When to Replace Hemoglobin Test Strips: Storage, Expiry & Compatibility Guide
Corinne Lough · Medasia Editorial Team · ~7 min read · ✔ Updated August 2026
📅 How Long Do Hemoglobin Test Strips Last?
Test strip shelf life depends on whether the canister is unopened or open. The difference is significant:
| Strip Model | Unopened Shelf Life | After Opening | Compatible Meter(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LYSUN BHM Strips 25ct $39.99 |
2 years | 3 months once opened | Professional Hb Meter (BHM-101) & Affordable Hb Meter (BHM-102) |
|
LYSUN BHM Strips 50ct $54.99 |
2 years | 3 months once opened | Professional Hb Meter (BHM-101) & Affordable Hb Meter (BHM-102) |
|
LYSUN BHS-201 Upgraded Strips 25ct $35.90 |
3 years |
3 months once opened | Upgraded No-Tube Hemoglobin Meter (BHM-202) only |
|
Mission Plus Strips 50ct $49.00 |
2 years | 3 months once opened | Mission Plus Hemoglobin Meter only |
📦 How to Store Test Strips Correctly
Proper storage is as important as watching the expiry date. Hemoglobin test strips contain reactive enzymes that degrade when exposed to heat, humidity, or light.
✅ Ideal Storage Conditions
| Factor | LYSUN BHM Strips | LYSUN BHS-201 Upgraded | Mission Plus Strips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 2–30°C (36–86°F) | 2–30°C (36–86°F) | 2-30°C(36-86°F) |
| Humidity | ≤90% RH | ≤90% RH | ≤85% RH |
| Light | Avoid direct sunlight | Avoid direct sunlight | Avoid direct sunlight |
| After opening | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months |
| Refrigerator? | ❌ Not recommended | ❌ Not recommended | ❌ Not recommended |
Best Storage Spots at Home
- ✅ Bedroom drawer or bedside cabinet (consistent temperature, low humidity)
- ✅ Living room shelf, away from windows
- ❌ Bathroom cabinet (steam and humidity)
- ❌ Kitchen counter or near the stove (heat and moisture)
- ❌ Car glove compartment (temperature extremes)
- ❌ Windowsill or direct sunlight
🚨 Signs Your Strip Has Gone Bad
Even within the expiry window, a strip can be compromised. Watch for these warning signs:
- 🔴 Error code on meter display when the strip is inserted — even with a correct blood sample
- 🔴 Result significantly outside your normal range without any corresponding symptoms
- 🔴 Strip appears discoloured, warped, bent, or torn before use
- 🔴 Canister was left open for more than a few minutes in a humid environment
- 🔴 Strip past the expiry date printed on the canister or individual foil pouch
- 🔴 Mission Plus strips opened more than 3 months ago
⚠️ Common Storage Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It Matters | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Leaving the cap off between tests | Moisture and air degrade reactive layer within minutes in humid environments | Cap immediately after removing one strip |
| Touching the reactive end of the strip | Oils and moisture from fingers can affect the test zone | Hold strip by the non-reactive (handle) end only |
| Storing strips loose outside the canister | Exposure to air and light accelerates degradation | Always store in the original sealed canister. Store away from direct light. |
| Using a strip from a dropped or shaken canister | Physical impact can damage the reactive layer | Handle the canister gently. Visually check each strip for damage before use. |
| Not checking the lot number when reordering | Different lot numbers can require a new code chip for calibration | Always insert the new code chip when opening a new canister |
🔌 Strip Compatibility Guide: Which Strips Fit Which Meter?
This is critical. Hemoglobin test strips are not interchangeable between meter models. Using the wrong strip will produce an error or an incorrect reading. Use this guide to confirm compatibility before purchasing.
