Laboratory point-of-care system which measures blood glucose on the spot with sensitivity and specificity is transforming primary healthcare for diabetes in pregnancy
HemoCue offer a confident solution to the problems of diabetes management in line with the latest government NSF initiatives to implement tight blood glucose control during pregnancy and labour.
Diabetes is the most common pre-existing disorder complicating pregnancy in the UK and is associated with substantially increased health risks for both mother and baby.
In addition, a significant percentage of women develop gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during pregnancy and a large percentage of these individuals (>30%) go on to develop Type 2 diabetes within one year postpartum.
Studies have shown that selective screening may miss over 40% of GDM cases, and so it is important that all pregnant women are screened.
The health risks can be greatly reduced if near normal blood glucose levels can be achieved throughout pregnancy and labour.
Intensive monitoring of pre-existing conditions and the early diagnosis of developing conditions is therefore crucial.
The HemoCue analysers provide rapid, easy and reliable measurements whenever and wherever required and the technique is simple.
The measurement system consists of a portable photometric analyser and disposable self-filling cuvettes containing the dry reagents.
The cuvette draws up exactly 5µl of blood by capillary action and is placed in the photometer while the chemical reaction takes place; the results are displayed within 60 seconds while the patient waits. Highly precise and accurate, the analysers are ideal for detecting the subtle changes in blood glucose that occur even before 'diagnostic values' are reached, and provide a versatile system for use in GP surgery, specialist clinic, or home setting.
By avoiding the cost and delay of central testing and the poor precision of test strips, the analysers offer flexible and accurate testing directly under the control of primary care staff.
This allows practices to conform to anticipated guidelines and standards by carrying out careful screening and frequent monitoring to ensure tight blood glucose control and improved patient outcomes.
