A comparison of three methods for the estimation of capillary blood glucose in filter paper spots.

A comparison has been made between three methods for measuring capillary blood glucose collected on filter paper, including a new method using a Beckman glucose analyser 2. The methods are suitable for use with capillary blood spots collected onto filter paper for monitoring the control of diabetic patients. Their accuracy, precision, and recovery of glucose were similar. Glucose measurement with the Beckman glucose analyser 2 involves elution of the dried blood spots with 2% trichloroacetic acid and injection of a fraction of the eluate into the analyser. The method provides a simple and rapid alternative procedure for laboratories that do not have a heavy workload for this type of assay.