Advanced blood glucose monitoring system has improved patient safety during emergency flight transfers, claims Roche.
CEGA Air Ambulance has recently upgraded its blood glucose monitoring system to use the advanced Accu-Chek Inform II test strips from Roche.
The blood glucose test strips provide the performance criteria necessary for monitoring critically ill patients prior to, during and after emergency flight transfers.
"We require a reliable, easy to use, professional tool for blood glucose measurement," said CEGA Senior Flight Nurse, Stuart Cox.
"After reviewing all the kits that are available on the market, we felt that the Roche Accu-Chek Inform II test strips best met our requirements for high quality patient care in the air ambulance environment.
"The strips have a very good range compared to other systems, giving accurate results at both high and low glucose levels, which is essential for patient safety." Stress-induced insulin resistance and hyperglycaemia is common in critically ill patients so close monitoring of blood glucose levels is an important part of their care.
Studies have shown that maintenance of appropriate glycaemic control in such patients can save lives.
"Providing international medical assistance, including the transportation of critical care patients around Europe, we use the Accu-Chek Inform II glucose strips to assess patients prior to the flight to make sure they are stable; during the transfer to monitor them and guide any necessary treatment; and then after the flight to assess their status before handing them over to the next medical team." The Accu-Chek Inform II test strips have undergone extensive evaluation, including studies at over 30 external sites as well as thorough internal testing.
The strips require a minimal sample volume of just 0.6ul and deliver accurate results from alternative sampling sites, such as the palm and forearm.
