Accuracy of capillary blood glucose monitoring in patients with altered body temperatures: a pilot study. (Research for Practice)

The accuracy of capillary blood glucose monitoring in 14 patients experiencing temperature extremes (hypothermia and hyperthermia) was explored by comparing glucose readings from two methods of blood sampling and three methods of glucose analysis. The results were statistically significant and four patients (57%) in the hyperthermic group would have received an incorrect insulin dose based on the fingerstick blood glucose (FSBG) values. Nurses caring for hyperthermia patients should adjust their practice to obtain more reliable bedside glucose values.
Patients with hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia are frequently encountered in critical care settings and at times their conditions are life threatening. The rapid determination of blood glucose concentration is often crucial [...]