Influence of Sample Temperature on Reflectance Photometry and Electrochemical Glucometer Measurements

OBJECTIVE A study was conducted to determine the influence of sample temperature on manual reflectance photometers, automatic reflectance photometers, and electrochemical glucometers. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Aqueous and blood-based control solutions were tested at temperatures ranging from 25 to 44°C. With the Accu-Chek 3, One Touch, and Satellite G glucometers, multiple glucose determinations were performed on each sample. RESULTS The results indicate that the manual reflectance photometry glucometer is prominently influenced by variation in sample temperature. The effect of sample temperature is greatest at high glucose levels. CONCLUSIONS Caution may be required in the interpretation of manual reflectance photometry glucometer measurements in febrile or hypothermic diabetic patients.