What factor can affect the accuracy of whole-blood glucose monitoring?

The accuracy of whole-blood glucose monitoring is significantly influenced by the analytical measurement range. This range refers to the span of glucose concentrations over which the testing method can accurately and reliably measure blood glucose levels. If a patient's glucose concentration falls outside this range, either too high or too low, the results may not be valid or could be misleading.

For accurate glucose monitoring, the method used must be capable of detecting the specific concentrations commonly found in patients. If, for example, a testing device is calibrated to a certain range but encounters levels beyond that, it may under-report or over-report the glucose levels, which could lead to inappropriate treatment decisions. Therefore, understanding and ensuring that the glucose levels fall within the specified analytical range is crucial for the accuracy of whole-blood glucose measurements.

Effective whole-blood glucose monitoring requires careful consideration of this analytic range to ensure reliable and accurate results, making it a key factor affecting the accuracy of measurements.