Blood glucose test strips
The HSE-Medicines Management Programme (MMP) identified preferred blood glucose test strips (BGTS) with associated meters for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus in February 2021. This review was updated in December 2021 and February 2023.
The MMP recommends the following preferred blood glucose test strips (listed in order of ascending prices as of 1 February 2023):
| Preferred BGTS-List A | ||
| Reimbursement Code | BGTS | Reimbursement Price (50) |
| 85131 | Finetest Lite blood glucose test strips | €6.95 |
| 97637 | Microdot Max blood glucose test strips | €7.46 |
| 85132 | Accu-Chek Instant test strips | €8.54 |
| 85110 | Glucomen Areo Sensor test strips | €8.63 |
| 97630 | Mylife Aveo test strips | €8.75 |
| 97607 | Mylife Unio test strips | €10.50 |
| 94170 | 4Sure blood glucose test strips | €11.22 |
| 85120 | GlucoRx Nexus test strips | €11.27 |
| 85139 | GlucoRx HCT glucose test strips | €11.27 |
| 15963 | Contour Next blood glucose test strips | €14.30 |
| 68321 | One Touch Verio test strips | €14.30 |
| 10051 | Freestyle Optium test strips | €14.30 |
| Accu-Chek Mobile test cassette (Code: 85543, Price: €11.81) is now considered a list A product for existing users only. |
The MMP recommends that healthcare professionals should give due consideration to the use of a preferred blood glucose test strip when:
- commencing self-monitoring of blood glucose
- changing BGTS in people who are currently using a BGTS which is not one of the preferred products.
This evaluation was undertaken in accordance with the process outlined in the MMP roadmap for the identification of preferred blood glucose test strips with associated blood glucose meter(s) for adult patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The MMP has developed resources to support the prescribing of the preferred products. These include a preferred blood glucose test strip poster outlining:
- the preferred list
- associated meters
- ordering details for free meters.
Please see the related files section below for further information.