Analytical performance of publicly dispensed glucometers in primary health care in a southern Brazilian city

Aims

This study aimed to assess the use of glucometers by patients and the analytical performance of glucometers provided by the primary care services.

Methods

The analytical performance of 48 glucometers Accu-Chek® Active, was assessed through quintuplicate analyses of one Roche and one PNCQ (National Quality Control Program) control sample at different concentrations; 31 were also evaluated by a single proficiency testing sample. The evaluation metrics included imprecision, bias, and total error and were measured according to quality specifications based on biological variation (QSBV). Glucometer users answered a questionnaire regarding their experience.

Results

Among the 48 glucometers evaluated with internal control samples, 17 met precision criteria at both control levels according to QSBV, while 24 met the criteria at only one control level. Of the 31 glucometers further evaluated through proficiency test, 11 met accuracy criteria according to QSBV, and only one device showed an unacceptable result. Out of these 31, only 15 demonstrated a total error within the acceptable maximum limits based on QSBV.

Conclusions

Overall, our findings showed that patients had a good understanding of glucometer usage and suggested that some glucometers should be replaced, as they sometimes failed to meet even the manufacturer’s acceptable variation limits, and/or did not meet QSBV.