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 degrees 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.