SpectRx
Continuous BG Monitor

SpectRx / Abbott Lab. meter

As yet I am not sure exactly what this meter is going to be called as it is collaboration between SpectRx who developed the Altea MicroPor Laser and Abbott laboratories who produce a wide range of diagnostic tools.

It is another promising development that is, at the time of my writing this, still in the clinical trials stage.

Basically it utilises a rather novel way of measuring glucose through the skin.

The Altea MicroPor Laser, which is a hand held device, makes microscopic holes in the outer layer of the skin, through which interstitial fluid, along with it's glucose, can pass continuously and be measured by the sensor contained in an external patch on the skins surface above the holes.

This eliminates the need to place the sensor under the skin and does away with the chances of infection that can occur from such placing. It is also painless as the laser is set to only penetrate the dead outer layer of the skin.

The sensor passes the data wirelessly to a receiver.

The advantages with this system will be:-
1. Blood glucose monitoring will be continuous because the fluid being cycled through the patch is continuous.
2. It is non-invasive. No more pricking of fingers of insertion of sensors - yippee!
Wait, let me qualify that. At the moment calibration is still via finger prick but they are working to change that. Hope they succeed.
3. The patch, which can go just about anywhere on the body, is apparently comfortable to wear and requires minimal effort on the part of the patient.
4. It will make it so much easier for the doctor and patient to see what needs to be adjusted for better control.

So far so good. We will have to wait and see for this one as well. I would suppose that like everything there will be some 'cons' to balance the 'pros' but those are still to be decided upon.

Further information is available here - SpectRx


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