Reagent Strip Performance as Evaluated by a Meter

Abstract

The stability of 98 Chemstrip bG (CS) was assessed with a specially de signed meter (Accu-Chek) to deter mine the length of time patient-read CS can be saved in order to evaluate the accuracy of self-monitoring. Visual readings of 70 CS from 21 patients were compared with meter readings immediately after capillary blood glu cose (CBG) determination to assess patient accuracy. The rate with which meter-read CS changed was significant by three days (p<0.001). To determine the clinical significance of this change, the abso lute values of initial meter readings were compared to subsequent meter readings for 14 days. Significant changes in CBG values occurred after 5-10 days dependent upon the initial CBG value. If the initial CBG value was less than or equal to 180 mg/dl, CS deteriorated significantly after ten days. When the initial CBG value was greater than 180 mgldl, significant deterioration occurred after five days. Patient accuracy was found to be 97% ± 15. In conclusion, (1) when properly stored, CS can be saved for up to ten days in order to assess individual pa tient accuracy in performing self-moni toring, and (2) despite considerable variability, patient interpretation of CS is accurate.