Feasibility of Determining Whole Blood Glucose Concentrations Using a Needle-type Glucose Sensor

Abstract

The authors have developed a needle-type glucose sensor covered with a thromboresistant biomaterial (alginate-polylysine-alginate) membrane for self monitoring of blood glucose. In vitro examination of sensor characteristics showed that sensor output was linear with respect to glucose concentration in the 0-400 mg/dl range. Sensor output reached its peak within 2 min after being dipped into a droplet (50μl) of anticoagulant-free whole blood. The glucose concentrations calculated from the 8 sensor output (Y) were quite compatible with plasma glucose concentrations (X) in the same blood (r=0.974±0.029, Y=AX+B, A=1.01±0.10, B=1.69±6.51). After 15 consecutive determinations of whole blood glucose levels, the glucose sensor continued to output readings equivalent to 95±19% of the plasma glucose concentration (n=8).
These data indicate that the needle-type glucose sensor covered with a thromboresistant membrane is useful in the self-monitoring of blood glucose levels.