Abstract
In our hospital, laboratory technicians have taught diabetic patients the self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) levels with compact glucose analyzers.
We have introduced compact biosensor-type glucose analyzers in addition to conventional compact colorimetric-type glucose analyzers. As a result, the number of the patients doing SMBG have been increasing.
The biosensor type glucose analyzer was proved to have advantages as follows. It was easier to handle, so even elder patients could operate it. A small amount of capillary blood was enough to determine blood glucose levels, so the blood could be collected from other parts of the body than fingertips.The values obtained with this method showed a good correlation to those determined in our laboratory, suggesting their accuracy. Because of these advantages, many patients have switched from the colorimetric-type to the biosensor-type analyzers.
On the other hand, there remain several problems such as inaccurate installation of the sensors and dilution of blood with residual disinfectant.
