Accuracy of AccuChek glucose measurement in intensive care patients

To evaluate the accuracy of the AccuChek Inform point-of-care glucose measurement device as compared with central laboratory glucose measurement. Prospective, observational study. A ten-bed mixed closed format intensive care unit ina 500-bed general hospital. The unit has a computerized insulin protocol aiming for 81 to 135 mg/dL. All intensive care unit patients were eligible. None. Paired samples (AccuChek glucose in whole blood calibrated to give whole blood results and central laboratory glucose in serum) were taken simultaneously. In 32 critically ill patients, we obtained the following information: mean +/- standard deviation age 71.6 +/- 11.9 yrs; mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score at admission 17.8 +/- 6.7; 239 paired samples were taken from arterial catheters. Mean AccuChek whole blood glucose was 126 +/- 36 mg/dL (7.0 +/- 2.0 mmol/L); mean central laboratory serum glucose was 137 +/- 38 mg/dL (7.6 +/- 2.1 mmol/L). Mean difference was 11 mg/dL (0.61 mmol/L) (8%) (95% Confidence Interval 9-13 mg/dL, p < .001). ISO 15197 guideline requires 95% of point-of-care measurements to be within 15 mg/dL margins with reference