Verification of inefficacy of the glucose method in detecting aspiration associated with tube feedings.

While some authors believe that testing for glucose in suctioned tracheal secretions can be used to detect aspiration of glucose-containing formula, others disagree. Previous evaluative studies of the glucose method's efficacy have lacked adequate statistical power and a gold standard for aspiration. In this animal study, a gold standard for aspiration was used and possessed sufficient statistical power to address the glucose method's sensitivity and specificity. As such, the results from the study provide the clinician with useful data to decide if the glucose method is appropriate for use in clinical settings.