Defining a blood glucose treatment threshold for neonatal hypoglycemia

The value of early (prehospital) blood glucose testing for trauma victims

Accurate estimation of in vivo blood glucose concentration is potentially compromised by in vitro glycolysis, the temperature- and time-dependent enzymatic metabolism of glucose by blood cells after blood is removed from the body.  For more than 40 years it was recommended that in order to avoid the potential problem ...

Blood glucose concentration is normally maintained within the approximate reference range of 3.5-8.5 mmol/L (63-153 mg/dL) largely by the synergistic opposing action of two pancreatic hormones: insulin and glucagon. Insulin secretion, induced by rising blood glucose concentration, causes it to fall; whilst glucagon...

Reduced blood glucose (hypoglycemia) is common during the hours and days following birth. This so-called neonatal hypoglycemia may be transitory and asymptomatic but can result in a range of acute symptoms. If sufficiently prolonged, the condition is associated with risk of irreversible neurological (brain) damage....

The physiological stress response to critical illness and trauma determines that transiently raised blood glucose (hyperglycemia) is common among those admitted to intensive care, irrespective of their diabetes status. Much research has been directed at establishing whether or not intensive insulin therapy aimed at...

The importance of monitoring blood glucose concentration of premature babies in the hours and days following birth is highlighted by this recently published clinical study. Although it is well established that prematurity is associated with increased risk of both hyperglycemia (increased blood glucose) and...

The significance of good practice during the preanalytical phase of clinical laboratory investigation cannot be overemphasized. One aspect of the preanalytical phase – the transport of samples – is considered here; in particular the transport of samples via pneumatic tube systems. This is an update of a previous...

It is rare indeed for change in medical practice to be based on the evidence of a single clinical study. But that is exactly what happened in 2001 following publication of a study conducted at the intensive care unit of a hospital in Leuven, Belgium.  Results of the now celebrated Leuven study indicated that...

With the ultimate goal of improving patient care, adoption of point-of-care testing (POCT) continues to grow at a high rate. The ability to deliver fast and reliable results near the patient is a key driver for improving patient outcomes and optimizing clinical workflow. While there are many advantages, controlling...