Pediatric Glucometer
Pediatric Glucometer
What is a Pediatric Glucometer?
A specialized medical device designed for measuring blood glucose levels in children, featuring minimal blood volume requirements and rapid results essential for pediatric care.
Basic Requirements for Pediatric Use
- Minimum blood volume: 0.3 μL
- Result time: Under 5 seconds
- Memory capacity: At least 500 readings
- Error detection system
- Pediatric reference ranges
Key Features for Pediatric Care
- Safety Features:
- Strip ejection button
- Automatic shut-off
- Battery indicator
- Sample size indicator
- Temperature warning
- Display Features:
- Large digital display
- Backlight function
- Time and date stamp
- Warning indicators
- Trend arrows
Step-by-Step Testing Procedure
- 1. Preparation
- Hand hygiene
- Equipment check
- Strip preparation
- Patient identification
- 2. Blood Sampling Sites
- Neonates: Heel stick only
- Infants (0-6 months): Heel stick preferred
- Older infants: Side of finger
- Children: Fingertip (ring or middle finger)
- 3. Sampling Technique
- Clean site with alcohol swab
- Allow to dry completely
- Use age-appropriate lancet depth
- Form proper drop size
- Apply blood to strip correctly
Common Clinical Indications
- Routine Monitoring:
- Diabetes management
- Pre/post feeding in neonates
- Critical care monitoring
- Pre/post procedure checks
- Emergency Situations:
- Suspected hypoglycemia
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Altered mental status
- Seizure evaluation
Normal Values by Age Group
- Neonates (0-24 hours):
- Term: 40-60 mg/dL
- Preterm: 35-55 mg/dL
- Post-feed: 45-90 mg/dL
- Pre-feed: 35-80 mg/dL
- Infants (1-12 months):
- Fasting: 60-100 mg/dL
- Post-prandial: 70-120 mg/dL
- Children (1-18 years):
- Fasting: 70-100 mg/dL
- Post-prandial: 70-140 mg/dL
- Bedtime: 80-120 mg/dL
Critical Values & Actions
- Hypoglycemia:
- Severe: <40 mg/dL - Immediate intervention
- Moderate: 40-60 mg/dL - Close monitoring
- Mild: 60-70 mg/dL - Feed and recheck
- Hyperglycemia:
- Critical: >400 mg/dL - Emergency care
- Severe: 250-400 mg/dL - Urgent evaluation
- Moderate: 180-250 mg/dL - Treatment adjustment
