Erroneous Causes of Point-of-Care Glucose Readings

Abstract

Recognizing and treating reversible causes of lethargy and altered mental status is crucial for emergency department physicians. One such tool that can quickly help guide resuscitation and a patient's workup is a point-of-care glucose reading. This simple test is performed routinely; however, how much thought is given to the accuracy of these tests? What factors can alter these results? Here, we present a patient who was reported to be hyperglycemic in the field by emergency medical services (EMS) but was profoundly hypoglycemic during his workup in the emergency department. This case report highlights factors that can cause false hyper- and hypoglycemic readings on point-of-care glucose meters.