Neonatal CSF glucose measured by blood gas analyzer, glucometer, and standard laboratory methods

Objective

To determine agreement between neonatal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glucose measured by standard laboratory method versus blood gas analyzers (BGA) and glucometers.

Study design

This prospective, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in a level III neonatal unit on 97 neonates undergoing lumbar puncture. Agreement was estimated by Lin’s coefficient of concordance and Bland-Altman plot.

Results

Lin’s coefficient of concordance between the CSF laboratory and BGA glucose values was higher than that between CSF laboratory and glucometer glucose {P value < 0.001}. Bland-Altman plot of CSF glucose values by laboratory and BGA methods showed a bias of −0.137 mmol/l. The plot of laboratory versus glucometer methods showed a bias of −0.863 mmol/l. A linear regression equation to predict laboratory CSF glucose from BGA values and glucometer values had an R² of 0.975 and 0.971 respectively.

Conclusions

CSF glucose measured by blood gas analyzers may be used as a point-of-care test among neonates.

Trial registration

Not applicable