
External pressure may lead to unreliable readings. It does not matter which finger is used for glucose measurements. If washing hands is not possible and they are not visibly soiled or exposed to a sugar-containing product, it is acceptable to use the second drop of blood after wiping away the first drop. The first drop of blood can be used for self-monitored glucose testing, but only after washing hands.
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SPSS software (version 15.0) was used for all the analyses. To detect a 10% difference between the glucose concentrations with a power of 90%, α 0.025 (one-sided equivalence test), a total sample size of 100 participants is required. Zone D represents values that are erroneously uncorrected, and zone E represents values that would result in the inverse treatment. Zone C represents values that would result in overcorrecting acceptable glucose values. Results in zones A and B will lead to the same treatment decision. Bland-Altman plots were produced and intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated for assessing agreement between measurements and for the reliability of the control measurement ( 6).Ī difference of ≥10% between control and intervention values or a difference of 0.82 mmol/L in the case of a glucose concentration 10% from the reference value. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to test for differences in glucose concentrations. All data were reviewed for normality using Q-Q plots, and parametric and nonparametric tests were used as appropriate. To address the questions raised by these different recommendations, we conducted a study with a cross-sectional design to investigate whether capillary glucose concentrations, as measured in the first and second drops of blood, differed 10% or more compared with a control capillary glucose concentration, in the following situations:ĭescriptive statistics include mean (SD) and median (interquartile range).

Furthermore, in one of these recommendations, patients are advised not to squeeze the finger to obtain a drop of blood as this could potentially influence the blood glucose concentration ( 3). Thirdly, always using the second drop of blood after washing the hands with soap and water ( 5).

Secondly, using the first drop of blood after washing the hands with soap and water and using the second drop of blood when the patient has not washed the hands ( 4). Firstly, using the first drop of blood after washing the hands with soap and water or after disinfecting the finger and waiting until the finger is dry ( 3). In the Netherlands, there are three different recommendations. For example, there is no general agreement regarding the use of the first or the second drop of blood for glucose monitoring. There are several aspects concerning SMBG that need attention. The purpose of SMBG is to provide a timely and reliable assessment of blood glucose concentrations in an individual in order to be able to make adequate decisions in relation to diet, exercise, and medication ( 1, 2).

Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is an important part of diabetes care.
