Comparison of POCT glucose meters and analysis of the interference factor

Abstract Objectives Not many reports have covered large-scale point of care testing (POCT) blood glucose comparisons, and many interfering factors affect detection. This study aims to verify the performance of POCT blood glucose meters and discusses the factors that interfere with detection. Methods Accuracy and precision verification in five glucose concentration groups-high 1 (H1), High 2 (H2), medium 1 (M1), medium 2 (M2), and low (L); comparison of different test methods and specimens; and also the influence of iodophor was investigated in a dilution experiment. Results A total of 58 out of 64 Accu-Chek Inform II POCT blood glucose meters (ACI II) qualified for testing. A proportional significant difference in the relative bias was observed with the POCT instruments in the intermediate and high glucose concentration groups (H=15.364, p=0.02). There were significant differences among the five groups with compliance rates (χ2=21.03, p=0.00); Group L showed higher values than groups H1 and H2. The precision verification met the requirements issued by the Consensus. Significant differences were found between the three detection methods. The measurement of the Glucose Oxidase Method (Cobas B 123) was lower than that of the HITACHI Plasma Hexokinase Method and the Glucose Dehydrogenase Method on the ACI II (p=0.005 and 0.003) in the preliminary study. No differences were seen among the three types of specimens (p>0.05). The glucose results were incorrect in the presence of iodophor interference. Conclusions The ACI II and Cobas B123 (with a slightly negative bias) provide sufficiently accurate measurements, and all types of blood specimens can be applied. Iodophor, a disinfectant, interferes with glucose measurement.