[Rapid control of glycaemia with reactive sticks. A comparative study of 5 methods (author's transl)]

Self-monitoring of glycaemia is becoming increasingly popular. The authors have tested two sticks, Dextrostix and Haemoglukotest 20-800, and three colorimeters used in conjunction with the sticks, Dextrometer, Hypocount and Glucochek, in a range of blood glucose levels comprised between 0.45 and 2.20 g/l. These methods are reliable but not as accurate as laboratory measurements. However, provided they are not used alone, sticks are accurate enough for the control of glycaemia in diabetic patients. Haemoglukotest 20-800 appears to be the simplest and most precise method. Colorimeters seem to be useful but not indispensable, at least for trained users.