The Personal Glucose Meter as the Measurement Principle in Point-of-Care Applications

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Point-of-Care Diagnostics

Background:

• Personal glucose meters (PGMs) are widely used medical devices for blood glucose monitoring.
• Their sensitivity, simplicity, portability, and low cost make them highly valuable analytical tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review methodologies for detecting analytes other than glucose using PGMs.
• To explore the incorporation of PGMs for point-of-care diagnostic needs.
• To discuss potential PGM applications in pandemic detection and large-scale diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Classification of PGM-based detection strategies by biorecognition elements (aptamers, antibodies).
• Analysis of analyte determination via glucose signal generation using enzymes like invertase or glucosidase.
• Examination of transduction methods involving nanocarriers and direct detection of interfering substances.

Main Results:

• PGMs can be adapted to detect various analytes by leveraging glucose-generating enzymes or nanocarriers.
• Direct detection of interfering substances like NADH and paracetamol is also feasible.
• The adaptability of PGMs extends to potential applications in infectious disease diagnostics, such as COVID-19.

Conclusions:

• PGMs offer a flexible platform for developing novel point-of-care diagnostic tests beyond glucose monitoring.
• These adapted PGMs hold significant promise for rapid, accessible diagnostics in diverse clinical settings and public health emergencies.