Accuracy evaluation of a new glucometer with automated hematocrit measurement and correction.

BACKGROUND Blood glucose meters are widely used in point of care testing, however, many studies have shown inaccuracies in the glucose measurement due to a number of factors. The present study evaluated the accuracy of a new glucometer capable of simultaneous measurement of patient's hematocrit with algorithmic adjustment of glucose result. This meter was compared with a reference method and 2 other existing meters widely used in the market. METHODS Venous whole blood samples from healthy volunteers were pooled and reconstituted to produce 5 different hematocrit (30-60%) concentrations. Each hematocrit specimen was spiked to produce 4 different glucose (50-500 mg/dl) concentrations. RESULTS Hematocrit measured by the new meter correlated well with the reference method. Mean percentage error differences, compared to the reference method, showed obvious differences between existing meters across the wide hematocrit range at various glucose concentrations. The new meter showed a steady and consistent glucose concentrations compared to the reference method. CONCLUSION The new glucometer, which simultaneously measures hematocrit and performs automated correction for the hematocrit effect, provides a glucose result with improved accuracy. Its measurement of hematocrit from the same blood sample will eliminate the need for additional collection of blood or measurement using another method.