Finger Prick Research Articles

Moving with technological advancements: blood glucose monitoring from a district nurse's perspective.

Capillary blood glucose monitoring is a standard safety protocol before administering insulin. Over the past 12 months, there has been a notable increase in patients under the district nursing service using a flash glucose sensor (FGS), which is a portable technological device inserted into the skin via a stamp-like mechanism. The device sits in the interstitial fluid under the skin; the device can be scanned using a sensor to obtain glucose readings, which can eliminate the need for capillary finger pricking. From experience, some people opt for this device, considering the pain and inconvenience associated with capillary finger pricking. Despite some patients already utilising FGS, some community teams may still have to take a capillary finger prick before insulin administration, depending on local trust policy. Interestingly, while looking into the reasons for this, one discovered some contradictory concerns over the safety of FGS due to a difference in time lag, where interstitial fluid readings differ from blood glucose readings. However, new national guidelines reflect the push towards this technological innovation that could revolutionise patient care in glucose monitoring and diabetes management.

Literature Highlights.

Literature Highlights is a digest of notable papers recently published in the leading respiratory journals, allowing our readers to stay up-to-date with research advances. This month we include coverage on use of monoclonal antibodies for prevention of COVID-19, acoustic epidemiology and cough assessment; immunotherapeutic interventions for viral and bacterial infections; the potential for harmful use of dexamethasone in COVID-19 patients; diagnostic accuracy of a new finger stick blood test for TB; Clinical standards for pulmonary TB.

Concordance of three point of care testing devices with clinical chemistry laboratory standard assays and patient-reported outcomes of blood sampling methods

BackgroundPoint of care testing (POCT) devices have been developed to facilitate immediate results with the potential to aid screening for new disease and enable patients to self-monitor their disease. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the major cause of mortality globally and are increasing in prevalence as the population ages. Allied health care professionals (AHPs) are skilled in undertaking risk assessment and delivering preventative advice, providing opportunities to access large proportions of the population who may not visit their doctor, within non-traditional community settings. There is evidence of high levels of support from public, patients and health professionals for engaging AHPs in risk-targeted early case detection of certain NCDs. Thus, POCT devices offer a potential alternative to traditional venous blood collection, as novel care pathways for increasing early case detection and access to preventative care. The objectives of this study were to: (i) determine the concordance of the specific POCT devices with laboratory-based standard assays employed within clinical biochemistry laboratories. (ii) compare the sampling experience of both methods via patient-reported experiences.MethodsA prospective, two-centre study was undertaken involving 158 participants who provided informed consent. Venous blood was collected for traditional assays of HbA1c, creatinine/ estimated Glomerular-Filtration-Rate (eGFR) and vitamin-D. Capillary blood was collected by finger prick test and also assayed for the same biochemical indices (Nova StatSensor (creatinine/eGFR); Siemens DCA-Vantage (HbA1C); CityAssays (vitamin-D)). All users were provided with device training. Participants reported any discomfort experienced by each simultaneously applied method (randomised in order) via a 100 mm Visual-Analogue-Scale.ResultsResults for each POCT device and the laboratory standard were analysed by Bland-Altman plots to determine assay concordance. POCT devices demonstrated good concordance with laboratory testing, with at least 95% of all samples being within two standard deviations, for each of the devices tested. The majority of participants reported less discomfort with POCT than venepuncture, with the average reported discomfort being 17/100 mm less for POCT compared to venous blood sample collection on the visual analogue scale.ConclusionsThe POCT devices demonstrated acceptable concordance with laboratory-based assays, and patients reported lower levels of discomfort compared to traditional means of blood collection. This study demonstrates the potential of using these devices as acceptable methods for opportunistic testing of “at-risk” individuals within non-traditional community care settings.

Immunoreactive trypsinogen in healthy newborns and infants with cystic fibrosis

ObjectiveNewborn screening (NBS) for cystic fibrosis (CF) was introduced in Switzerland in 2011 based on an immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT)-DNA-IRT protocol. CF diagnosis was confirmed by sweat test and/or genetics but...

Rapid Evaluation of Vaccine Booster Effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 Variants.

