In a message dated 1/30/99 12:19:40 PM !!!First Boot!!!, [log in to unmask] writes: << that not only were the paper reagent strips wildly, wildly inaccurate and totally unsuitable for testing hypoglycaemia in the newborn but that, and I quote "You may as well spit in the wind" for an accurate result from using an glucometer machine. Neither of these systems were designed for testing hypoglycaemia in newborns. Imo it is shocking that we should be routinely testing healthy term newborns and even more shocking using test equipment that will give rubbish information and then acting upon that rubbish information causing the cascade of intervention >> The new, modern glucometers are much more accurate as millions and millions of people (and children) with diabetes who test their bG many times a day will attest to. HemoCue makes a B-Glucose Analyzer that will give "lab accurate" glucose results from a drop of blood - it is quick and accurate! The American Academy of Pediatics, Committee on Fetus and Newborn, made the following recommendation: "Universal neonatal screening of blood glucose for hypoglycemia is NOT warranted in most nurseries. Selective screening for high-risk babies may offer an advantage over universal screening; however, in those nurseries where a large proportion of infants fall into one of the high-risk categories, it may be easier to screen all infants. The question of the appropriate age for selective screening still needs to be answered." Andrew MD [log in to unmask]