Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry
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Comparative Study
Comparison of POCT and central laboratory blood glucose results using arterial, capillary, and venous samples from MICU patients on a tight glycemic protocol.
Point of care (POC) glucose meters are routinely used to monitor glucose levels for patients on tight glycemic control therapy. We determined if glucose values were different for a POC glucose meter as compared to the main clinical laboratory for medical intensive care unit patients on a tight glycemic protocol and whether the site of blood sampling had a significant impact on glucose values. ⋯ Glucose meters using arterial/venous whole blood may be utilized in the MICU; however, due to the increased variability of results we do not recommend the routine use of capillary blood sampling for monitoring glucose levels in the MICU setting.