On Call Extra Test Strips use a different storage format.

Each strip remains separately sealed in its own protective pouch until needed.

For foil-packed strips:

keep the individual pouch sealed until testing,
do not use a pouch that is torn or damaged before opening,
open only the strip you intend to use,
remove the strip carefully without bending it, and
use the opened strip promptly according to the product instructions.

Microsidd currently offers:

On Call Extra Individually Foil-Packed Test Strips →

Vial vs Individually Foil-Packed On Call Extra Strips

Feature	Vial-Packed	Individually Foil-Packed
Packaging	Multiple strips share one manufacturer vial	Each strip has its own sealed pouch
After removing one strip	Close vial immediately	Other strips remain individually sealed
Exposure of unused strips	Depends on proper vial handling	Unopened strips remain independently sealed
Travel convenience	Good	Very convenient
Carrying only a few strips	Usually requires the vial	Individual sealed pouches can be carried
Shared opened container	Yes	No shared vial
Printed expiry	Applies	Applies

Packaging format does not change the compatibility rule: the strip must still be intended for On Call Extra.

For compatibility guidance:

On Call Extra Test Strip Compatibility Guide →

Are Foil-Packed Strips Better for Occasional Testing?

Individual foil packaging can be practical for some occasional users because each unused strip remains separately sealed until needed.

This avoids repeatedly opening one shared vial simply to remove an individual strip.

However, the manufacturer's printed expiry still applies.

An unopened foil pouch should not be used after its applicable expiry merely because the pouch is still sealed.

Are Foil-Packed Strips Better for Travel?

They can be more convenient because a traveller can carry only the number of individually sealed strips expected to be needed.

However, travel does not remove normal storage requirements.

Protect the strips from:

excessive heat,
direct sunlight,
moisture,
physical damage, and
conditions outside the limits stated on the product packaging.

Can Heat Damage On Call Extra Test Strips?

Test strips should be protected from excessive heat and stored according to the conditions specified on the manufacturer packaging.

Avoid leaving strips:

inside a parked vehicle,
on a vehicle dashboard,
beside a sunny window,
near a heater,
next to cooking appliances, or
inside an area that becomes unusually hot.

Do not assume that a strip remains suitable simply because it looks normal after exposure to inappropriate storage conditions.

Why Is Moisture Important?

On Call Extra Test Strips contain diagnostic reagents and should be kept dry.

For vial-packed strips, keeping the cap properly closed helps protect the unused strips from the surrounding environment.

Avoid storage locations with significant humidity, steam or water exposure.

For individually foil-packed strips, do not open the protective pouch until the strip is required.

Can You Store On Call Extra Strips in a Bathroom?

A bathroom is generally not a good storage location for diagnostic test strips because humidity can fluctuate substantially.

Choose a clean, dry indoor location and follow the storage conditions printed on the actual product.

Can You Leave On Call Extra Strips in a Car?

Avoid long-term storage inside a vehicle.

Vehicle interiors can become considerably hotter or colder than the surrounding outdoor temperature.

Transport the strips when necessary, but store them under the manufacturer conditions rather than leaving them permanently inside a car.

Should On Call Extra Strips Be Refrigerated?

Do not refrigerate or freeze glucose test strips unless the manufacturer instructions for the exact product explicitly require such storage.

For On Call Extra, use the storage instructions printed on the actual strip pack supplied to you rather than trying to extend shelf life through refrigeration.

Cold storage can also create condensation when a product is returned to a warm environment.

Can You Freeze On Call Extra Strips?

Do not intentionally freeze the strips.

If the product has been exposed to conditions outside its specified storage range, follow the manufacturer's instructions rather than assuming the strips become suitable again once they return to room temperature.

How to Tell If a Strip Should Not Be Used

Do not use an On Call Extra Test Strip when:

the manufacturer expiry has passed,
the strip has already been used,
the strip is bent or physically damaged,
the strip appears contaminated,
the foil pouch was damaged before use,
the storage history is known to be inappropriate,
the strip does not belong to the On Call Extra system, or
the exact product instructions tell you to discard it.

Can You Reuse an On Call Extra Test Strip?

No.

On Call Extra Blood Glucose Test Strips are intended for a single glucose test.

The manufacturer's re-dosing feature does not mean the strip can be reused.

Re-dosing refers only to applying a permitted second blood drop during the same initial test when the first sample is insufficient.

Read:

On Call Extra Re-Dosing & Second Blood Sample Guide →

Can Poor Storage Cause an Error Code?

Strip condition can contribute to testing problems.

For example, the On Call Extra troubleshooting system includes errors relating to used, contaminated, damaged or unsuitable strips.

If repeated strip-related errors occur, check:

correct meter compatibility,
printed expiry,
packaging integrity,
storage history,
strip insertion, and
whether the strip has already been used.

For model-specific errors:

On Call Extra Error Codes & Troubleshooting Guide →

What If a New Strip Shows E4?

An E-4 message can relate to a used, contaminated or unsuitable test strip.

If a new strip gives E-4:

Discard that strip.
Check the pack expiry.
Check how the strips were stored.
Confirm the strip is intended for On Call Extra.
Repeat using another fresh strip.

If the problem repeatedly occurs across multiple new strips from the same supply, stop wasting additional strips and investigate the meter, strip pack or support options further.