ABSTRACTAs the COVID-19 pandemic continues, countries around the world are switching toward vaccinations and boosters to combat the pandemic. However, waning immunity against SARS-CoV-2 wild-type (WT) and variants have been widely reported. Booster vaccinations have shown to be able to increase immunological protection against new variants; however, the protection observed appears to decrease quickly over time suggesting a second booster shot may be appropriate. Moreover, heterogeneity and waning of the immune response at the individual level was observed suggesting a more personalized vaccination approach should be considered. To evaluate such a personalized strategy, it is important to have the ability to rapidly evaluate the level of neutralizing antibody (nAbs) response against variants at the individual level and ideally at a point of care setting. Here, we applied the recently developed cellulose pulled-down virus neutralization test (cpVNT) to rapidly assess individual nAb levels to WT and variants of concerns in response to booster vaccination. Our findings confirmed significant heterogeneity of nAb responses against a panel of SARS-CoV-2 variants, and indicated a strong increase in nAb response against variants of concern (VOCs) upon booster vaccination. For instance, the nAb response against current predominant omicron variant was observed with medians of 88.1% (n = 6, 95% CI = 73.2% to 96.2%) within 1-month postbooster and 70.7% (n = 22, 95% CI = 66.4% to 81.8%) 3 months postbooster. Our data show a point of care (POC) test focusing on nAb response levels against VOCs can guide decisions on the potential need for booster vaccinations at individual level. Importantly, it also suggests the current booster vaccines only give a transient protective response against some VOC and new more targeted formulations of a booster vaccine against specific VOC may need to be developed in the future.IMPORTANCE Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 induces protection through production of neutralization antibodies (nAb). The level of nAb is a major indicator of immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection. We developed a rapid point-of-care test that can monitor the nAb level from a drop of finger stick blood. Here, we have implemented the test to monitor individual nAb level against wild-type and variants of SARS-CoV-2 at various time points of vaccination, including post-second-dose vaccination and postbooster vaccination. Huge diversity of nAb levels were observed among individuals as well as increment in nAb levels especially against Omicron variant after booster vaccination. This study evaluated the performance of this point-of-care test for personalized nAb response tracking. It verifies the potential of using a rapid nAb test to guide future vaccination regimens at both the individual and population level.

Effect of a test-and-treat approach to vitamin D supplementation on risk of all cause acute respiratory tract infection and covid-19: phase 3 randomised controlled trial (CORONAVIT)

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of population level implementation of a test-and-treat approach to correction of suboptimal vitamin D status (25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) <75 nmol/L) on risk of all cause acute...

Assessment of accuracy and glycemic control of FGM and CGM and impact on mental well-being

Abstract The incidence of diabetes is increasing globally. Short and long-term effects of diabetes can negatively affect the lives of a person and their relatives. A good glycaemic control is important. Compared to conventional blood glucose measurement with capillary blood, which is obtained by finger pricking, it is now possible to continuously measure glucose using sensors that are placed in the subcutaneous tissue and remain there for several days to weeks. This means that the "tissue sugar" and not the blood sugar directly is determined. For this reason, it is important to determine the accuracy of these sensors. Furthermore, such systems can influence not only the physical but also the psychological/mental health of people with diabetes and their relatives. Reimbursement of sensors differs in Europe. This overview is based on the Austrian health care system.

