Evaluation of a veterinary glucometer for use in horses.

BACKGROUND

Glucose assessment and regulation are important factors in the treatment of hospitalized horses and foals.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare glucose measurement by a veterinary glucometer, adjusted by code for use in horses and foals, to a reference chemistry analyzer. It was hypothesized that the veterinary glucometer and reference analyzer would yield similar results and that interpretation of glucose values obtained from a veterinary glucometer would result in clinically appropriate decisions.

ANIMALS

Fifty blood samples from adult horses and 50 blood samples from neonatal foals admitted to the Colorado State University Veterinary Hospital or Equine Reproduction Laboratory for evaluation.

METHODS

Glucose concentrations from fresh whole blood samples were evaluated in duplicate with a veterinary glucometer and these values were compared with those obtained with a reference plasma chemistry analyzer. The accuracy of glucometer measurement was evaluated with a Clarke error grid.

RESULTS

The veterinary glucometer accurately measured whole blood glucose concentrations in both horses and foals when compared with a reference plasma chemistry analyzer. Nearly 97% of the glucometer values obtained in this study would have resulted in appropriate clinical decisions based on the Clarke error grid analysis.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

The veterinary glucometer evaluated has potential utility for point-of-care whole blood glucose evaluation in both horses and foals.