Assessment of analytical performance of glucose meter in pediatric age group at tertiary care referral hospital

Abstract

BackgroundGlucometers are the excellent tools for self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). They are important especially in the circumstances where continuous monitoring is mandatory and at decision making levels. Tight glycemic control protocols are important for preventing the ill effects of fluctuating glucose levels. This increases the use of glucometers in various healthcare settings. As technology advances, glucometers are getting better in terms of quality of results. But still some lacunae are there.MethodsPresent study was conducted in the tertiary care referral hospital. One hundred twenty five patients were recruited from pediatric wards. Bland-Altman plot, Parke error grid and Surveillance error grid analysis were used for comparing results of glucose meter with that of standard laboratory method.ResultsIt is found that there is significant difference between the results by two methods. Though minimal but glucose meter results deviate from the results of standard lab method. This will affect the overall patient care especially in emergency conditions.ConclusionsThis study is the first of its kind as no similar studies have been reported in the pediatric population. For effective use of glucose meter it should give as accurate as possible estimate of actual glucose levels. Results should not only be accurate but also precise without which critical errors may be possible. We recommend that for any glucose meter there should be regular maintenance as well as calibration is to be done. So that agreement with reference laboratory method is maintained and effective medical decisions are made.

Accuracy of Glucose Meter Among Adults in a Semi-urban Area in Kathmandu, Nepal

“…According to PEG-A, 99% of our results are within zones A and B which reflects that our glucose meter results are clinically accurate with little or no effect on clinical outcome ( Figure 3 ). This finding is consistent with the findings of another recent study done among pediatric patients by Rojekar MV et al 4 …”

“…According to PEG-A, 99% of our results are within zones A and B which reflects that our glucose meter results are clinically accurate with little or no effect on clinical outcome (Figure 3). This finding is consistent with the findings of another recent study done among pediatric patients by Rojekar MV et al 4 Despite the test results being clinically accurate according to the ISO 15197:2013 guideline as demonstrated by PEG-A, analytically, the data points do not meet the criteria specified by both 2003 and 2013 guidelines. More than 5% of data are outside the cut-off points (Figures 1 and 2).…”

“…Operator's technique, extreme temperatures, humidity, patients' medication, hematocrit values can affect the reliability of glucose meter results. 3,4 Ever since the introduction of glucose meters in market Free Full Text Articles are Available at www.jnma.com.np for home use during 1980s, accuracy always has been the topic of clinical concern everywhere. 5 Numerous international studies performed on the accuracy of glucose meters have shown conflicting results, [6][7][8] and even many glucose meter systems cleared by Food and Drug Administration did not satisfy the minimal accuracy criteria.…”

“…Operator's technique, extreme temperatures, humidity, patients' medication, hematocrit values can affect the reliability of glucose meter results. 3 , 4 …”