On Call GK Dual Ketone Test Strips Expiry & Storage Guide: Foil Packs, Vials & Handling
Dr Pramod kumar
On Call Blood Ketone Test Strips are the compatible β-ketone test strips used with the On Call GK Dual Blood Glucose & Ketone Monitoring System.
Correct storage and handling are particularly important because blood ketone strips contain diagnostic reagents and are sensitive to unsuitable heat, humidity, physical damage and expiry.
This guide explains the manufacturer storage conditions, expiry rules, individually foil-packed strip handling, vial-pack instructions and when a strip should be discarded.
Microsidd currently offers: On Call Blood Ketone Test Strips 25 →
On Call Ketone Strip Storage: Quick Guide
| Item | Manufacturer Guidance |
|---|---|
| Storage temperature | 5–30°C |
| Cool, dry storage | Yes |
| Direct sunlight | Avoid |
| Excessive heat | Avoid |
| Refrigeration | Do not refrigerate |
| Freezing | Do not freeze |
| Bathroom / humid location | Avoid |
| Vial after opening | Up to 6 months, subject to printed expiry |
| Foil pouch | Open only when needed and use immediately |
What Is the Correct Storage Temperature?
The manufacturer specifies approximately:
5–30°C (41–86°F)
for On Call Blood Ketone Test Strips.
Store the strips in a cool, dry place away from excessive heat and direct sunlight.
Can On Call Ketone Strips Be Refrigerated?
No.
The manufacturer instructs users not to refrigerate the ketone strips.
Do not try to extend shelf life by storing the strips in a refrigerator.
Can Ketone Strips Be Frozen?
No.
Do not freeze On Call Blood Ketone Test Strips.
If strips have been exposed to inappropriate temperatures, do not assume they become suitable again simply by returning them to room temperature.
Avoid Humid Storage Locations
Do not store or use the strips in highly humid environments such as a bathroom.
Moisture can adversely affect diagnostic consumables.
Keep Away from Bleach and Bleach-Based Cleaners
The GK Dual instructions also advise against storing the meter, test strips or control solution near bleach or cleaners containing bleach.
Choose a clean, dry storage location away from household chemicals.
Where Is the Expiry Date?
The strip packaging includes:
- code number,
- lot number,
- unopened expiry date, and
- control range information.
Check the physical strip pack supplied to you rather than relying on an old website photograph or previous order.
Can You Use Ketone Strips After the Printed Expiry?
No.
Do not use the strips beyond the manufacturer expiry printed on the current packaging.
An expired strip may look physically normal but should still be discarded.
Vial-Packed Ketone Strips: 6-Month Opened-Vial Rule
For On Call Blood Ketone Test Strips supplied in a manufacturer vial, the instructions state that the opened vial may be used for up to approximately 6 months after first opening, subject to the printed expiry date.
Write the opened-expiry date on the vial label when the vial is first opened.
Discard the remaining strips after the applicable six-month period even if some strips remain.
Important: Microsidd's Current 25-Strip Product Is Individually Foil Wrapped
Microsidd currently lists the compatible ketone strips as 25 individually foil-wrapped strips.
That means the opened-vial six-month rule is not the main handling issue for this current individually packaged product.
For foil-packed strips, each unused strip remains separately sealed until it is needed.
How to Handle an Individual Foil Pouch
- Keep the pouch sealed until you are ready to test.
- Tear the pouch carefully from the tear gap.
- Avoid bending or damaging the strip.
- Remove the strip only when the meter and lancing equipment are ready.
- Use the strip immediately after removing it.
Can You Open Foil Pouches in Advance?
No.
Do not open several ketone strip pouches in advance for later use.
The manufacturer's instructions state that the strip should be used immediately after removal from the pouch.
What If the Foil Pouch Is Damaged?
Do not use a strip from a pouch that was already torn, punctured or otherwise visibly compromised before opening.
Use another intact strip instead.
Can a Bent or Damaged Strip Be Used?
No.
Do not use a strip that is:
- torn,
- bent,
- visibly damaged,
- contaminated, or
- previously used.
Ketone Strips Are Single Use
On Call Blood Ketone Test Strips are single-use diagnostic consumables.