Physiological Implications Of Petit Allegro As A Pre-activity Warm Up

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine if 30 seconds of petit allegro as sautés induced physiological changes that aid in preparing dancers for activity. METHODS: Ten females (age = 20.9 ± 2.18 years) participated. Subjects sat at rest for five minutes (Pre). At rest, glucose and lactate levels were collected via finger pricking. Subjects completed 30 seconds of petit allegro. Glucose and lactate data were immediately collected during recovery. Throughout the entire trial, VO2 and VCO2 data were collected. Muscle oxygenation of the left and right gastrocnemii were monitored and analyzed as the average of three different time periods (0-5 min post, 5-10 min post, 10-15 min post). RESULTS: Repeated measures ANOVA (RM ANOVA) for time indicated that there was a significant increase in lactate (F = 14.1935, p = 0.0003) with significant increases between Pre and Post 5 minutes (p = 0.0008, pre 1.93 ± 1.46 mmol vs 3.91 ± 1.64 mmol) and between Pre and Post 10 (p = 0.0112, pre 1.93 ± 1.46 mmol vs 3.81 ± 1.52 mmol). RM ANOVA for time indicated a significant difference in VO2 (F = 13.3375, p = 0.0003). Significant increases were found between Pre and During (p < 0.001, 0.228 ± 0.053 L O2*min-1 vs 0.511 ± 0.187 L O2*min-1) as well as between Pre and Post (p = 0.002, 0.228 ± 0.053 L O2*min-1 vs 0.460 ± 0.106 L O2*min-1). RM ANOVA for RER indicated a significant main effect of time (F = 18.5607, p = 0.001). Significant increased were found between Pre and Post (p < 0.001, 0.843 ± 0.046 vs 1.147 ± 0.154). RM ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of time for minute ventilation (F = 10.0896, p = 0.0065). No individual time points were significantly different (p > 0.05). No significant differences were noted for time for blood glucose (F = 0.7383, p = 0.4918). Differences by time for left muscle oxygenation (F = 3.1185, p = 0.0239), with pre being significantly different from post (0-5 min) (p = 0.0170, pre: 67.29 ± 14.22 , post (0-5 min): 48.35 ± 24.61), and post (0-5 min) being different from post (5-10 min) (p = 0.0100, post 1 48.35 ± 24.61, post (5-10 min) 68.91 ± 9.54) and post (10-15 min) (p = 0.0220, post 1 48.35 ± 24.61, post (10-15 min) 73.20 ± 12.79). No differences were noted for right muscle oxygenation (F = 2.009, p = 0.1093). CONCLUSION: Petit allegro elicits some desirable characteristics of warm-up such as increased VO2 and minute ventilation.

Is Estimation Of Blood Glucose By Glucometer More Reliable Than Laboratory Analysis? A Comparative Study Done At Rural Hospital Of Maharashtra

Abstract Introduction: Diabetes is a major public health problem that is approaching epidemic proportions globally. Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) is promoted in diabetic patients so that they achieve and maintain specific glycemic goals. Objectives : To compare the blood glucose estimation methods; capillary blood and venous blood by glucometer, venous plasma glucose estimation by auto analyzer and to find variation in results. Material &amp; Methods : 60 patients attending Outpatient department of JIIUs IIMSR and Noor hospital, Warudi, Badnapur, Maharashtra who were advised blood glucose estimation were selected. Finger prick (capillary) blood glucose &amp; glucose estimation of venous blood was done by glucometer; and venous plasma glucose estimation was done by auto analyzer in laboratory. Result &amp; Conclusion : Mean values of capillary glucose estimation by glucometer were higher than plasma glucose estimation in laboratory on auto analyzer and the difference was found to be statistically significant. Venous glucose estimation on glucometer gave high erroneous results as compared to plasma glucose estimation in laboratory.

Development of a Noninvasive Blood Glucose Monitoring System Prototype: Pilot Study.

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is a severe disease characterized by high blood glucose levels resulting from dysregulation of the hormone insulin. Diabetes is managed through physical activity and dietary modification and requires careful monitoring of blood glucose concentration. Blood glucose concentration is typically monitored throughout the day by analyzing a sample of blood drawn from a finger prick using a commercially available glucometer. However, this process is invasive and painful, and leads to a risk of infection. Therefore, there is an urgent need for noninvasive, inexpensive, novel platforms for continuous blood sugar monitoring.ObjectiveOur study aimed to describe a pilot test to test the accuracy of a noninvasive glucose monitoring prototype that uses laser technology based on near-infrared spectroscopy.MethodsOur system is based on Raspberry Pi, a portable camera (Raspberry Pi camera), and a visible light laser. The Raspberry Pi camera captures a set of images when a visible light laser passes through skin tissue. The glucose concentration is estimated by an artificial neural network model using the absorption and scattering of light in the skin tissue. This prototype was developed using TensorFlow, Keras, and Python code. A pilot study was run with 8 volunteers that used the prototype on their fingers and ears. Blood glucose values obtained by the prototype were compared with commercially available glucometers to estimate accuracy.ResultsWhen using images from the finger, the accuracy of the prototype is 79%. Taken from the ear, the accuracy is attenuated to 62%. Though the current data set is limited, these results are encouraging. However, three main limitations need to be addressed in future studies of the prototype: (1) increase the size of the database to improve the robustness of the artificial neural network model; (2) analyze the impact of external factors such as skin color, skin thickness, and ambient temperature in the current prototype; and (3) improve the prototype enclosure to make it suitable for easy finger and ear placement.ConclusionsOur pilot study demonstrates that blood glucose concentration can be estimated using a small hardware prototype that uses infrared images of human tissue. Although more studies need to be conducted to overcome limitations, this pilot study shows that an affordable device can be used to avoid the use of blood and multiple finger pricks for blood glucose monitoring in the diabetic population.

