Evaluation of the clinical accuracy of six portable blood glucose meters in dogs

Abstract

Portable blood glucose meters (PBGMs) are widely used because of their practicality. However, the accuracy of PBGMs has frequently been questioned. The objectives of this study were to evaluate factors that might interfere with measurements made using PBGMs, and to assess the clinical utility of 6 PBGMs. The glucose concentrations measured using the PBGMs were compared with those obtained using a reference method. The agreement between the measured values was assessed using Spearman correlation analysis, Passing-Bablok regression analysis, Bland-Altman plots, and consensus error grid analysis. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed to identify the parameters affecting glucose measurement. The results indicated that all of the PBGMs tested perform adequately for use in veterinary practice. In most cases, measurements made using PBGM corresponded well with the blood glucose values obtained using the reference method. Error grid analysis revealed that most of the PBGM values fell within zones A and B. However, some measurements of blood glucose concentrations < 80 mg/dL fell into zone C. PCV, and triglyceride and total protein concentration, significantly affected the output of some of the PBGMs. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of the characteristics of the PBGM that they use.