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Trends in Medical Research

Year: 2007 | Volume: 2 | Issue: 4 | Page No.: 185-192
DOI: 10.17311/tmr.2007.185.192
Possible Factors Affecting the Results of Blood Glucose Assay: A Survey in Central India
Ajay Soni, Manju Soni and Swati Kotwal

Abstract: India harbors world’s highest number of people with diabetes. Estimation of Blood Glucose, important in management of diabetes is done either in a clinical laboratory using wet chemistry kits or with SMBG device using dry-chemistry strips. To determine the possible factors affecting the results of blood glucose, a survey was undertaken in both segments. In the surveyed area, among lab participants, only 10% actually did calibration with calibrators. Half of the labs in the survey have performed IQC measures such as by using Internal Quality Control Materials (IQCM), but not with mandatory each batch of assay and among that, 20% used it on daily routine. Only 40% labs have verified the quality of standards provided with kits but none checked the manufacturers claim about its sensitivity, linearity, absorption wavelength, incubation intervals, color stability interval and the interferences. There are several studies demonstrating that diabetes can be controlled in a better way if patients have access to cost-free adequate supplies, especially of blood-glucose test strips along with a training class, consultations with dietitian and monthly support meetings. In the absence of such government-sponsored support systems for people with diabetes in India, we decided to undertake survey that would help us to understand the practices followed by the SMBG users and the level of understanding among them regarding their device and device strips. The survey brought out some important facts that would have a direct consequence on the management of diabetes. The users were not provided training about the use of the device and its strips, 55% had heard about the expiry date of the strips, but only 6% knew about Technical (desiccator’s) Expiry of strips. Very few (~12%) had crosschecked their results from a clinical lab and this was when 25% of the users did not believe the results they got on their device. The results are presented here.

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How to cite this article
Ajay Soni, Manju Soni and Swati Kotwal, 2007. Possible Factors Affecting the Results of Blood Glucose Assay: A Survey in Central India. Trends in Medical Research, 2: 185-192.

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