Common Problems with the Use of Glucose Meters

Glucose Testing Tips:

Diabetes care has come a long way since the introduction of insulin and the first oral anti-hyperglycemic medicines. Life span and quality of life have improved for majority of affected individuals. Even better, a large part of diabetic care formerly performed in hospital clinics can now be managed at home with use of well designed home based glucose meters, a telephone and a good patient-doctor relationship.

The Office of In Vitro Diagnostics (OIVD) is charged with the job of evaluating many devices, including glucose meters. OIVD helps these meters come to the public market. Another of its tasks is the continuous evaluation of the same devices for long term safety and effectiveness not just of the devices, but of how the devices are used.

OIVD is taking this opportunity to provide some friendly tips in Point of Care glucose testing inspired by some comments we have received from manufactures and users of these devices.

Causes of false results may be patient/sample based or user/device based. Some common problems and their effects on meter glucose readings are listed below.

The advantage of Point of Care testing is eliminated if proper technique is not followed. In addition to the above recommendations, laboratory professionals must remember to wash hands and change gloves between patients. Also, clean the surface of the meter if blood gets on it. This each time, every time approach helps protect both the patient and the health care worker from blood borne agents like HIV and HCV.

All operators, from patients to non-lab health care workers to medical technologists and physicians, should be thoroughly familiar with any device prior to using it. The best way to do this is to read the package insert and user manual carefully before using a device for the first time. It sounds simple, and it is. If you have any questions, ask someone who is familiar with the device. Another option is calling the customer service telephone number located on most package inserts. The people on the other end are there to help. Another good tip is to reread the package insert every few months. It is a good practice and their may be changes.

Next, watch an experienced laboratory professional, doctor, nurse or diabetic educator perform the test. Then perform the test in front of someone who has experience in using the glucose meter and instructing others on its performance. Ask for tips.

Specific problems come up from time to time including glucose readings that don’t make sense. For example you might feel fine when the glucose meter reading is obviously too high or too low. Remember, the best way to resolve any questionable result, and the best sample from any sick patient, is still a venous blood sample tested at a central lab. Even then any result that does not fit the clinical picture needs to be investigated and, at a minimum, repeated.