Abstract
Accurate measurement of blood glucose is essential for the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of diabetes mellitus and other metabolic disorders. While laboratory-based glucose analyzers are considered the gold standard due to their high accuracy and quality control, point-of-care testing (POCT) glucose meters are widely used because of their rapid turnaround time and ease of use. However, concerns remain regarding the reliability and accuracy of POCT results compared to laboratory measurements, particularly in clinical settings. This cross-sectional comparative study aims to evaluate the reliability and agreement between point-of-care glucose testing and standard laboratory glucose analysis. The study was conducted in the clinical laboratory and outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital over a period of six months. A total of 100–150 patients undergoing routine blood glucose testing were included using a convenience sampling technique. For each participant, simultaneous capillary blood samples were analysed by a POCT glucometer and venous blood samples were analysed by an automated laboratory analyser. The precise monitoring of glucose is therefore essential given the severe clinical implications of sustained high glucose levels. Persistently high blood glucose levels are a known risk factor for diabetic neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, cardiovascular disease and cerebrovascular accidents. Data were statistically analysed using paired t-test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and Bland–Altman analysis to determine correlation, agreement, and bias between the two methods. The results of this study will help to establish whether POCT glucose meters deliver sufficiently accurate results for clinical decision making or whether confirmatory laboratory testing is required, thus improving patient safety and evidence-based practice.