COVID-19 UPDATES

USE OF FREESTYLE LIBRE 14 DAY SYSTEM IN THE HOSPITAL SETTING

Abbott’s FreeStyle® Libre 14 day system is now available for use in U.S hospitalized patients with diabetes during COVID-19 pandemic. This will permit healthcare professionals to remotely monitor patients with diabetes receiving inpatient care by assessing real-time glucose levels and glucose trends and eight hours of glucose history in real-time.

As a result, Abbott can provide the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system to hospitals who want to implement the technology for remote monitoring of glucose in patients who are able to scan the sensor themselves.

The following information should be reviewed carefully before using FreeStyle Libre 14 day systems in hospital settings.

 

Important information for hospitals using FreeStyle Libre 14 day system with hospitalized patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Hospitals should consider whether they have the resources and expertise necessary to adequately implement FreeStyle Libre 14 day system use in their facility and provide appropriate training to healthcare providers.
• The FreeStyle Libre 14 day system should only be used in patients who are able to perform glucose scans themselves.
• FreeStyle Libre 14 day system glucose results are less accurate than blood glucose results obtained using traditional testing methods (e.g., lab glucose, blood glucose meters) in hospital settings. Users should consider all FreeStyle Libre 14 day system glucose information (e.g. history, trends) along with individual glucose values and interpret results in the context of the full clinical picture.
• The FreeStyle Libre 14 day sensor is subject to interferences that may generate falsely high and falsely low glucose readings. Levels of interference depend on drug concentration; substances that may not significantly interfere in non-hospitalized patients may interfere when used in the hospital setting because of higher dose levels. Most drugs used in hospital or critical care settings have not been evaluated and their interference with the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system is unknown. Known interferences include a significant positive bias due to high doses of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and a slight negative bias when taking salicylic acid (used in some pain relievers such as aspirin). Other reducing drugs/ compounds may also interfere.
• Poor peripheral blood perfusion may cause inaccurate sensor readings. FreeStyle Libre 14 day system results should be interpreted considering accompanying patient conditions and medications. Other clinical conditions may also cause inaccurate readings.

 

For more information about using FreeStyle Libre 14 day system in the hospital, please contact:

 

OTHER HELPFUL TIPS AND WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Did you know? If you are unable to see your patients with diabetes in your office, you are able to access your patients’ FreeStyle Libre 14 day glucose reports remotely including a complete picture of their glucose patterns via LibreView*. This allows for your patients to remain safe at home while giving you the data you need to make more informed treatment decisions.

Our FreeStyle Libre digital ecosystem provides your patients with the FreeStyle LibreLink ^† mobile app and LibreView* a secure cloud- based reporting software that allow both you and your patients to connect remotely at no cost.
Here’s how to get started