Abstract:
Background: Abnormal blood glucose levels are common in ill patients
with diabetes and increase the risk of complications such as infection,
metabolic problems, and/or cerebral damage. Frequent monitoring of
blood glucose levels and aggressive management of hyperglycemia can
decrease these complications. Although laboratory analysis is the most
accurate method for evaluating glucose levels, because of cost and time
delays; bedside point-of-care (POC) testing is often used to determine
glucose levels when frequent monitoring of glucose is important.
The aim of this study was to compare glucose results obtained by Accu-
Chek Active glucometer (dry chemistry) to glucose oxidase method (wet
chemistry).
Method: Point of care values were compared with laboratory values in 60
diabetic patients who attended Alban Jaded Educational Hospital, and
Diabetic and Endocrine Centre in Khartoum North, for routine follow up
during the period from 18.11-9.12. First capillary whole blood samples
were analyzed by glucometer (Accu- Chek Active), then venous blood
samples were collected for plasma glucose analysis.
Results: This study showed that mean capillary whole blood glucose
levels, measured in Accu- Chek Active glucometer (dry chemistry), were
not significantly different from mean laboratory plasma glucose levels as
measured by glucose oxidase method (wet chemistry) using independent-t
test (P-value= 0.341).
Conclusion: Glucose values of point of care samples were not differ
significantly from specific laboratory method values, therefore, the
glucometer Accu-Chek Active can be used in the Sudan for monitoring of
blood glucose level in diabetic patients, considering the appropriate use
of the device.
