Using the first drop of blood for monitoring blood glucose values in critically ill patients: An observational study

JOURNAL TITLE: Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine

Author
1. Karobi Das
2. Sukhpal Kaur
3. Sunita Saini
4. Vikas Saini
ISSN
0972-5229
DOI
10.4103/0972-5229.194006
Volume
20
Issue
11
Publishing Year
2016
Pages
4
Author Affiliations
    1. Department of Anesthesia, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
    1. Department of National Institute of Nursing Education Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research Chandigarh, India
    1. Department of Nursing, Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector - 32, Chandigarh, India
    1. National Institute of Nursing Education, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
  • Article keywords
    Blood glucose monitoring, critically ill patients, first and second drops of blood

    Abstract

    Context: Using the first drop or second drop of blood while measuring blood glucose (BG) values. Objective: The study was planned to compare the BG values from the first and second drops of blood. Research Settings: The study was conducted at the Main Intensive Care Unit, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India. Research Design: This study was a comparative study. Materials and Methods: Ninety patients aged 2–93 years were enrolled in this study. BG values from the first and second drops of blood were taken and compared. Statistical Analysis Used: Agreement between two drops was assessed using Bland–Altman analysis. A bias of <10 mg/dl was considered clinically acceptable. Linear regression of the mean difference (bias) with the BG readings was performed. Results: One thousand four hundred and seven pairs of BG readings were taken from the enrolled patients. BG values had a bias of 3.9 ± 14.9 mg/dl. Nearly 96.7% of BG readings were within the limits of agreement. The absolute difference between first and second drops of blood was calculated; nearly 75.4% of the readings had fallen between 0 and 10 mg/dl, i.e. clinically acceptable range. Conclusion: There is no compete concordance of values of blood glucose between the first and the second drops of blood; any of the drops can be used for measuring BG values as the difference is not statistically significant. However, if hands are visibly clean and to decrease the blood loss in the critically ill patients where the BG values are measured frequently, using the first drop of blood is advised.

    © 2019 Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) LTD.   |   All Rights Reserved