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

Abstract

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.