Self-monitoring of blood glucose: an evaluation of the BM test glycemie 20-800 system.

Concentrations of whole blood glucose were measured using two different glucose oxidase impregnated test-strips. The recordings obtained by one observer with Dextrostix were compared with those recorded by an independent observer using BM Test Glycemie 20-800 strips. Dextrostix need a reflectance meter (Ames-Eyetone or Hypocount) for accurate quantitation whereas the BM Test Glycemie 20-800 strips can be read by eye alone. These two semi-quantitative methods for self-monitoring of blood glucose gave similar results over the range 2.2 to 22.0 mmol glucose per litre. The BM Test Glycemie 20-800 strips however are technically easier to use than the Dextrostix in that there is less error if the operator fails to comply exactly with instructions regarding exposure time to the drop of blood. They furthermore eliminate the need for a reflectance meter.