Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 8th July 2022
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Study identifies accuracy of canine portable blood glucose monitors
Although found to have potential for standard clinical use, PBGMs were inaccurate in comparison to the hexokinase reaction method.
PBGMs compared with hexokinase reaction method.

New research comparing vet-calibrated portable blood glucose monitors for dogs has revealed the accuracy and usefulness of the AccuTell and AlphaTrak2 Portable Blood Glucose Monitors (PBGMs).

To tackle the knowledge gap on the accuracy of these monitors, and to help with the design of standards for veterinary PBGMs, researchers compared the monitors to the hexokinase reaction reference method.

Published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP), the study aimed to determine how useful both monitors are in clinical decision making. 

Nicola Di Girolamo, JSAP editor, explained the purpose of the study: “We oftentimes think that an instrument that is developed specifically for our patients will provide satisfactorily results on most occasions. 

“Instead, studies such as the one presented here, are critical to understand whether the ‘numbers’ provided by an instrument are reliable for clinical use.” 

Researchers found that AccuTell was more accurate for use in a clinical setting than AlphaTrak2, however, in comparison to the hexokinase reaction method, both were inaccurate. 

From the research, it was found that both monitors have potential for standard clinical use, but that unexpected blood glucose concentration in dogs should be checked using the hexokinase reaction method.

Concluding, Di Girolamo said: “The authors provided 95% limits of agreements to their results. This value is of great help for clinicians, since it shows the difference expected between the instrument and the reference standard in the majority of occasions.”

The full study, 'Comparative accuracy of two veterinary-calibrated point-of-care glucometres for measurement of blood glucose concentration in dogs' is available to read on the Wiley Online Library, and is behind a paywall. 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.