Yenidoğan Topuk Kanı Taraması İşlem Basamakları ve Görev Alan Sağlık Çalışanları

Yenidoğan taramalarında amaç, tedavi edilmezse uzun vadede ileriye dönük sekellere yol açabilecek hatta ölümle sonuçlanabilecek doğumsal metabolik ve endokrin bozuklukların erken tespitidir. Bu amaç doğrultusunda, ülkemizde yenidoğan topuk kanından beş hastalığın taraması yapılmaktadır. Koruyucu sağlık hizmeti olan yenidoğan topuk kanı taramasının tarihçesinin; kan örneğinin alınma zamanının; örnek alınmadan önceki, alınma esnasındaki ve alındıktan sonraki işlem basamaklarının bilinmesi hastalıkların erken tespit edilebilmesi böylelikle bazı hastalıklar için tedavinin erken başlaması bazıları için diyet programının uygulanması açısından önem arz etmektedir. Taramada görevli olan sağlık çalışanlarının konu ile ilgili görev ve sorumlulukları bulunmaktadır. Bunların en iyi şekilde öğrenilmesi elzemdir. Ayrıca sonuçların değerlendirilmesi ve sonucu şüpheli çıkan yenidoğanların ailelerinin bilgilendirilmesi, tedavi ve takip için ilgili birimlere yönlendirilmesi gerekmektedir. Bu doğrultuda yapılacak olan yenidoğan taramaları amacına daha etkili bir şekilde ulaşacaktır. Bu derleme, literatürde konunun bu yönüne bir bütün olarak hitap eden yeteri kadar kaynak olmaması nedeniyle, sahada gözlemlenen eksiklikler doğrultusunda konunun önemine dikkat çekmek ve sağlık çalışanlarında farkındalık uyandırmak amacıyla hazırlanmıştır.

Parents' views on accepting, declining, and expanding newborn bloodspot screening.

The goal of newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) is the early detection of treatable disorders in newborns to offer early intervention. Worldwide, the number of conditions screened for is expanding, which might affect public acceptance. In the Netherlands, participation is high (>99%), but little is known about how parents perceive NBS. This study assessed parents' views on accepting, declining and expanding NBS. A total of 804 of 6051 (13%) invited parents who participated in NBS in the Netherlands during the last two weeks of December 2019, and 48 of 1162 (4%) invited parents who declined participation in NBS in 2019 and 2020, completed a questionnaire. The most important reason for parents to participate in NBS was to prevent health complaints, whereas the most important reason to decline NBS was parents' viewpoint on life and the belief that the heel prick would be painful for the child. Compared to NBS participants, respondents who declined NBS were more actively religious, considered alternative medicine or lifestyle more important, were less inclined to vaccinate their child for infectious diseases, and reported more doubt about NBS participation (all differences p < .001). Informed choice was lower among respondents who declined NBS (44%) compared to participants in NBS (83%, p < .001), mostly due to insufficient knowledge. Of the NBS participants, 95% were positive about NBS expansion. Most NBS participants agreed to include conditions that could unintentionally reveal a diagnosis in the mother instead of the child (86%) or a condition that may not cause symptoms until later in the child's life (84%). Most participants made an informed decision to participate in NBS and are positive about screening for more conditions. Insights into parents' views on (non-)participation and expansion of NBS can help to ensure that NBS suits the population needs while safeguarding ethical principles for screening.

Brief Report: Pediatric Saliva-Based HIV Testing: Health care Worker and Caregiver Acceptability.

Pediatric HIV testing remains suboptimal. The OraQuick test [saliva-based test (SBT)] is validated in pediatric populations ≥18 months. Understanding caregiver and health care worker (HCW) acceptability of pediatric SBT is critical for implementation. A trained qualitative interviewer conducted 8 focus group discussions (FGDs): 4 with HCWs and 4 with caregivers of children seeking health services in western Kenya. FGDs explored acceptability of pediatric SBT and home- and facility-based SBT use. Two reviewers conducted consensus coding and thematic analyses of transcripts using Dedoose. Most HCWs but few caregivers had heard of SBT. Before seeing SBT instructions, both had concerns about potential HIV transmission through saliva, which were mostly alleviated after kit demonstration. Noted benefits of SBT included usability and avoiding finger pricks. Benefits of facility-based pediatric SBT included shorter client waiting and service time, higher testing coverage, and access to HCWs, while noted challenges included ensuring confidentiality. Benefits of caregivers using home-based SBT included convenience, privacy, decreased travel costs, increased testing, easier administration, and child comfort. Perceived challenges included not receiving counseling, disagreements with partners, child neglect, and negative emotional response to a positive test result. Overall, HCWs felt that SBT could be used for pediatric HIV testing but saw limited utility for caregivers performing SBT without an HCW present. Caregivers saw utility in home-based SBT but wanted easy access to counseling in case of a positive test result. SBT was generally acceptable to HCWs and caregivers and is a promising strategy to expand testing coverage.

