Abstract

The Accuracy of Point-of-care Glucose Testing and Its Impact on the Management of Critically Ill Patients

Kathie Hermayer, Professor, Medical University of South Carolina

This presentation will discuss the accuracy of point-of-care glucose testing and its impact on the management of critically ill patients. First of all, we will discuss the accuracy of various point-of-care (POC) glucose meters based on different principles and general interferences of POC glucose measurements. Then we will talk about the pathophysiology of critically ill patients, how to define critically ill patients, and specific interferences and limitations of currently available glucose meters when used for these patients. We will also discuss the new FDA guidelines and quality requirement for future POC glucose meters that could be used for critically ill patients from a clinician’s perspective. After this session, participants will be able to: 1) recognize the limitations of the current POC glucose meters; 2) recognize the pathophysiological changes of critically ill patients; and 3) determine whether or not POC glucose meters should be used for critically ill patients; 4) describe the new FDA guidelines and quality requirement for future POC glucose meters.