Probable glucometer interference caused by topical iodine solution test site preparation

• Published in: Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics Vol. 41; no. 5; pp. 583 - 585
• Main Authors: Lipshutz, A. M., Hawes, E. M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Hindawi Limited 01.10.2016
• Subjects: Adult; ambulatory care; Blood Glucose - analysis; disinfectant; Female; gestational diabetes; glucose testing; Humans; Indicators and Reagents - chemistry; iodine; Iodine - adverse effects; Point-of-Care Systems; Pregnancy; Reagent Strips - chemistry; ambulatory care; iodine; disinfectant; gestational diabetes; glucose testing
• ISSN: 0269-4727; 1365-2710
• DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.12431

Summary What is known and objective Use of disinfectants, such as alcohol prep pads, for test site preparation have demonstrated alterations in glucose readings. One case report details an overestimation of blood glucose (BG) readings when using Chemstrip bG and Visidex reagent test strips after cleaning test site with povidone‐iodine swabs Case Summary We present a case of a clinically relevant probable drug‐device interaction between topical iodine and a point‐of‐care glucometer in a 28 year old pregnant woman of Chinese descent. In this case, the use of 10% povidone‐iodine solution on the testing site before lancing likely resulted in variable and inaccurate BG readings, which was not reproduced when the patient used hand washing instead of iodine. What is new and Conclusion Our report expands on this prior knowledge by demonstrating that such an alteration associated with iodine can occur with modern electrochemical glucometers. In patients that have aberrant or variable BG readings, providers should investigate for improper testing technique. We present a case of a clinically relevant probable drug‐device interaction between topical iodine and a point‐of‐care glucometer in a 28 year old pregnant woman of Chinese descent. The use of 10% povidone‐iodine solution on the testing site before lancing likely resulted in variable and inaccurate blood glucose (BG) readings, which was not reproduced when the patient used hand washing instead of iodine.