Point-of-Sale: A Review of Home Blood Glucose Meters

Abstract

Objective: To provide pharmacy technicians with a review of selected home blood glucose meters, enabling them to be more effective in aiding patients at the point-of-sale. Data Source: Primary literature and review articles were identified by searching MEDLINE (1950–September 2010) and Google Scholar, using the key terms glucometers, glucose meters, home glucose meters, blood glucose meters, blood glucose monitoring, and self-monitoring of blood glucose. Additional articles were identified from the bibliographies of obtained literature. User manuals were obtained from the manufacturers' Web sites to determine specific characteristics for each blood glucose meter. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Reviewed literature was restricted to English-language articles. Blood glucose meter reviews have mostly compared standard meter functions. Eleven meters were selected for review and identified as currently marketed by their manufacturers and commonly sold in community pharmacies. Data Synthesis: Eleven home blood glucose meters, by Abbott, Bayer, LifeScan, and Roche, were selected for review. The selected meters have a wide range of features. They are mostly differentiated by meter size and shape, blood sample size, second blood drop allowed, coding, memory capacity, and advanced features that allow patients to customize the settings. Conclusions: There is a variety of home blood glucose meters on the market. When aiding patients with blood glucose meter selection, the best meter should include all of the features that address their monitoring needs.