Evaluation of 4 handheld blood glucose monitors for use in seabird rehabilitation

Screening methods are needed for immediate field assessment of affected seabirds during oil spills. We compared the accuracies of 4 handheld blood glucose monitors - Accu-Chek Advantage, Glucometer Elite, Precision QID, and Sure Step - with that of Chemstrip bG for blood glucose determination in seabirds. Study subjects were 44 healthy, adult rhinoceros auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata) housed at a wildlife health center. Handheld monitors were at least as accurate as the commonly used Chemstrip bG method in estimating plasma blood glucose concentrations, although the glucose measurements were significantly lower (P.05) alter blood glucose values. Storage of blood for up to 4 hours in a heparinized Microtainer tube at room temperature also produced minimal changes in glucose concentration. We found that electronic, handheld blood glucose monitors underestimate blood glucose concentrations of rhinoceros auklets by 33% in comparison with reference values. However, these monitors are reliable, give results comparable with the Chemstrip bG, and are potentially useful tools for screening purposes in the field during an oil spill.