<p>Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate a new underfill-function in a POCT-instrument from HemoCue AB (Ängelholm, Sweden). The instrument is in use today among diabetes patients for self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG). The new function is supposed to guarantee that measuring only will be performed on a sufficient sample volume to assure that the correct glucose value is received.</p><p>Methods and results: Blood samples (whole blood) from 12 patients were analysed with the instrument. Measuring were performed using different volumes in the cuvette. Full cuvette, 3µL, 2µL, 1µL and a measuring on an empty cuvette. The instrument performed measurements on all volumes added to the cuvette except for the empty cuvette. The less sample volume that was used the lower glucose values were reported by the instrument.</p><p>Conclusions: The new under fill-function did not work satisfactory. If such function would be more reliable it would be beneficial for the patient controlling hers/his bloodglucose provided that the testing procedure is being correctly done. This is very important because the results are often used to treat the patient.</p>

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate a new underfill-function in a POCT-instrument from HemoCue AB (Ängelholm, Sweden). The instrument is in use today among diabetes patients for self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG). The new function is supposed to guarantee that measuring only will be performed on a sufficient sample volume to assure that the correct glucose value is received. Methods and results: Blood samples (whole blood) from 12 patients were analysed with the instrument. Measuring were performed using different volumes in the cuvette. Full cuvette, 3µL, 2µL, 1µL and a measuring on an empty cuvette. The instrument performed measurements on all volumes added to the cuvette except for the empty cuvette. The less sample volume that was used the lower glucose values were reported by the instrument. Conclusions: The new under fill-function did not work satisfactory. If such function would be more reliable it would be beneficial for the patient controlling hers/his bloodglucose provided that the testing procedure is being correctly done. This is very important because the results are often used to treat the patient.