Meters and heat

davef · #1 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 06:12 AM

I think I mentioned it in another thread that I'm going to Italy at the end of July for summer vacation. Just wondering if there are any special precautions I need to take with my meter(s). I'm only on Metformin meds so no problems there.

I believe the average day time temp is about 27 Deg C (low mid 80's F), the house we are staying is not air conditioned, but I assume that meters can handle that temp. Just wondering if should I store strips in fridge?

xMenace · #2 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 06:24 AM

Dave,

It's up to you, but please consider leaving your meter at home. You've been at this long enough. You know how to eat. Take a vacation from D. Go and enjoy yourself

For complete procedure, refer to User Guide. Store meter at room temperature 59-86 degrees F - 15-30 degrees C. Important: Before using these products, read the package inserts carefully. Store them between 59-86 degrees F - 15-30 degrees C -, and out of direct sunlight.

IrishJoe · #3 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 06:27 AM

lol @ above. take it just incase but I'd relax a bit more when on vacation alright.

davef · #4 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xMenace

Dave,

It's up to you, but please consider leaving your meter at home. You've been at this long enough. You know how to eat. Take a vacation from D. Go and enjoy yourself

Boy that's tempting!

But I'm weak I tell you, weak. If I took a two week vacation I could struggle getting back on the wagon.

morrisma · #5 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 07:00 AM

Dave,
Your vacation sounds like a treat. Enjoy it.

I've had my meter at scout camp in the summer in temps MUCH hotter than what you describe. My insulin was in the fridge but the meter and strips were fine with the heat as far as I could tell.
Mike

poodlebone · #6 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 07:14 AM

The only time heat affected my meter was when I was spending time on the beach at a lake. I had the meter under my chair so it wasn't in direct sunlight but it really heated up and I wasn't able to use it until it had been back in the cottage for awhile and cooled down. That was an old Lifescan FastTake, which I never liked much anyway.

Tattoo azz · #7 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 08:31 AM

Dave.. i go to Italy pretty regular cos my mum lives there. My meter is fine and is not affected by the heat.
Go and enjoy yourself!! and take loads of photos

art · #8 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 08:37 AM

Go
enjoy
Eat
Drink
Party

And limit the pasta........ yeah, right.

Art

davef · #9 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tattoo azz

Go and enjoy yourself!! and take loads of photos

Will do that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by art

Go
enjoy
Eat
Drink
Party

And limit the pasta........ yeah, right.

Art

Eat, drink, party, can do all that and will actually limit past

Quote:

Originally Posted by morrisma

Dave,
Your vacation sounds like a treat. Enjoy it.

I've had my meter at scout camp in the summer in temps MUCH hotter than what you describe. My insulin was in the fridge but the meter and strips were fine with the heat as far as I could tell.
Mike

Good to know.

Quote:

Originally Posted by poodlebone

The only time heat affected my meter was when I was spending time on the beach at a lake. I had the meter under my chair so it wasn't in direct sunlight but it really heated up and I wasn't able to use it until it had been back in the cottage for awhile and cooled down. That was an old Lifescan FastTake, which I never liked much anyway.

Will remember that.

Still 6 weeks to go, can you tell I like planning things in advance

Cormac_Doyle · #10 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 09:02 AM

I killed an old meter by leaving it in the car (I had one meter at home, one at work, and one in the car ... I'd test before driving, but the heat in the car killed it)

Don't know what the exact temperature was when it stopped reading ... but it just flagged "Error" on every strip inserted, even after being brought into the house and left alone for a week

stlduckhunter · #11 (**permalink**) 06-18-2008, 05:59 AM

Don't ever put stripes in the fridge, condensation will kill them----

davef · #12 (**permalink**) 06-18-2008, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stlduckhunter

Don't ever put stripes in the fridge, condensation will kill them----

D'oh, you would never know I work with electronics (hangs head in shame)

gettingby · #13 (**permalink**) 06-18-2008, 08:58 AM

My Irish Buddy, I have been camping with my meters and no major problems at all. Only had one minor problem but once the meter warmed up (about 5 mins maybe), it worked perfectly.
Don't worry so much. Go and have fun for me. I may never get to Italy so I can live vicariously through you.

(Unless you have extra room in your suitcase. I'm only 5'1". LOL)

slipperyelm · #14 (**permalink**) 06-18-2008, 05:34 PM

If your strips are well sealed in their original containers there should be no problem with putting them in the fridge. Besides refrigerators dehumidify the contents, not humidify. If you are going to get condensation on them, it would be when you take them out of the fridge and open them in the presence of warmer, higher relative humidity air. That is when water will condense on your strips. You can avoid that, too, by allowing strips to warm to room temp before opening them.

My house sometimes goes beyond the upper ideal range on my strips and some of my meds. I've decided not to worry about it. There may be some degradation, but...whatever. I never leave my meter or meds in the car. Way too hot in that little oven.

Tattoo azz · #15 (**permalink**) 06-18-2008, 06:19 PM

ahhh a lil pocket sized Cin lol