A Blood Glucose Monitoring Strip Could Be Used For An Early Glycorrhachia Determination

OBJECTIVE: To compare the accuracy in glycorrhachia determination between commercialized blood glucose monitoring strips (BGMS) and an accepted laboratory analyzer, when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is mandatory. BACKGROUND: CSF analysis is a commonly performed laboratory test which includes proteins and glucose levels, cell counts, microscopic examination, culture, etcetera. Many different situations can cause hypoglycorrhachia, and therefore CSF glucose level itself could be useful in supporting a presumptive clinical diagnosis (e.g. Infections). A blood glucose meter is an electronic device that uses an amperametric technology employing a glucose oxidase reaction for measuring the blood glucose level. DESIGN/METHODS: In patients who underwent a diagnostic lumbar puncture (LP), we used BGMS to measure CSF glucose level early after LP was performed. Results were compared with our standard laboratory determinations. All patients gave their written consent. RESULTS: 45 patients were included. Mean age was 40.8 years old (range 15-84 ). Reasons for LP: meningitis: 4 (8.9%), headache 8 (17.8%), demyelinating disease suspicion 21 (46.6%), myelopathy 4 (8.9%), other causes: 8 (17.8%). Traumatic LP: 7 (17.5%). Mean intracranial opening pressure: 19 cm-H2O (range 5-50). The percent accuracy in CSF glucose determination using BGMS, when compared to our standard laboratory determination, was 88%. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate a substantial equivalence in CSF glucose levels between BGMS and standard laboratory determinations. We believe that an early glychorraquia determination through BGMS could be helpful for clinicians when making quick decisions in different clinical scenarios. Further studies are necessary to support our findings. Disclosure: Dr. Cuello has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dominguez Rubio has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rodriguez Cruz has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bravo Quello has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sanchez Guzman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Martin Barriga has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gutierrez Ruano has nothing to disclose. Dr. Garcia Arratibel has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ezpeleta has nothing to disclose.