What If Results Suddenly Seem Different?

Unexpected glucose readings can have many possible causes and should not automatically be blamed on strip storage.

Check:

hand washing and drying,
strip compatibility,
strip expiry,
strip storage,
sample size,
sample application technique,
meter operating conditions, and
whether a control solution test is appropriate.

For correct testing technique:

How to Use On Call Extra Glucometer & Test Strips →

When Is a Control Solution Test Useful?

A control solution test can help check whether the meter and compatible test strips are operating together within the manufacturer's specified control range.

Follow the instructions supplied with the On Call Extra system regarding when control testing should be performed.

A control check may be relevant when:

strip storage is uncertain,
the meter has been dropped or damaged,
multiple fresh strips produce unexpected problems, or
you are checking the meter-and-strip system.

Control solution is not blood and a control result should not be interpreted as an individual's glucose result.

Do 50 and 100 Packs Have Different Storage Requirements?

The quantity alone does not determine storage requirements.

The exact packaging configuration matters.

For example, Microsidd currently offers:

Follow the actual manufacturer packaging supplied rather than assuming every quantity uses exactly the same container configuration.

Expiry Matters More When Buying Larger Quantities

A larger pack can be convenient, but it only represents good value if the quantity can be appropriately used before expiry.

Before buying a larger supply, consider:

the current batch expiry,
your realistic strip consumption,
how the strips are packaged,
any manufacturer after-opening instructions, and
whether you can maintain suitable storage conditions.

For a detailed quantity and packaging comparison:

On Call Extra Test Strips 50 vs 100 vs Foil Pack →

How to Store On Call Extra Strips While Travelling

When travelling:

keep vial strips in their original container,
keep foil-packed strips individually sealed,
protect supplies from excessive heat and humidity,
do not leave strips in a parked vehicle,
protect packaging from crushing or tearing, and
keep the product label or original box available where practical.

Individually foil-packed strips may be convenient when only a small number of tests is expected during travel.

How to Avoid Storage-Related Strip Problems

Check the expiry printed on every new strip supply.
Keep vial strips in the original manufacturer vial.
Close the vial immediately after removing one strip.
Do not mix strips from different containers.
Keep foil pouches sealed until use.
Protect strips from moisture.
Avoid excessive heat and direct sunlight.
Do not use damaged strips or damaged foil pouches.
Use only On Call Extra-compatible strips.
Follow any batch-specific storage and after-opening instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I find the expiry date on On Call Extra strips?

Check the actual manufacturer vial, foil pouch, outer box or associated product label supplied with your strips.

Can I use On Call Extra strips after expiry?

No. Do not use strips beyond the applicable manufacturer expiry date.

How long can On Call Extra strips be used after opening the vial?

Follow the after-opening instructions printed on the exact On Call Extra vial or manufacturer insert supplied with your strips. Do not automatically apply an opened-vial rule from On Call Plus or another strip system.

Do On Call Extra strips have the same 3-month opened-vial rule as On Call Plus?

Do not assume so. Plus and Extra are different test-strip systems. Follow the specific On Call Extra packaging and manufacturer instructions for your batch.

Should On Call Extra strips stay in their original vial?

Yes. Vial-packed strips should remain in their original manufacturer container, with the cap closed promptly after removing a strip.

Can I put On Call Extra strips into another bottle?

No. Do not transfer vial-packed strips into another container.

How should individually foil-packed strips be stored?

Keep each individual pouch sealed until the strip is needed and protect the packs from unsuitable heat, moisture and physical damage.

Are foil-packed strips better for travel?

They can be convenient because individual sealed strips can be carried without taking an entire shared vial, while still following the manufacturer's storage requirements.

Can I keep On Call Extra strips in the bathroom?

A humid bathroom is not an ideal storage location. Keep diagnostic strips in a clean, dry location according to the product instructions.

Can I leave On Call Extra strips in my car?

Avoid long-term vehicle storage because car interiors can experience substantial temperature changes.

Can I refrigerate On Call Extra strips?

Do not refrigerate or freeze the strips unless the exact manufacturer's instructions explicitly require it. Follow the storage limits printed on the product supplied to you.

Can damaged foil pouches still be used?

Do not use an individually packaged strip when the protective pouch was already torn, opened or damaged before use.

Can I reuse a strip if the first test fails?

No. On Call Extra strips are single-use. The re-dosing feature only permits a second sample during the same initial test under the specified conditions.

Can poor storage cause an error?

Strip condition can contribute to testing problems. Check expiry, storage, packaging integrity, compatibility and strip condition if repeated strip-related errors occur.

Related On Call Extra Guides

Shop On Call Extra Test Strips

View the full range: On Call Extra Glucometer & Test Strips Collection →

Medical information notice: This article provides general expiry, storage and handling information for On Call Extra Blood Glucose Test Strips. The instructions printed on the actual manufacturer packaging and insert supplied with your strips should always take priority.

Correctly stored, compatible and unexpired strips are important for proper system operation, but an unexpected glucose result should not automatically be attributed to strip storage alone.

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, severe symptoms, confusion, loss of consciousness or inability to self-treat require prompt medical assessment.

On Call Extra Test Strips Expiry & Storage Guide: Vial, Foil Pack & Proper Handling