Evaluation of the bedside glucose monitoring system in neonatal units.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of a commercial reader compared with a laboratory method in neonates with a variety of diseases and conditions. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A total of 175 patients were included in the present study. Venous whole blood samples were analyzed with a commercial reader by trained nurse. Through the same sampling site, specimens were collected, spun and plasma were sent to the laboratory for measurement of plasma glucose. RESULTS: The regression analysis between the results of a commercial reader and laboratory glucose were significantly correlated (r = 0.97; p < 0.001) with the result as follows A commercial reader = Laboratory glucose - 0.17 (n = 175). A positive slope of 0.04 was found between hematocrit and difference between a commercial reader and laboratory plasma glucose. However, this correlation was of little clinical significance. CONCLUSIONS: A commercial reader showed a good correlation with the standard laboratory method for the measurement of plasma glucose in neonates with a variety of diseases and conditions.