Hey Federica!

Evaluation of the appropriateness of using glucometers for measuring the blood glucose levels in mice is a newly published research article in nature.

Abstract for ur persual:

Glucometers are also widely used in diabetes research conducted using animal models. However, the appropriateness of measuring blood glucose levels using glucometers in animal models remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the consistency between the blood glucose levels measured by 11 models of glucometers and plasma glucose levels measured by a laboratory biochemical test in blood samples collected by retro-orbital sinus puncture or tail-tip amputation. In both blood samples obtained by retro-orbital sinus puncture and those obtained by tail-tip amputation, 10 of the 11 models of glucometers yielded higher glucose values, while 1 yielded lower glucose values, than the plasma glucose values yielded by the laboratory test, the differences being in direct proportion to the plasma glucose values. Most glucometers recorded higher blood glucose levels after glucose loading and lower blood glucose levels after insulin loading in retro-orbital sinus blood as compared to tail vein blood. Our data suggest that the blood glucose levels measured by glucometers in mice tended to be higher than the plasma glucose levels yielded by the biochemical test under the hyperglycemic state, and that differences in the measured levels were observed according to the blood collection method depending on the glycemia status.

Have a look...

The following models of glucometers which were commonly used in clinical practice were used for the measurements: ACCU-CHECK Compact Plus® (Roche Diagnostics, Japan) (No. 1), Medisafe mini® (MS-GR102 TERUMO, Japan) (No. 2), Glutest neo alfa® (Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusho, Japan) (No. 3), Glutest neo super® (Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusho, Japan) (No. 4), Glutest mint® (Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusho, Japan) (No. 5), Freestyle Freedom Lite® (NIPRO, Japan) (No. 6), LIFE CHECK® (eidia, Japan) (No. 7), ACCU-CHECK Aviva Nano® (Roche Diagnostics K K, Japan) (No. 8), Stat Strip Xpress® (Nova biomedical, USA) (No. 9), ONETOUCH Ultra Vue® (Johnson and Johnson, USA) (No. 10), and CareFast C® (NIPRO, Japan) (No. 11).

Togashi, Y. et al. Evaluation of the appropriateness of using glucometers for measuring the blood glucose levels in mice. Sci. Rep. 6, 25465; doi: 10.1038/srep25465 (2016).

Many years ago when I switched from using conventional Beckman analyzer (uses glucose oxidase solution) to consumer glucometers that use very small amount of blood, we tested virtually all of the devices available in US. We settled with Bayer's version (Elite) for its relative accuracy and repeatability - which by the way, is not quite as good as the conventional analyzer, but it at least as good as their competitors, in many cases better.

Bayer has discontinued Elite since then so we compared Elite with its replacement (Contour) and found it to be comparable to Elite. Contour was not tested against its contemporary competitors. It is quite possible that others are doing better by now. You have to remember that our FDA allows a considerable (actually frightening) latitude in the ability of these devices to function accurately and reliably. [This is because the primary purpose of these devices is not considered to the replacement of "lab measurements" . If a patient finds his or her blood glucose to be abnormal, he is supposed to consult the physician.]

[No one buys the glucometers, the manufacturer or their suppliers are happy to give it to you for free - $$$ is in selling you strips!  ;) ] 

Hey Federica!

Evaluation of the appropriateness of using glucometers for measuring the blood glucose levels in mice is a newly published research article in nature.

Abstract for ur persual:

Glucometers are also widely used in diabetes research conducted using animal models. However, the appropriateness of measuring blood glucose levels using glucometers in animal models remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the consistency between the blood glucose levels measured by 11 models of glucometers and plasma glucose levels measured by a laboratory biochemical test in blood samples collected by retro-orbital sinus puncture or tail-tip amputation. In both blood samples obtained by retro-orbital sinus puncture and those obtained by tail-tip amputation, 10 of the 11 models of glucometers yielded higher glucose values, while 1 yielded lower glucose values, than the plasma glucose values yielded by the laboratory test, the differences being in direct proportion to the plasma glucose values. Most glucometers recorded higher blood glucose levels after glucose loading and lower blood glucose levels after insulin loading in retro-orbital sinus blood as compared to tail vein blood. Our data suggest that the blood glucose levels measured by glucometers in mice tended to be higher than the plasma glucose levels yielded by the biochemical test under the hyperglycemic state, and that differences in the measured levels were observed according to the blood collection method depending on the glycemia status.

Have a look...

The following models of glucometers which were commonly used in clinical practice were used for the measurements: ACCU-CHECK Compact Plus® (Roche Diagnostics, Japan) (No. 1), Medisafe mini® (MS-GR102 TERUMO, Japan) (No. 2), Glutest neo alfa® (Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusho, Japan) (No. 3), Glutest neo super® (Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusho, Japan) (No. 4), Glutest mint® (Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusho, Japan) (No. 5), Freestyle Freedom Lite® (NIPRO, Japan) (No. 6), LIFE CHECK® (eidia, Japan) (No. 7), ACCU-CHECK Aviva Nano® (Roche Diagnostics K K, Japan) (No. 8), Stat Strip Xpress® (Nova biomedical, USA) (No. 9), ONETOUCH Ultra Vue® (Johnson and Johnson, USA) (No. 10), and CareFast C® (NIPRO, Japan) (No. 11).

Togashi, Y. et al. Evaluation of the appropriateness of using glucometers for measuring the blood glucose levels in mice. Sci. Rep. 6, 25465; doi: 10.1038/srep25465 (2016).

thank u