A Cost-Effective Screening Method for Preoperative Hyperglycemia

INTRODUCTION: The preoperative encounter may offer a cost-effective opportunity for diabetes screening. METHODS: Three hundred forty-seven fasting patients had a preoperative glucose measurement determined from blood residue left on the IV needle, measured with an Accu-Chek glucometer (Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, IN). RESULTS: After excluding patients with a diabetes history, 4.0% had a glucose measurement between 100 and 125 mg/dL, at a cost of $14.22 per identification, and 1.2%, had a glucose measurement more than 125 mg/dL, at a cost of $32.00 per identification. CONCLUSIONS: This preoperative blood glucose screening test was implemented at a cost of approximately one-tenth of current methods. (Anesth Analg 2009;109:1622-4)