Do not attempt to clean, dry or reuse a strip after testing.
Code Number Is Part of Correct Strip Handling
Before running a β-ketone test, check that the code number displayed on the meter matches the number printed on the ketone strip packaging.
Incorrect coding is not an expiry issue, but it is an important part of valid strip use.
For compatibility and coding:
On Call GK Dual Strip Compatibility Guide →
How to Store Vial-Packed Ketone Strips
If using a vial configuration:
- Keep strips in the original manufacturer vial.
- Do not transfer them to another container.
- Remove one strip only when ready to test.
- Close the cap immediately.
- Keep the vial within the specified storage range.
- Record the opened-expiry date.
Do Not Transfer Strips to Another Container
Vial-packed strips should remain in their original protective vial.
Do not transfer them to:
- a pill organiser,
- another strip vial,
- a plastic bag, or
- an unlabelled travel container.
The original packaging preserves the lot, code, expiry and storage information.
Travelling with Individually Foil-Packed Ketone Strips
Individual foil pouches can be convenient for travel because only the number of strips expected to be needed must be carried.
However, still protect them from:
- excessive heat,
- direct sunlight,
- humidity,
- physical crushing, and
- temperature conditions outside 5–30°C.
Do Not Leave Ketone Strips in a Hot Car
Vehicle interiors can become much hotter than normal room conditions.
Avoid long-term storage in a parked car, especially in warm climates.
Expiry vs Storage Damage
A strip can still be within its printed expiry but be unsuitable because it was stored incorrectly.
| Check | Question |
|---|---|
| Expiry | Is it within the manufacturer use-by date? |
| Packaging | Was the pouch/vial intact? |
| Temperature | Was it stored at approximately 5–30°C? |
| Humidity | Was it protected from damp conditions? |
| Physical condition | Is the strip undamaged? |
| Code | Does the meter code match the strip pack? |
When Is a Ketone Control Test Useful?
The manufacturer recommends ketone control testing in situations including:
- before first using the meter for ketone testing,
- before using a new box of ketone strips,
- when meter or strip performance is in doubt,
- when results appear inconsistent with how you feel,
- if the meter may have been damaged, or
- after cleaning the meter.
A control result is not a personal blood ketone reading.
Can Poor Storage Cause Testing Problems?
Yes. If repeated unexpected results or strip-related errors occur, check:
- expiry,
- storage temperature,
- foil integrity,
- strip condition,
- correct coding, and
- sample application.
For troubleshooting:
On Call GK Dual Error Codes & Troubleshooting Guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should On Call ketone strips be stored at?
Approximately 5–30°C according to the GK Dual instructions.
Can they be refrigerated?
No. Do not refrigerate.
Can they be frozen?
No.
Can they be stored in a bathroom?
A humid bathroom is not an appropriate storage location.
How long can a vial be used after opening?
The manufacturer specifies up to approximately 6 months after first opening, subject to the printed expiry.
Does that six-month rule apply to individually foil-packed strips?
The foil strips remain individually sealed; use each strip immediately after opening its pouch and follow the printed expiry.
How many ketone strips does Microsidd currently sell per pack?
The current product contains 25 individually foil-wrapped blood ketone strips.
Can I use a damaged foil pouch?
No. Use an intact strip pouch.
Can ketone strips be reused?
No. They are single-use.
Should the code match the strip pouch?
Yes. Confirm that the meter code matches the current strip packaging before testing.
Related GK Dual Guides
- GK Dual Complete Guide
- GK Dual Strip Compatibility Guide
- GK Dual Error Codes & Troubleshooting Guide
- Glucose vs Ketone Testing Guide
Shop On Call Blood Ketone Test Strips
Shop On Call Blood Ketone Test Strips 25 →
Compatible meter: On Call GK Dual Monitor →
Medical information notice: This article provides storage, expiry and handling information for On Call Blood Ketone Test Strips. The instructions supplied with the actual strip pack should always take priority.
Blood ketone readings should be interpreted according to the user's healthcare plan. A home ketone meter does not independently diagnose or exclude diabetic ketoacidosis.
Concerning or rising ketone readings together with high glucose, vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, confusion, unusual drowsiness or other serious symptoms require appropriate medical assessment.