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ECONOMICS, EDUCATION, AND POLICY

A Cost-Effective Screening Method for Preoperative Hyperglycemia

From the Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida.

Address correspondence to Mark J. Rice, MD, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, PO Box 100254, Gainesville, FL 32610-0254. Address e-mail to mrice{at}anest.ufl.edu.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The preoperative encounter may offer a cost-effective opportunity for diabetes screening.

METHODS: Three hundred forty-seven fasting patients had a preoperative glucose measurement determined from blood residue left on the IV needle, measured with an Accu-Chek glucometer (Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, IN).

RESULTS: After excluding patients with a diabetes history, 4.0% had a glucose measurement between 100 and 125 mg/dL, at a cost of $14.22 per identification, and 1.2% had a glucose measurement more than 125 mg/dL, at a cost of $32.00 per identification.

CONCLUSIONS: This preoperative blood glucose screening test was implemented at a cost of approximately one-tenth of current methods.