A cross-sectional study of hepatitis C prevalence and correlates among persons who inject drugs in rural and non-rural communities.

Persons who inject drugs (PWID) have been experiencing a higher burden of new hepatitis C (HCV) due to the opioid epidemic. The greatest increases in injection have been in rural communities. However, less is known about the prevalence of HCV or its risk factors in rural compared to non-rural communities. This study compared HCV infection history, current infection, and associated behavioural and sociodemographic correlates among PWID recruited from rural and non-rural communities from Upstate New York (NY). This cross-sectional study recruited 309 PWID, using respondent-driven sampling. Blood samples were collected through finger stick for HCV antibody and RNA tests. A survey was also self-administered for HCV infection history, sociodemographics and behavioural correlates to compare by setting rurality. HCV seropositivity was significantly higher among PWID from rural than non-rural communities (71.0% vs. 46.8%), as was current infection (41.4% vs. 25.9%). High levels of past year syringe (44.4%) and equipment (62.2%) sharing were reported. Factors associated with infection history include syringe service program utilization, non-Hispanic white race, sharing needles and methamphetamine injection, which was higher in rural vs. non-rural communities (38.5% vs. 15.5%). HCV burden among PWID appears higher in rural than non-rural communities and may be increasing possibly due to greater levels of methamphetamine injection. On-going systematic surveillance of HCV prevalence and correlates is crucial to respond to the changing opioid epidemic landscape. Additionally, improving access to harm reduction services, especially with special focus on stimulants, may be important to reduce HCV prevalence among PWID in rural settings.

Gabriella Morreale, The Italian-Spanish Chemist who Introduced the Heel Prick Test in Newborns

This article shows the biography of a woman, Gabriella Morreale, born in Italy but nationalized Spanish for having lived since she was eleven years old and having developed her brilliant work in that country, to whom many merits are owed because of the important discoveries that she did in her professional activity as a graduate and doctorate in Chemistry. Among its milestones are the introduction of the heel prick test, a clinical test for the early detection of congenital metabolic diseases, and her studies on iodine deficiency, especially serious among the youngest, because it can cause brain damage. The main objective is to remember her figure and put her as a reference to society. The methodology followed has been the usual one in this type of works, the search in mainly primary sources of data about her life and the importance of her scientific research.

Gabriella Morreale, The Italian-Spanish Chemist who Introduced the Heel Prick Test in Newborns

Gabriella Morreale, The Italian-Spanish Chemist who Introduced the Heel Prick Test in Newborns

Effects of Acute Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) Ingestion on Aerobic Exercise Performance

Mistletoe (Viscum album L.; VA) has been traditionally used in folk medicine to combat fatigue and stress. Evidence has shown that chronic consumption of VA results in an enhancement of oxidative metabolism and exercise performance. However, no studies have investigated how acute VA consumption influences performance. The purpose of this brief report was to investigate the effects of acute VA ingestion on rowing exercise performance. Physically active females were recruited for this study. In a crossover, counterbalanced design, participants completed two trials each with a different treatment: (1) VA (2000 mg) and (2) placebo (PL; gluten-free cornstarch; 2000 mg). A total of 30 minutes prior to exercise, participants consumed their treatment. The participants were familiarized with the rowing ergometer and warmed up for 5 min at 50% of age-predicted heart rate max. Immediately following the warm-up, the participants completed a 2000 m rowing time trial. Blood lactate (La) was obtained with a lactate meter via finger prick before and after exercise. Power output, trial time, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and La were analyzed. The findings revealed no significant differences for the relative power output (p = 0.936), trial time (p = 0.842) or heart rate (p = 0.762). Rating of perceived exertion was lower with VA ingestion (p = 0.027). La was significantly higher post-exercise regardless of treatment (p &lt; 0.001). However, post-exercise La was lower with VA ingestion (p = 0.032). Findings do not support VA as an ergogenic aid but suggest ingestion may alter metabolism resulting in less La formation and subjective fatigue.

