Assessment of the Awareness of Glucometer Calibration among Laboratory Scientists in a Nigerian Urban Setting: Effect on Effective Blood Glucose Monitoring and Management

Abstract

Efforts have been made to ensure effective blood glucose monitoring and diabetes management through the introduction of the use of a glucometer in measuring blood glucose levels. Effective calibration of the glucometer before use is essential in maintaining the precision and accuracy of the results. This study investigated the awareness of glucometer calibration among medical diagnostic laboratories in Nsukka, an urban setting in southeast Nigeria.  Details examined include educational level and expertise of the medical laboratory scientists, type of laboratory, type of glucometer, year of purchase and manufacture, and information on the calibration of a glucometer. In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire on the knowledge of glucometer calibration was administered to Medical Laboratory Scientists in various approved health institutions. The results revealed that out of 92 respondents, 53 (57.6%) consisting of Ordinary National Diploma (OND) Higher National Diploma (HND) Bachelor of Science (BSc), Master of Science (MSc) and Doctorate (PhD) degree holders were knowledgeable on how to calibrate a glucometer while 39 respondents (42.4%) consisting mainly of Secondary School Certificate (O-level) holders were knowledgeable on how to calibrate a glucometer. Sixty-one (61) respondents (64.9%) checked the blood glucose level of more than 12 people weekly, 15 respondents (15.9%) for 10-12 people weekly, while 6 (6.4%), 8 (8.5%), and 4 respondents (4.3%) had 7-9, 4-6 and 1-3 people weekly respectively. A greater percentage of the respondents, though acknowledging awareness that glucometers should be regularly recalibrated, seldom recalibrate their glucometers, erroneously believing that regular recalibration will not affect the results and therefore, is not necessary. In conclusion, the awareness of glucometer calibration and its practice increases with the level of education of the practitioners in the area.