Blood sugar testing strips to cost below Rs 5 by year-end

[P.J.]

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Blood sugar testing strips to cost below Rs 5 by year-end

There is some good news for all those who need to check blood sugar levels regularly, as glucose test strips may be available for less than Rs 5 by year-end.


With prototypes of such blood glucose test strips, which now cost between Rs 30 to Rs 35, being developed by various organisations across the country with the help of Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), the economical version is likely to be made available by the end of December.

Secretary Health Research and Director General of ICMR V M Katoch said, "these strips will be made available by the end of this year".

He said, "The cost of such strips will drastically come down as ICMR has provided public and private organisations with its research technology. This will help bring the cost of such strips between Rs 3 to Rs 5."


Currently, such strips are available in the market for over Rs 30-35 and patients suffering from diabetes have to use the expensive kits extensively.


These glucose testing strips can also be used for screening of diabetes as well as for self regulation of sugar levels among those suffering from diabetes.


The country's cheapest strips are being developed by institutes like BITS Hyderabad, IIT Kharagpur, CMC Vellore and others and are part of ICMR's long-term sustained Indian solutions to help bring down the cost of equipment for the common public.


The step assumes significance as India is the diabetes capital with the country set to cross the diabetes burden of 100 million by the year 2030.


According to recent data, experts say the country has witnessed a 12 per cent increase in the number of diabetes cases to 61 million in 2012 as against 50.8 million in 2011. Diabetes is also a major reason for deaths in the country.


"These strips are aimed to provide 95 per cent accuracy, as with the currently available strips in the market and they will help largely in screening for diabetes," said S K Rao, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.


Blood sugar testing strips to cost below Rs 5 by year-end - Indian Express

 

[sarang]

There is big gap between cost and price. For expensive medicines the pharma companies give more than 90% discount to the dealers. The govt found this out and fixed the taxable price with 35% discount from the MRP.

Anyway the strips are priced around rs 1000 for 100 and 650 for 50 in the emarket. I am sure the companies can sell strips at rs 5 a piece if forced by market conditions. ICMR's claim must be seen in this light. Some time back, many medical shops offered random sugar check in the shop itself for rs. 30. And the labs charge between 100 and 300.

 

[sangom]

Some people and some doctors also say that this drop test is only for infants and not for adults. According to them relying on such strip results may lead a person to critical conditions sometimes and it is always preferable to have the lab test done with the 5cc blood sample which is definitely more realistic.

 

[P.J.]

Sri sangom Sir has a Point

How accurate is this test? The accuracy of this test depends on many factors including:

• the quality of your meter
• the quality of your test strips
• how well you perform the test. For example, you should wash and dry your hands before testing and closely follow the instructions for operating your meter.
• your hematocrit (the amount of red blood cells in the blood). If you are severely dehydrated or anemic, your test results may be less accurate. Your health care provider can tell you if your hematocrit is low or high, and can discuss with you how it may affect your glucose testing.
• interfering substances (Some substances, such as Vitamin C, Tylenol, and uric acid, may interfere with your glucose testing). Check the instructions for your meter and test strips to find out what substances may affect the testing accuracy.
• altitude, temperature, and humidity (High altitude, low and high temperatures, and humidity can cause unpredictable effects on glucose results). Check the meter manual and test strip package insert for more information.
• store and handle the meter and strips according to manufacturer’s instructions. It is important to store test strip vials closed.

Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices

 

[sarang]

One big, highly lucrative area is apps for mobiles to do the tests. Many of the tests (bp, blood, urine, breathing, oxygen levels, ecg etc.) can be done with suitable transducers attached to a smart phone with the added advantage of transmission, archiving, alerts to doctors and health services. Technically feasible now, somebody has to jump in.

As far as as the instruments are concerned, accuracy is built in and not an issue. Method does affect - bp with standing, sitting, lying down, repeat test within a certain time; many doctors still rely on mercury bp apparatus, and repump when they are not sure.

In my case, readings for glucose levels taken with the home unit and in a professional lab are within 5 units both for fasting and pp. Lab tests followed by home tests conducted within half an hour (driving time) and home tests in the presence of the higher authority.

In some hospitals (the one I know of), test equipment is supplied and maintained by the manufacturer; the hospital pays for the reagents, chemicals and consumables and per test charges.

The range of safe, acceptable and dangerous parameter levels is so large that many tests can be done at low costs without affecting proposed treatment.