Rapid Automated Micro Screening for Diabetes

Abstract

AUTOMATED METHODS for determination of blood sugar values in diabetes screening are becoming increasingly popular. Equipment and methodology have in the past necessitated use of several milliliters of venous blood. This study was undertaken to develop, with the aid of the AutoAnalyzer (A) for determination of blood glucose levels, an automated technique that would result in a rapid, simple, and economical diabetes screening procedure providing a precise measlure of blood sugar. Another purpose was to determine the accuracy and feasibility of using the Unopette (B) to obtain the blood sample. The Unopette, a device consisting of a selffilling capillary pipette and a reservoir (fig. 1), was used to simplify the diabetes screening procedure. The pipette is used to obtain the capillary sample, which is then diluted in the plastic reservoir. The entire unit is disposable. Use of the Unopette greatly reduces the amount of time and skill required to obtain the blood sample.