Bedside blood glucose determinations in critical care medicine: a comparative analysis of two techniques

The accuracy of a new reagent test strip (Chemstrip BG) for the quantitative estimation of whole blood glucose concentration was compared to that of a widely used test strip (Dextrostix). To perform the comparative study, venous blood specimens were obtained from 133 patients. Interpretations of reagent strip glucose readings were made by three observers who separately recorded their impressions from the two strips on each patient. These estimated levels were compared to quantitative (glucose oxidase) concentrations measured from the same specimen. Although there were significant correlations (p less than 0.001) between both reagent strips and the measured values, the Chemstrip BG results more closely approximately measured values for the range of glucose concentrations encountered (10-600 mg/dl). In addition, Chemstrip BG was easier to read and measured a wider range of values than Dextrostix and, unlike Dextrostix, Chemstrip BG strips could be stored for review at a later time. This new glucose test strip accurately and rapidly determines whole blood glucose concentration at the bedside.