What Researchers Did
Researchers evaluated a new test method by assessing the safe and accurate functioning of the Abbott Optium FreeStyle H blood glucose monitor for use in the Alfred Hospital's hyperbaric chamber.
What They Found
The developed test method successfully evaluated instruments for hyperbaric environments. The Abbott Optium FreeStyle H blood glucose monitor operated normally and performed within calibration specifications for accuracy at all stages of a typical hyperbaric treatment, despite initially identifying a lithium battery that posed minimal risk.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients requiring blood glucose monitoring during hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be reassured that specific devices, like the Abbott Optium FreeStyle H, can be safely evaluated and deemed accurate for use in such specialized environments. This ensures their blood sugar levels can be reliably tracked during critical treatments.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was conducted at the Alfred Hospital, which is not in Canada.
Study Limitations
A limitation is that this study focused on the evaluation of a single glucometer model within one specific hyperbaric chamber environment.