Abstract: The invention provides a counting apparatus for providing a predetermined number of diagnostic test strips, the counting apparatus including a tray having a plurality of elongate indentations, each of which is configured to receive at least one diagnostic test strip, wherein at least one of the elongate indentations is open along one end proximate to an edge of the tray, and a funnel for receiving and directing a predetermined quantity of test strips from at least one open indentation on the tray. The invention further provides a method for using a counting apparatus to provide an accurate count of a predetermined number of diagnostic test strips for packaging.