Glucose monitoring system approved specifically for critical care units

The FDA recently approved a new indication for the Nova StatStrip Glucose Hospital Meter System, extending its use to critically ill patients who have been hospitalized.

This is the first glucose meter cleared by the FDA for use in these patients. The agency determined that the meter is simple to use and has a low risk for false results and therefore its use will be allowed at the bedside, according to a press release. The meter was approved in April 2006 for use in hospitals as an aid in monitoring the effectiveness of a diabetes control program, but not for use with critically ill patients.