CLINICAL USE OF PORTABLE GLUCOSE METERS IN BOVINE PRACTICE

Three portable glucose meters designed for self-monitoring of blood gl ucose concentration in humans were tested using bovine blood samples s tored in lithium heparin or potassium EDTA. Meter results were compare d to plasma glucose concentrations determined by conventional laborato ry methods. Statistical analyses revealed that the meters were reasona bly accurate in predicting plasma glucose concentration. More importan tly, error grid analysis revealed that the meter results usually would suggest the appropriate treatment. Therefore, portable glucose meters offer the bovine practitioner a convenient point-of-care diagnostic t est.