Anesthesiologists and other healthcare professionals should question the accuracy of home blood sugar meters and refrain from using the inexpensive tools during surgery, according to a Suncoast News report.
A team of researchers led by Mark J. Rice, MD, suggest that since home blood sugar meters are only approved for home use, such meter readings should be carefully assessed during surgery. One study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that readers from over-the-counter devices, such as home blood sugar meters, differed as much as 32 percent from readings in a central laboratory, according to the report.
The use of home devices during surgery can have dangerous consequences. If a meter were to inaccurately report a high reading, an anesthesiologist may unduly give a patient insulin, which can cause dangerous effects on the central nervous system. On the other hand, an inaccurately reported low reading could cause impaired wound healing and altered consciousness, according to the report.
Read the news report about home blood sugar meters.
Read other coverage about quality in anesthesia:
- Biomedical Departments, Anesthesia Staff Can Maintain Anesthesia Machines, Equipment
- German Medical Board Announces 90 Studies by Anesthesiologist Boldt Lacked Proper Approval
- Study: Nitrous Oxide for General Anesthesia Increases Heart Attack Risk
A team of researchers led by Mark J. Rice, MD, suggest that since home blood sugar meters are only approved for home use, such meter readings should be carefully assessed during surgery. One study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that readers from over-the-counter devices, such as home blood sugar meters, differed as much as 32 percent from readings in a central laboratory, according to the report.
The use of home devices during surgery can have dangerous consequences. If a meter were to inaccurately report a high reading, an anesthesiologist may unduly give a patient insulin, which can cause dangerous effects on the central nervous system. On the other hand, an inaccurately reported low reading could cause impaired wound healing and altered consciousness, according to the report.
Read the news report about home blood sugar meters.
Read other coverage about quality in anesthesia:
- Biomedical Departments, Anesthesia Staff Can Maintain Anesthesia Machines, Equipment
- German Medical Board Announces 90 Studies by Anesthesiologist Boldt Lacked Proper Approval
- Study: Nitrous Oxide for General Anesthesia Increases Heart Attack Risk