Comparison of Results of Glucometer and Laboratory Technique for Glucose Measurement Among Children

Objective: To compare the results of the glucometer and laboratory techniques for glucose measurement among children. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Duration and place of study: 6 months from July 2021 to January 2022, THQ Hospital Dogar, Sadda. Methodology: 112 children presenting in the outpatient department (OPD) for screening were enrolled in the study after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Blood samples were drawn for measurement of blood glucose both by glucometer and laboratory. The values measured were analysed and diagnostic accuracy was calculated along with correlation between these two techniques. Results: Out of 112 patients, 47 (42%) were females and 65 (58%) were males. The frequency of diabetes at the screening clinic in our settings came out to be 15.2% (17 patients). The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the glucometer were 84%, 94%, and 82%, respectively. The mean fasting blood sugar measured with a glucometer was 115.37 ± 21.10, and that of the laboratory measured was 97.85 ± 25.55. The mean difference of blood glucose measured with both methods was 17.5 ± 17.05, and t-test analysis showed a significant p value <0.005. A strong correlation (r = 0.7490; p<0.001) was found with glucose measurement with both of these techniques. Conclusion: Results of the glucometer for the measurement of glucose are highly sensitive and specific. Glucometers can be considered a screening tool for large-scale surveys.