PDA

View Full Version : Whole Blood versus Plasma


jimmys devoted
10-01-2006, 09:12 AM
Many may not ealize or even care that monitors come in two types. Whole blood and plsama.
Plasma readings ae becoming the norm as they aer mor elike lb values.
It uses a method called electrophorsisis. A small electrical charge is assed through the blood wiht a chemical reaction to read the saturation of glucose as percentage.
Whole blood reads cells. Glucose reacts with a chemical on the srips. the higher the glucose amount the more the color deepens.
Labs often recalibrate wholeblood readngs to plasma levels because its a chemical transfiguration.

When choosing a monitor, most now come in plasma only. But its a wise idea to know that there are still whoel blodounits out there.
MAny new units do not discount vitmins C or certain mediatiosn and that can give a false high or low reading.

Cassy
06-15-2007, 02:06 PM
To be perfectly honest, I wasn't aware that there was a difference in monitors like that. This is definitely good information to have out there.