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

ObjectiveTo determine agreement between neonatal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glucose measured by standard laboratory method versus blood gas analyzers (BGA) and glucometers.Study designThis 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.ResultsLin’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.ConclusionsCSF glucose measured by blood gas analyzers may be used as a point-of-care test among neonates.Trial registrationNot applicable