Conclusion
We propose that POC is included in a protocol for GDM screening that reserves VPG for when CBG-StatStrip fasting glucose ≥5.1 mmol/L or 2-hour CBG-StatStrip is 7.5-9.5 mmol/L. This would reduce the requirement for venous sampling and laboratory measurements by 75% for fasting samples and by 48% for 2-hour samples. This approach may allow to focus resources on measures to mitigate pre-analytical factors in samples that do need to be sent to the lab.
It may also improve patient experience with fewer venous blood samples and quicker results for some women, reduce the overall costs of laboratory tests and save staff time. Our study is population specific and applied using POC-Statstrips® in a specific health care setting so further studies in different cohorts using locally validated POC/lab analysers are recommended before similar protocols can be implemented in different healthcare settings.
Disclosure of interests: no financial, personal, political, intellectual, or religious interests
Contribution to authorship:
Wiaam Al-Hasani: Data collection, statistical analysis and interpretation, literature review, writing of the manuscripts , main corresponding author.
Ruvini Ranasinghe: Data collection, contribution to statistical analysis.
Helen Rogers: patients review, POC test performance and venous blood sampling.
William Spanier: Data collection.
Katie Spears: Review of the final manuscript, scientific and clinical feedback.
Carol Gayle: Review of the final manuscript, scientific and clinical feedback.
Lisa Long: Review of the final manuscript, scientific clinical feedback.
Georgios K Dimitriadis: statistical analysis and interpretation.
Katharine F Hunt and Royce P Vincent: Joint senior authors, designed the study with the first author, approved the scientific statistical analysis.
All co-authers reviewed and approved the final manuscript following the feedback.
Details of patient’s consent: Consent for publication was not sought as we are only publishing anonymised data from routine clinical care.
Funding: No funding to declare
Details of ethics approval: Ethical approval was not required as the study is reporting on data from routine clinical practice.