[2S] UNIT 8 Glucometer

Point-of-care test for glucose conducted close to the site of patient care

Working principle of a glucometer

Blood from a capillary puncture is introduced to a film strip comprised of several layers, each with unique function

T/F: Enzymes or enzymatic reaction are better than colorimetric assays in detecting analytes

Why is glucometer not the most ideal for glucose when it also detects enzymes?

Enzymes such as glucose oxidase, hexokinase, and glucose dehydrogenase are used with reflectance or electrochemical detection

The area of strip where it contains a reagent and also collects the blood sample. Majority where the chemical reaction takes place

These monitoring devices are used in the home, in the physician’s office, or at the bedside in the hospital to monitor for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia

Requirements for blood-glucose monitoring systems for self-testing in managing diabetes mellitus

T/F: Glucometer is for screening and confirming DM

Another reason why glucometer is not for screening / confirmatory

T/F: In a finger prick, the depth should not go beyond 2.4 mm, so a 2.2 mm depth maybe used

Tends to give approx. 10%-15% lower glucose readings than plasma, but the percentage varies on the basis of hematocrit, analysis technique, and sample timing (fasting vs. postglucose load)

T/F: Most reference values rely on measurement of the serum / plasma

T/F: In capillary puncture, always squeeze the punctured finger to release the blood

What finger should be pricked?

ADVANTAGES OF A GLUCOMETER T/F: Small blood volume

T/F: Once the device touched the drop of blood, it will react with glucose oxidase, hexokinase, and glucose dehydrogenase

ADVANTAGES OF A GLUCOMETER T/F: Immediate results—no lab transportation

T/F: It is important to wipe the first drop of blood with cotton as it is contaminated with tissue fluid

ADVANTAGES OF A GLUCOMETER T/F: Whole blood, urine, and other body fluids analyzed without processing

ADVANTAGES OF A GLUCOMETER T/F: Narrow menu of tests available

ADVANTAGES OF A GLUCOMETER T/F: Works within clinical patient flow

DISADVANTAGES OF A GLUCOMETER T/F: More expensive than traditional laboratory tests