Prevalence of Malaria and Covid-19 in Febrile Patients in Lomé, Togo in 2020.

PurposeThe objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of malaria and Covid-19 by PCR and serological tests in febrile patients in Lomé.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1 to October 31, 2020 in febrile patients ≥ 10 years in three health facilities in Lomé. Finger stick blood was collected to detect Plasmodium spp. using thin/thick smear and venous blood on EDTA tubes to test for malaria Histidin-Rich-Protein-2 antigen using rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and SARS-CoV-2 antibodies specific immunoglobulin (Ig) M and G. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal samples was performed by rRT-PCR using GeneXpert.ResultsA total of 243 participants (61.7% of female) with median age 28 years (IQR 18–41) were included in the study. Prevalence of malaria was 25.1%, 95% CI [19.8–31.0] and 30.4%, 95% CI [24.7–36.7] for thin/thick smear and rapid malaria test, respectively. Eighteen patients (7.4%, 95% CI [4.4–11.5]) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 and forty-two (17.3%, 95% CI [12.8–22.6]) were positive for IgM and/or IgG against SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 IgM seroprevalence was significantly higher in malaria RDT positive participants (33.8% vs. 10.1%, p < 0.001).ConclusionThis study confirms a possible cross-reactivity between Covid-19 and malaria in case of single use of rapid tests, suggesting a possible past contamination. In case of clinical signs related to Covid-19 in malaria-endemic areas, PCR screening should be requested in order to identify and isolate patients.

(Digital Presentation) Development of an Electrochemical Microfluidic Device with on-Platform Sample Collection

As the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to develop, the need for portable rapid testing platforms remains prevalent to provide patients with accurate and quantitative diagnostic and serosurveillance information at the point-of-care. The current gold standard detection techniques like RT-PCR and ELISA require trained personnel to perform lengthy protocols, resulting in a long turnover from sample collection to result acquisition. Herein, we propose an electrochemical microfluidic device for on-platform detection of viral proteins and antibodies at the point-of-care in a multiplexed manner. Miniaturization technology through the use of microfluidic devices offers numerous advantages including low reagent consumption, high fluidic control, reduced reaction times, inexpensive applications, and the possibility of throughput analysis. Electrochemical detection can provide advantages in cost effective fabrication, high sensitivity and simple instrumentation using a standard 3-electrode (working, reference, and counter) setup. Our platform proposes the design of an electrochemical cell with an enhanced working electrode to act as the detection assay with microfluidic channels to facilitate sample collection and pre-treatment; an integrated saliva collection kit and lancing device enabled the use of both untreated saliva from direct self-collection and whole blood from a finger prick. Automated fluid manipulation reduced the potential of user contamination through the implementation of suction-based flow. The electrochemical microfluidic device was encased in a 3D-printed cartridge for the fabrication of a fully integrative technology on a single platform with the potential to be used at the point-of-care in both clinical and commercial applications using direct biofluids.

Gingival Crevicular Blood as a Diagnostic aid for the Detection of Diabetes Mellitus: an in-Office Chairside Test in Dental Practice

Background: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease because of the elevated levels of glucose in the blood. And usually most of the diabetic patients are left undiagnosed in their early stages of the disease because of the unnoticeable symptomsby the patients&#x0D; which could lead to the severe damage to the body system, hence an early diagnosis is very important and life saving indiabetic patients.&#x0D; Aim: aim of the present study is to evaluate the accuracy of gingival crevicular blood as a diagnostic tool in diabeticpatients.&#x0D; Methods: This study involves total 50 patients 25 diabetic and 25 non diabetic patients, with moderate to severe periodontitis. Regular dental check-up is done including periodontal pocket depth probing. Blood oozing from the gingival crevice was collected with the strips of glucose self monitoring devise. To the same patient finger stick Blood glucose level and venous blood[ VB] glucose level with standardized laboratory method was taken.&#x0D; Results: The results showed significant strong correlation between all three groups. With p value (P &lt; 0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: Blood oozing during the pocket detection can be used for diagnosing aid in diabetes.&#x0D; Keywords: gingival crevicular blood, Finger stick blood, venous blood, diabetes mellitus, Glucometer, chronicperiodontitis.