📗 Professional Hemoglobin Meter (BHM-101) · $119–$187
✅ Compatible: LYSUN Hemoglobin Test Strips 25ct ($39.99) | LYSUN Hemoglobin Test Strips 50ct ($54.99)
❌ Not compatible: BHS-201 Upgraded Strips | Mission Plus Strips
Shop LYSUN Strips 25ct → | Shop LYSUN Strips 50ct →📗 Affordable Hemoglobin & HCT Meter (BHM-102) · $89–$185
✅ Compatible: LYSUN Hemoglobin Test Strips 25ct ($39.99) | LYSUN Hemoglobin Test Strips 50ct ($54.99)
❌ Not compatible: BHS-201 Upgraded Strips | Mission Plus Strips
Shop LYSUN Strips 25ct → | Shop LYSUN Strips 50ct →📗 Upgraded No-Tube Hemoglobin Meter (BHM-202) · $99.90
✅ Compatible: LYSUN BHS-201 Upgraded Test Strips 25ct ($35.90) — 5-second results, only 5µL sample
❌ Not compatible: LYSUN BHM Strips (25ct or 50ct) | Mission Plus Strips
Shop BHS-201 Upgraded Strips →📗 Mission Plus Hemoglobin Meter · $129–$159
✅ Compatible: Mission Plus Hemoglobin Test Strips with Capillary Tubes 50ct ($49.00)
❌ Not compatible: Any LYSUN strips (BHM or BHS-201)
⏱️ Important: Mission Plus strips expire 3 months after opening. Mark the opening date on your canister.
Shop Mission Plus Strips 50ct →🛒 When & How to Reorder
When to Reorder
- When you have 5–10 strips remaining in your current canister — don’t wait until you run out
- When your Mission Plus canister has been open for 2.5 months (order before the 3-month window closes)
- When you notice inconsistent results or persistent error codes
- When the expiry date on the canister is within 2 months
How Often Should You Reorder?
| Testing frequency | Monthly strip use | Recommended pack |
|---|---|---|
| Occasional (once a month) | ~1 strip | 25-count pack; use within expiry |
| Regular (weekly) | ~4 strips | 25-count pack (6-month supply) |
| Frequent (2–3× per week) | ~10 strips | 50-count pack (best value) |
| Daily monitoring | ~30 strips | 50-count pack; reorder monthly |
Shop LYSUN 50ct Strips →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use expired hemoglobin test strips?
No. Expired strips should be discarded. The reactive enzymes in the test zone break down over time, and expired strips will produce unreliable or falsely low readings. Always check the expiry date printed on the canister and on individual strips before testing.
My meter shows an error — is it the strip or the meter?
Start by checking the strip first: is it expired, damaged, or from a canister that’s been open too long? Try a fresh strip from a new or recently opened canister. If errors persist across multiple new strips, check that the code chip is correctly inserted and that the meter’s battery isn’t low. If the problem continues, contact us for support.
Do I need a new code chip every time I open a new canister?
Yes — for meters that use code chips (Professional, Affordable, and Mission Plus meters). Each canister comes with a code chip that calibrates the meter to that specific batch of strips. Insert the new code chip when you open a new canister and keep the old one until the old strips are finished.
Can I store test strips in the fridge to extend their life?
No. Refrigeration is not recommended. When strips are removed from a cold environment, condensation can form on the reactive surface, compromising accuracy. Store strips at a stable room temperature in a dry location.
What happens if I accidentally use the wrong strips in my meter?
Most meters will display an error code if an incompatible strip is inserted. However, in some cases an incompatible strip may produce a reading — which will be inaccurate. Always verify strip-to-meter compatibility before testing.
Can I use LYSUN BHM strips in the Upgraded No-Tube Meter (BHM-202)?
No. The BHM-202 meter only works with the BHS-201 Upgraded Strips. The older BHM strips require a capillary tube step that the BHM-202 is not designed for, and the strip geometry differs between generations.
This guide reflects storage and compatibility specifications from Medasia product documentation as of August 2026. Always refer to the instructions included with your specific product for the most current guidance. If you have questions about your meter or strips, contact the Medasia support team.