A comparative analysis of glucose oxidase method and three point-of-care measuring devices for glucose determination

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is gradually becoming a major health burden in Nigeria, partly due to westernization of our diet and life style. It affects both young and old people and when not properly managed may lead to complications. Thus there is need for quick, convenient and cheap means of monitoring blood glucose level for optimum management. This study aimed at comparing some point-of-care testing devices with a laboratory method. A total of 150 volunteers participated in this study. Laboratory glucose determination was carried out on plasma samples using glucose oxidase method while finger prick whole blood was used for point-of-care testing methods (Accu Chek, On Call Plus, One Touch UltraMini). Eighty eight (88) males (58.7%) and sixty two (62) females (41.3%) volunteers, aged 48.37± 10.89 years participated in this study. There were significant differences in the mean value of glucose using glucose oxidase method when compared with the point-of-care testing devices (p<0.05). Significant positive correlations existed between mean glucose values determined by using laboratory glucose oxidase method and all point-of-care testing devices (p<0.05). On the other hand, analysis of variance showed a significant difference (p<0.05) between the glucose values from laboratory method and pointof- care testing devices used for this study. The significant difference between glucose oxidase and point-of-care testing noted in this study may suggest the importance of laboratory evaluation of plasma glucose in proper evaluation and effective management of patients with diabetes mellitus. While home monitoring with point-ofcare testing should be encouraged, it should not be absolutely relied upon as this may occasionally lead to erroneous result. The need for periodic revalidation of point-of-care methods with standard laboratory method is underscored.

Keywords: Blood glucose determination methods, Hyperglycemia, Diabetes mellitus.