The aim of the study was to evaluate the precision and accuracy of the ExacTech home blood glucose meter when used with either capillary or venous blood and to compare this with a reference whole blood glucose assay. Non-fasting glucose measurements were used since a validation study showed no capillary-venous differences between fasting and post-prandial states. In a cross-sectional study, blood was taken from 182 patients and measured in duplicate on three batches of strips. Altogether we analysed 1089 readings. The regression of the data from capillary blood samples (meter vs reference method) had a correlation coefficient, of 0.93, and a mean bias of 0.2 mmol l-1. The corrected 90% confidence interval was +/- 1.5 mmol l-1 overall, and +/- 0.9 mmol l-1 for readings under 7.0 mmol l-1. Regression of the data from venous blood samples (meter vs reference method) had a correlation coefficient of 0.93 and a slope of x 1.1. The corrected 90% confidence interval was +/- 1.7 mmol l-1. Thus venous blood may be used even though the meter is calibrated for capillary samples but the value must be corrected by dividing by 1.1. Error-grid analysis showed that day-to-day clinical decisions could be made on the basis of ExacTech readings, although a diagnosis of borderline diabetes may not be possible.

One hundred and ninety-five diabetic patients attending hospital clinics gave blood samples to test the accuracy and precision of a second generation glucose sensor (satellite G, MediSense Inc., Abingdon, UK) with particular emphasis on its performance with venous blood. Sensor results correlated closely with a standard laboratory method; analysis of residuals showed no deviation from zero slope. Mean percentage difference was low (< +/- 6.0%) and the 95% limits of agreement were < +/- 30% with both capillary and venous blood. Error Grid Analysis showed that none of the measurements would have led to serious management errors. Precision of the system was good with coefficients of variation (CV) between 2.8% and 7.1% for glucose concentrations ranging from 3.0 to 24.0 mmol l-1. The mean CV for duplicate measurements was 5.4% with capillary and 4.4% with venous blood. We conclude that the electrochemical glucose method gives accurate and precise measurements of venous and capillary blood glucose.

Although patients of cerebral sinus thrombosis after intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been previously reported; reports of cerebral venous thrombosis secondary to subcutaneous injection of immunoglobulin (SIG) in conjunction with oral contraceptives are nonexistent in the current literature. We describe here a patient of cerebral venous and sinus thrombosis occurring after the combination of SIG and oral contraceptive use. Furthermore, we shall explore proper clinical precautions for someone who receives IG therapy, especially in conjunction with the use of oral contraceptives.