2021 Volume 64 Issue 10 Pages 507-515
Aim: The effects of hematocrit (Ht) and interfering substances (ascorbic acid, xylose, acetaminophen) on point-of-care testing (POCT) devices that measure blood glucose in a hospital setting as well as their linearity were examined, and the displayed contents were evaluated when the measured values deviated significantly. Method: Four POCT device models available in Japan were evaluated; each model was measured three times using three devices, and the average value was calculated. Results: Some models mistakenly showed low values in samples with high Ht values. In addition, many effects were observed in samples containing ascorbic acid (particularly at concentrations>200 mg/dL) and xylose. Effects such as abnormally high (i. e. +104.9 %) and low (i. e. -92.4 %) values, with an error notification were noted. Conclusion: Recognizing that interfering substances, such as ascorbic acid, can affect the measurements made with POCT devices, a re-examination should be conducted in the laboratory if erroneous values are suspected or if a safety error message is displayed.
