The Case for Applying the Point of Care Testing Standard to Home Monitoring Devices

Abstract

Diabetes is a major health concern that is growing rapidly. Daily point-of-care testing (POCT) of one's blood sugar using a glucose meter plays an integral role in managing diabetes. By integrating these self-monitoring devices with a centralized information system both patients and providers can view the blood sugar readings. This capability facilitates collaborative disease management that can lead to better control and education for the patient. In the current proprietary environment however, capturing the data stored in a glucose meter is not straightforward. Although a POCT standard has been developed to address connectivity issues for POC devices, the standard has been applied to devices used in clinic settings rather than home settings. As care of chronic diseases moves towards remote management, the need for device connectivity will propel the application of the POCT1-A standard to include devices, like glucose meters that are used outside of a clinic setting. This paper demonstrates the immediate need for standardization of connectivity to glucose meters so that patients and providers can use the readings to improve diabetes control