Interfering Effect of Alcohol Swabbing on Capillary Blood Glucose Concentration Using a Glucometer: A Brief Report

Background: In this study, we investigated the interfering effect of alcohol swabs on blood glucose measurements.

Objectives: We conducted a randomized quasi experimental quantitative study with 160 diabetic patients.

Methods: Blood glucose was measured with a glucometer in three ways: Immediately after cleaning with an alcohol swab, 30 seconds after the alcohol dried, and venous blood glucose.

Results: The results of the ANOVA test showed no statistically significant difference between glucose measured by the glucometer immediately after disinfection, blood glucose 30 seconds after disinfection, and venous glucose in the age range of 1- 20 years (P = 0.376), in the age range of 11 – 20 years (P = 0.248), and in the age range of 21 – 30 years (P = 0.436); the measurements were almost the same.

Conclusions: It can be concluded that alcohol-containing swabs used for hand disinfection do not have a significant effect on the measured blood glucose. However, it is advisable to wait 30 seconds for the alcohol to dry, especially when thin lancets are used.