EVALUATION OF GLUCOSE MONITORING DEVICES IN THE HYPERBARIC CHAMBER

Diabetic patients may experience fluctuations in whole blood glucose ( WBG) levels while receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) resulting in seizure-like activity, Therefore, hyperbaric medical attendants mus t accurately monitor the WBG levels of these patients during HBO, In a ddressing this concern, this study evaluated the accuracy and reliabil ity of commercially available glucometers (Glucometer M(+), Companion 2, HemoCue, One Touch II, and ExacTech Pen) in the hyperbaric environm ent, WBG samples were prepared, ranging from 25 to 250 mg/dl, for test ing glucometers at ground level and at 2.36 atmospheres absolute (ATA) . It was noted that at 2.36 ATA, glucose values increased using the Gl ucometer MC, but decreased with the Companion 2 and HemoCue, The One T ouch II values decreased in the hyperglycemic ranges (>150 mg/dl), whe reas the ExacTech Pen monitor readings increased in the hypoglycemic r anges (<100 mg/dl). The accuracy of WBG monitors is significantly affe cted by changes in atmospheric pressure.