The clinical effect of glucose meter selection upon the detection of neonatal hypoglycemia

Abstract

Neonatal hypoglycemia is a common, transitional metabolic state that may lead to poor neurodevelopmental outcomes if unrecognized or managed inadequately. Given its frequency of presentation and immense clinical significance, a myriad of clinical practice guidelines have been published outlining appropriate screening, diagnosis, and treatment principles-many endorsing the use of glucose point-of-care testing (POCT). Unfortunately, the well-intended 'march' toward POCT, with bedside glucose meters as screening devices in the NICU, has resulted in unintended consequences with critical implications: a lack of international traceability to the 'gold' standard glucose method by POCT devices, under-recognition of POCT limitations, and a reliance upon a technology primarily driven to detect hyperglycemia in the adult population as opposed to neonatal hypoglycemia. As providers continue to advocate for improved POCT, there must be robust communication between providers and the clinical laboratory in the selection, standardization, and interpretation of glucose POCT to ensure optimal neonatal glucose detection.

Keywords: Hypoglycemia; Neonate; Point-of-care testing; Screening.

Figure 1.

Projected impact of glucose meter variation on neonatal hypoglycemia detection in Canada.