Analytical evaluation of three portable blood glucose meters for human use in dogs

Abstract

Portable blood glucose meters (PBGMs) are essential for detecting glycemic disorders. In Brazil, veterinary devices are scarce, and human devices are used as an alternative. This study evaluated the accuracy of three human glucometers: Accu-Chek Guide® (ACG), Accu-Chek Guide Me® (ACGM) (Roche), and EcoCheck® (EC) (Eco Diagnóstica). A total of 419 glycemic samples were collected and compared to the glucose oxidase method (GOM), which is considered to be the gold standard. Despite a strong positive correlation compared to the GOM (ACG r = 0.96; ACGM r = 0.9; EC r = 0.89; p < 0.0001), when evaluated by the criteria defined by ISO 15197:2013 for analytical precision, no PG obtained 99% of the readings within the range of +/− 15 for glucose levels < 100 mg/dL and +/− 15% for glucose levels > 100 mg/dL (ACG = 57.9%, ACGM = 47.9%, and EC = 28.4%). ACG was the only PG that fully met the clinical precision criteria according to ISO 15197:2013, with 100% of its measurements in Zones A+B of the error grid. Despite analytical inaccuracy, the ACG PBGM proved to be the best among the devices tested in this study for use in dogs with whole blood samples, not generating any negative impact on animal health.