The training laboratory

The training laboratory is part of the clinical biochemistry department; the employees are bioanalysts. The laboratory was set up to test the quality of devices used to monitor blood glucose levels and to teach persons with diabetes how to use them. It has a wide range of commercially available blood glucose monitoring devices.

Trying out blood glucose monitoring devices
The bioanalysts in the training laboratory have detailed knowledge about the range of available blood glucose monitoring devices. Patients receive advice tailored to their specific needs about which device to buy and under the guidance of a bioanalyst, have the opportunity of trying out the various apparatus.

Checking blood glucose monitoring devices
The laboratory recommends that all blood glucose monitoring devices are checked once a year, or more often if faulty measurements are suspected. When the devices are checked, a bioanalyst takes a blood sample for analysis and checks how the person with diabetes does his or her self-monitoring. The results of the two samples are compared and if a significant difference is apparent, the device is returned to the producer to be examined for defects.
Every new, commercially available, blood glucose monitoring device is tested in the laboratory to assess its quality and to determine whether its functionality and instructions for use are user friendly. Quality is assessed by comparing the results of samples taken using the new device with those of samples taken by the clinical biochemistry department. The bioanalysts test the new device and assess the likelihood of errors.

The loan of blood glucose monitoring devices
Blood glucose monitoring devices can be borrowed for short periods from the training laboratory, and following authorisation from a member of the care team devices are also available for home use. Patients are shown how to use the device and are given forms on which to register the readings.

Teaching
The bioanalysts teach at the type 2 clinic and also run courses for health care professionals from both Steno Diabetes Center and other establishments.