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ExacTech blood glucose meter clinical trial.
E A Bartkus1, M Daya, J R Hedges
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201.
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine
|June 7, 1993
Summary
The ExacTech blood glucose meter accurately estimates blood glucose levels in prehospital settings. This device shows high sensitivity and specificity for both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, aiding emergency medical technicians.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Prehospital protocols often involve empiric glucose administration for altered mental status.
- Injudicious use of 50% dextrose (D50W) can lead to adverse effects like hyperosmolarity and worsened hypokalemia.
- D50W may negatively impact neurological outcomes in patients with ischemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the accuracy and speed of the ExacTech blood glucose meter in estimating blood glucose levels.
- To validate the ExacTech device's performance in a prehospital environment.
Main Methods:
- Prospective clinical trial involving Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) from advanced life support units.
- Convenience sampling of EMS patients with suspected diabetic emergencies, altered mental status, or neurological deficits.
- Simultaneous ExacTech readings and venous blood draws for laboratory glucose analysis.
Main Results:
- 80 matched data sets were collected. Blood glucose levels ranged from 8 to 1233 mg/dl.
- ExacTech demonstrated 94.6% sensitivity and 89.2% specificity for hypoglycemia ( <60 mg/dl).
- For hyperglycemia (>180 mg/dl), sensitivity was 87.5% and specificity was 97.1%. Pearson's r was 0.8656 (p < .001).
Conclusions:
- The ExacTech device provides accurate and consistent blood glucose estimations in prehospital settings.
- The meter performed reliably across various temperatures and user skill levels.
- The device's accuracy supports its use in managing diabetic emergencies in the field.