Dr. Rice says providers often use the inexpensive meters for rapid testing, giving a physician results on glucose levels within seconds rather than taking several days like blood sample analysis in a laboratory. But he says providers may not be aware of the potential for inaccuracy, which can lead to treatments that harm patients rather than help them.
A study from the CDC found that readings from some over-the-counter meters differed by up to 32 percent from values obtained in a central laboratory. The potential for inaccuracy may be due to the presence of other chemicals and medications in the blood, as well as confounding health conditions.
Read the Gainesville Sun report on blood glucose monitors.
Read more on anesthesia:
–ASA Clarifies Medically Induced Coma Versus Sedation
–Training, Provider Education Could Decrease Likelihood of Awareness During Anesthesia
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