Verification studies in glucometers: Should we use capillary blood or venous blood for comparison?

Glucometers are widely used in the diagnosis of blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes mellitus. EN ISO 15197 suggests that glucometer comparison studies should have 100 capillary blood samples be worked on at least twice. In this study, we planned on comparing the glucose results measured in a routine biochemistry analyzer from two different glucometers, capillary and venous blood samples, and aimed to discuss the effects of blood taking systems on the glucometer validation studies. Capillary and venous blood samples were taken from 101 individuals and their glucose concentrations measured simultaneously using two different glucometers (Accu-chek and GlucoMax). Capillary and venous blood samples were centrifuged after clotting and analyzed in the Roche P modular system. In the fasting condition, the equations for regression analysis that were found y=0,873x+24,32 (r=0,857) in between Accu-chek and venous blood glucose, y=0,9x+16,15 (r=0,920) in between Accu-chek and capillary blood glucose, y=0,811x+20,94 (r=0,776) in between GlucoMax and venous blood glucose, and y=0,851x+12,28 (r=0,863) in between GlucoMax and capillary blood glucose.In the postprandial state, the equations were y=0,713x+48,46 (r=0,258) in between Accu-chek and venous blood glucose, y=0,981x+11,77 (r=0,718) in between Accu-chek and capillary blood glucose, y=0,706x+39,12 (r=0,453) in between GlucoMax and venous blood glucose, and y=0,790+22,35 (r=0,787) in between GlucoMax and capillary blood glucose. In the fasting and postprandial state, the capillary glucose levels showed better correlation with glucometer measurements than venous blood glucose levels. In glucometer verification studies, capillary blood obtained with capillary blood sampling systems and used instead of venous blood should be the preferred sample. [Med-Science 2018; 7(1.000): 218-221

Subacute THYROiditis Related to SARS-CoV-2 VAccine and Covid-19 (THYROVAC Study): A Multicenter Nationwide Study.

Context The aims of the study are to compare characteristics of subacute thyroiditis (SAT) related to different etiologies, and to identify predictors of recurrence of SAT and incident hypothyroidism. Methods This nationwide, multicenter, retrospective cohort study included 53 endocrinology centers in Turkey. The study participants were divided into either COVID-19-related SAT (Cov-SAT), SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-related SAT (Vac-SAT), or control SAT (Cont-SAT) groups. Results Of the 811 patients, 258 (31.8%) were included in the Vac-SAT group, 98 (12.1%) in the Cov-SAT group, and 455 (56.1%) in the Cont-SAT group. No difference was found between the groups with regard to laboratory and imaging findings. SAT etiology was not an independent predictor of recurrence or hypothyroidism. In the entire cohort, steroid therapy requirement and younger age were statistically significant predictors for SAT recurrence. C-reactive protein measured during SAT onset, female sex, absence of antithyroid peroxidase (TPO) positivity, and absence of steroid therapy were statistically significant predictors of incident (early) hypothyroidism, irrespective of SAT etiology. On the other hand, probable predictors of established hypothyroidism differed from that of incident hypothyroidism. Conclusion Since there is no difference in terms of follow-up parameters and outcomes, COVID-19- and SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-related SAT can be treated and followed up like classic SATs. Recurrence was determined by younger age and steroid therapy requirement. Steroid therapy independently predicts incident hypothyroidism that may sometimes be transient in overall SAT and is also associated with a lower risk of established hypothyroidism