The Effects of Two Differing Techniques on the Accuracy of Reagent Strip Blood Glucose Testing

ABSTRACT

The use of 70 isopropyl alcohol to prepare the site of skin puncture for reagent strip blood glucose testing has been reported to produce falsely elevated blood glucose levels. The objective of this study was to identify if any significant difference existed between the capillary blood glucose levels of healthy volunteers tested using a capillary blood glucose reagent test strip and reflectance photometer; comparing results obtained (i) with and without the use of 70 isopropyl alcohol to prepare the site of skin puncture and results obtained (ii) with and without 70 isopropyl alcohol using the first and second drops of blood. Data analysis revealed a significant interaction between the two factors specified above. If 70 isopropyl alcohol using the first and second drops of blood. Data analysis revealed a significant interaction between the two factors specified above. If 70 isopropyl alcohol is used to prepare the skin there is a significant elevation of 0.39 mmol/l in mean blood glucose concentration between results obtained using the first and second drops of blood while if the first drop of blood is used there is a significant elevation in mean blood glucose concentration of 0.49 mmol/l between results obtained using and not using 70 isopropyl alcohol to prepare the skin