Blood glucose: Measurement in the point-of-care setting

Abstract

Point-of-care testing (POCT) for glucose at the bedside or in the home or hospital is used to monitor patients with diabetes - not to establish the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Successful POCT for glucose in the hospital requires the formation of an administrative committee with membership from all affected areas. This committee will evaluate and approve the specific device to be used, determine areas within the hospital and individuals to be trained and authorized to use the technology, and monitor the quality assurance, quality control, and other records as reviewed by the POCT coordinator(s). The POCT program for glucose should be evaluated to eliminate potential preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical errors. In the future, radiofrequency or modem to the laboratory information system will directly connect POC glucose devices. Moreover, noninvasive measurement techniques will eliminate the present requirement for skin puncture.