Recall of Diabetes Test Strips

Recently, a voluntary recall of eight lots of OneTouch SureStep Test Strips, was announced by LifeScan and the FDA. The recalled test strips are for home use by diabetics to measure their blood glucose levels. LifeScan is recalling the test strips "because they may provide falsely low glucose results when the glucose level is higher than 400 mg/dL."

Dependence on such false test results to determine insulin dosage could lead to an inadequate amount of insulin, and thus poor blood glucose control. Fatal complications can arise from the failure to promptly recognize and treat high blood glucose. The LifeScan press release identifies the eight recalled lots of OneTouch SureStep Test Strips. You can find the product’s lot number on the outer carton and test strip vial. Between August 1, 2009 and January 28, 2010, approximately 14,000 packages of consumer OneTouch SureStep Test Strips were distributed nationwide.

Patients with diabetes must continue to test their blood glucose. If possible, diabetics should use another meter that does not use the recalled strips. If another meter is not available, patients can still use the recallled strips, but contact their doctor if the results are over 400 mg/dL.