Quick answer: Generally, no — opened or expired diabetic test strips can’t be resold, because buyers need sealed, in-date boxes that will give accurate readings. The good news: sealed boxes you haven’t opened still have full value, and there are safe ways to handle the rest.
It’s a common question, and an important one: what about the boxes that are opened, or the ones that expired last year? Here’s a straight answer on what has value, what doesn’t, and what to do either way.
Why expired strips can’t be sold
Test strips have an expiration date for a reason — past it, the chemistry can degrade and produce inaccurate blood-sugar readings. Since the whole point of the secondary market is getting usable supplies to people who need them, expired strips simply can’t be resold. They should be disposed of safely instead.
Why opened boxes usually don’t qualify
Resale buyers need sealed, tamper-evident packaging so the next person can trust the strips are intact and unused. An opened box — even one that’s nearly full — generally can’t be resold for that reason. In some cases a sealed inner vial within an opened outer box may have limited value, so it’s worth a quick photo to check rather than assuming.
What still has full value
Any box you haven’t opened and that hasn’t expired is worth real cash — that’s the bulk of what most sellers have. Brand, box size, and remaining shelf life set the price; see how much your strips are worth and which brands command the most.
Not sure what qualifies? Send a photo to 812-648-0149 or request a free quote. We’ll tell you exactly what we can buy — no pressure.
What to do with strips you can’t sell
Don’t just toss loose strips and sharps in the trash. Our safe disposal guide walks through handling expired strips, lancets, and packaging responsibly. And if you’re sorting a larger collection — say, after a loved one’s passing — we can help you separate what’s sellable from what isn’t.
The takeaway
Sealed and in-date equals cash; opened or expired equals safe disposal. When in doubt, photograph the box and the expiration date and let us take a look. Start with our complete guide to selling test strips.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell expired test strips?
No. Expired strips can give inaccurate readings and can’t be resold for use. They should be disposed of safely.
What about an opened box that’s still mostly full?
Resale buyers need sealed, tamper-evident boxes, so opened boxes generally don’t qualify — even if nearly full. Sealed inner vials sometimes have limited value; send a photo to check.
What should I do with strips I can’t sell?
Dispose of them safely and recycle packaging where possible. Our disposal guide walks through doing it responsibly.