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*** LAB NEWS ***
5/7/99
BEDSIDE GLUCOSE TESTING
As of May 10, 1999, we are using a new test strip for bedside
glucose testing ("Accu-Chek Comfort Curve" - Roche Diagnostics).
This
new test strip is calibrated to give values equivalent to *plasma*
glucose, as opposed to the current strip, which gives a *whole blood*
glucose reading. Plasma glucose is on average 8% higher than whole
blood. The new values should more closely match results from the
central lab. The test is not reliable when hematocrit is below 20%
or
if the patient has a serum acetaminophen concentration above 80
micrograms per mL.
Jay L. Bock, MD, PhD
Director, Clinical Pathology
x 4-2600
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