What does a glucometer analyze to determine sugar levels?

A glucometer analyzes a drop of capillary blood to determine sugar levels. Capillary blood is drawn from a fingertip or other peripheral site, and it is a commonly accepted practice for monitoring blood glucose because it gives a quick and efficient measurement of the glucose levels in the bloodstream.

When you prick a fingertip to obtain blood for testing, the blood that comes from capillaries, which are tiny blood vessels, provides a reliable indication of the glucose concentration in the body. This is particularly important for conditions such as diabetes, where regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential for maintaining health.

Using capillary blood allows for a relatively rapid and easy method of testing, making glucometers convenient tools for both patients and healthcare providers. Other types of blood, such as arterial blood or interstitial fluid, are not typically used with glucometers due to the complexity and lower convenience involved in obtaining those samples. For instance, arterial blood testing is more invasive and generally used for different types of analyses, while interstitial fluid may not reflect immediate glucose levels accurately as capillary blood does.