How does test strip work

Glucose test strips works by using the glucose oxidase enzyme that converts glucose in your blood sample into an electrical current. 

construction of test strips:

A test strip is actually composed of several layers that each serves its own function. Essentially, the top layer serves as a mini sponge to soak up your blood sample.

The middle layers serve as a filter to channel the blood sample to the reaction center. The next layer includes three basic parts: the enzyme that reacts with the blood glucose, a mediator chemical that speeds the electrons along the strip’s circuit so that an accurate reading can occur before the reaction dissipates, and a concoction of chemicals that stabilize and preserves the enzyme and mediator chemicals. At the bottom sits the gold and palladium coated circuit that transfer the reaction electrons to the meter for analysis.

glucose test strip container

So when you drop your blood sample onto the colored patch at the strip end, your blood triggers a series of extremely quick process starting from the blood being soaked up by the absorbent layer, filtered through the narrow chamber by induced capillary action, and landed on the bottom layer for the electrochemical reaction to occur to create an electrical current. This signal then travels through the circuit to the meter where a computer chip converts the current into a numerical reading.

Test strips need to be packed in desiccant packaging, usually in test strip vial.