YSI (UK) has launched the 2300 Stat Plus glucose and lactate analyser, which requires 25 microlitres of blood and provides results in less than 90 seconds.
The YSI 2300 analyser requires no spinning or strip tests and delivers high precision over a wide measuring range.
The analyser gives accurate blood glucose concentration results (up to 50mmol/L) and simultaneous lactate measurement (up to 30mmol/L) within 60 seconds of introducing the sample.
The results, together with the date and time, are printed out and can be used as a permanent record.
Measuring blood glucose using YSI 2300 Stat Plus requires a small sample (25mL) of fresh whole blood, plasma or serum.
In neonates a blood sample may be obtained either from the baby's heel after pricking with a lancet, or in the extremely preterm or sick neonate, this should be obtained from an indwelling arterial catheter, providing only fluids that do not contain glucose are being infused.
The heel should be warm to allow a free-flowing blood sample.
The sample should be taken from the fleshy, outer part of the heel, which causes the least discomfort for the baby and prevents damage to tissues.
It is important that blood glucose concentration is measured accurately so that the correct treatment can be implemented promptly.
One of the major concerns of hypoglycaemia in neonates is the neurological damage that can occur if the central nervous system is deprived of glucose (neuroglycopaenia) for a prolonged period.
Therefore, equipment that gives the most accurate readings with the least potential problems is an essential tool for the neonatal unit.