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The Diabetes Educator

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Clinical Nursing Research
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Equivalence of Earlobe Site Blood Glucose Testing With Finger Stick

Patricia Anzalone

NCH Healthcare System, Naples, Florida

This study determines if there are significant differences in blood glucose sampled at the earlobe relative to fingertip sites. A 50-participant cross-sectional comparative design was conducted at a 480-bed community hospital. Four trained data collectors obtained demographic information and blood glucose samples from both the fingertip and earlobe sites. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, paired t test, and the Bland Altman technique, assessing agreement between two methods of clinical measurements. Results indicate that the mean finger stick glucose result was statistically significantly greater than the mean earlobe glucose result. The Bland Altman plot did not demonstrate clinical significance. Results suggest that the earlobe may be a viable alternative to exclusive fingertip site when frequent sampling is necessary in acutely ill patients and demonstrate the importance of the role of the clinical bedside nurse in implementing evidence-based nursing practice related to diabetes treatment and management.

Key Words: blood glucose testing • finger stick • earlobe

Clinical Nursing Research, Vol. 17, No. 4, 251-261 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/1054773808325050
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