Title:Comparative Study on Precision and Interference of Maltose and Vitamin C among three Glucometers Commonly Used in United Arab Emirates (U.A.E)
Volume: 5
Author(s): Shajitha Farvin Akbar Ali, Bassma Krimi, Mona Alhamadi, Aya Ghazal, Ioannis Zuburtikudis*, Mohammed Alawami and Lynnsay Dickson
Affiliation:
- Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Keywords:
Accuracy, Precision, Glucometers, Interference, United Arab Emirates, Maltose, Ascorbic Acid.
Abstract:
Aim:
To evaluate the suitability of commercially available glucometers in the UAE in terms of accurate and reliable blood glucose measurements.
Background:
Portable glucometers are employed for measuring blood glucose levels, offering distinct advantages such as providing instant results and being
user-friendly when compared to laboratory reference analyzers. However, certain molecules, such as those found in medications, can interfere with
the accuracy of glucometer readings.
Objective:
To evaluate the precision and interference in the presence of maltose and vitamin C of three glucometers commercially available in the UAE.
Methods:
We utilized plasma samples to conduct two types of experiments: a precision experiment and an interference experiment. We compared the
precision of three glucometer brands available in the United Arab Emirates [Accu-Chek InstantTM, One Touch Select Plus FlexTM, and Trister
GlucoScanTM] in the presence or not of various interfering molecules, such as Maltose and Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C).
Results:
Accu-Chek InstantTM demonstrated the highest precision among the glucometers tested, with a coefficient of variation of less than 5% for all
measured glucose values. In contrast, OneTouch Select Plus FlexTM and Trister GlucoscanTM exhibited higher variability in precision, with
coefficients of variation of 11.4% and 11%, respectively. Accu-Chek InstantTM consistently performed well in terms of bias and precision in the
presence of interferences, and does not display glucose readings above 50mg/dL of Vitamin C. Notably, Ascorbic acid induced a greater bias
compared to Maltose for all three glucometers.
Conclusion:
The performance of the glucometer is affected by its testing methodology. Accu-Chek InstantTM shows improved precision and is able to detect the
presence of Vitamin C. When it comes to Maltose interference, it results in a higher bias change but lower variability, which can be addressed by
applying a correction factor.
