Effect of ambient temperature on analytical and clinical performance of a blood glucose monitoring system: Omnitest Sensor glucose meter

The effect of ambient temperature oil the analytical and clinical performan ce of a glucose meter was examined. A total of 114 venous whole blood sampl es were analysed for glucose by a reference method, and by a glucose meter at 21-22 degreesC, room temperatures, 26 27 degreesC and 33 34 degreesC. Gl ucose meter readings at each temperature were compared with the reference V alues and evaluated by analysis of variance, Spearman's correlation, the pe rcentage of glucose meter readings within +/- 10% of the reference value an d error grid analysis, Analysis of covariance was used to determine the eff ect or temperature on glucose meter readings. There were no significant dif ferences in the glucose meter readings and ill accuracy of the meter readin gs between different temperatures. Temperature was not a significant indepe ndent determinant of the glucose meter readings. For each glucose concentra tion, the precision of the meter and clinical performance were comparable b etween the different temperatures. In Conclusion, ambient temperature does not affect the accuracy, precision and clinical performance or the Omnitest Sensor.