Have Extra Test Strips? Here’s What You Can Do With Them
A few extra boxes of test strips in a drawer are easy to ignore — until you realize they’re taking up space, approaching their expiration date, or could simply be put to better use. If you have more test strips than you’ll realistically go through, here are your best options.
First, Confirm They’re Actually Surplus
Before doing anything, double-check that you won’t need these strips as backup — for a different meter, a travel kit, or simply as a buffer in case of a supply delay. Once you’ve confirmed they’re truly extra, move on to your options below.
Option 1: Sell Them for Cash
If your extra boxes are unopened and unexpired, selling them is often the simplest option. MyDiabetesGuru buys unused diabetic test strips directly from individuals — a fast way to turn extra boxes into cash rather than letting them sit.
Option 2: Donate Them to Someone in Need
Local health clinics, community health centers, and diabetes nonprofit organizations sometimes accept unopened test strip donations to help patients who are uninsured or underinsured.
Option 3: Offer Them to a Family Member or Friend
If you know someone with diabetes who uses a compatible meter brand, offering unopened, unexpired strips directly can be a simple, no-cost way to help someone else out — just make sure the brand actually matches their device.
Option 4: Check Expiration Dates Before Deciding
If your extra strips are close to their expiration date, your window to sell or donate them productively is shrinking. It’s worth checking dates sooner rather than later — see our related guide on how expiration affects test strip value for more detail.
What Not to Do
- Don’t let unopened boxes sit indefinitely “just in case” — expiration dates don’t wait
- Don’t open a box just to check the strips inside if you’re planning to sell it
- Don’t throw sealed, still-valuable boxes directly in the trash
Related Reading
For a full breakdown of every option — including proper disposal for anything that doesn’t qualify — see What to Do With Extra Diabetic Supplies You No Longer Need
FAQs About Extra Test Strips
How do I know if my test strips are actually surplus versus a useful backup? Consider your current testing routine and whether you have a genuine use for them in the near future — if not, they’re likely true surplus.
Can I sell test strips of a brand I don’t personally use? Yes, as long as they’re unopened and unexpired, most buyers purchase a wide range of brands regardless of whether you use that specific meter.
Is it better to sell or donate my extra test strips? Both are valid options — selling provides direct cash value, while donating supports someone who may not otherwise have access. The choice comes down to your personal preference.
What if my extra strips are already partially used? Opened boxes typically aren’t eligible for resale or donation, since buyers and organizations need to confirm product integrity.
How quickly should I act on extra test strips I find? Sooner is generally better — expiration dates reduce both resale value and donation eligibility over time.
Conclusion
Extra test strips don’t have to sit unused. Whether you choose to sell them for cash, donate them to someone who needs them, or pass them along to a friend or family member, taking action sooner rather than later gets the most value out of supplies you’re not using.
Turn Your Extra Strips Into Cash
Visit MyDiabetesGuru to learn more, or contact us for a quote on your extra test strips.
For additional information about the safe use of glucose meters and test strips, see the FDA guidance on glucose meters and test strips.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always confirm meter compatibility before sharing or gifting supplies to another person.
