The work of a medical professional is always difficult, especially with diabetes patients. Point of care testing (POCT) is diagnostic testing that is performed at a patient’s bedside and is of utmost importance to diabetics because it greatly increases the efficiency in testing the blood sugar levels of the patient’s body. Blood sugar tests in laboratories take a lot of time before the results are returned, while glucose POCT instruments provide results right away.
This article will discuss the process of glucose POCT, its usefulness as well as best practices it serves.
How Glucose POCT Works
Portable glucose meters or glucometers serve as the basic devices utilized for glucose POCT, which execute real time blood glucose monitoring. A small amount of blood is required for the test to begin, and this blood is easily harvested from pricking the fingertips. Further, test strips that have chemical substances that react towards glucose in blood are also necessary. Following the reaction, the glucometer interprets the reaction and shows the blood glucose level after a few seconds.
The Procedure
Blood Sample Collection
- A device which consists of lancets to prick the skin is utilized.
- A drop of blood is thinly placed on the test strip.
- The thin test strip is then placed in the glucose meter for recording.
Chemical Reaction & Measurement
- The test strip has certain enzymes (nowadays glucose oxidase or glucose dehydrogenase is preferred) which are sensitive to glucose and combine with blood glucose.
- The glucose concentration grows as this reaction takes place within the body, which creates electric signals.
- The meter is able to measure the intensity of the electric signal and automatically converts it to the amount of glucose.
The glucose meter starts pulling the results within a matter of seconds. This is beneficial as it saves a lot of precious time. Some of the sophisticated ones tend to keep the reading for future references and can also analyze the trends. Many of the modern ones range from a simple meter to an android application where users can watch their glucose levels alongside their smartwatches and smartphones.
This is even more beneficial as it aids diabetics. There is no time wasted as the results are available instantly which means a diabetic can alter their level of insulin intake, dieting, or activities easily. The tests are easy and can be done from anywhere without the assistance of professional help. Complications associated with diabetes such as hyperglycemia and hypoglycaemia are easier to manage with constant monitoring. Even some of the meters nowadays are able to link with mobile applications which allow the sharing of data.
In order to simplify the process of Glucose POCT and make sure it is accurate, always wash hands before testing as it improves the accuracy. Ensure the test strips are suitable for the glucose meter in use. Avoid wetness and low or, extreme temperature in storing the strips. Calibration should also be followed as instructed for the glucose meters that require it from time to time. Lastly, figuring out better diabetes management is possible by logging the results and finding patterns.
Conclusion
Diabetics around the world will benefit from the revolutionary Glucose POCT, which provides an accurate and instant means to test blood sugar levels. With the adherence to the correct procedures accompanying an understanding of processes, diabetics stand to complicate their conditions far less than they would otherwise do and live much better lives. Optimal diabetes care is guaranteed with proper self-testing and advice from healthcare providers.
