Category
Point of Care Testing
Typical Use
Measure capillary blood glucose.
Description
A portable point of care device that measures blood glucose concentration from a small capillary sample obtained by fingerstick, using enzymatic test strips and electrochemical detection. It provides rapid results used for diabetes self management, inpatient glucose monitoring, and perioperative glycemic control, enabling timely insulin dosing or hypoglycemia treatment. Accuracy depends on proper sample collection, strip handling, device calibration, and awareness of interfering substances; results should be interpreted in clinical context and confirmed by laboratory testing when unexpected. Glucometers facilitate frequent monitoring but require user training and quality control to ensure safe diabetes management.