Bliss C, Huang E, Savaser D, et al.
Undersea & hyperbaric medicine : journal of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, Inc. Date of publication 2020 Jan 1;volume 47(1):13-19.
1. Undersea Hyperb Med. 2020 First Quarter;47(1):13-19. doi:
10.22462/01.03.2020.2.
Safety of a continuous glucose monitoring device during hyperbaric exposure.
Bliss C(1), Huang E(1), Savaser D(1).
Author information:
(1)Legacy Emanuel Hyperbaric Medicine, Portland, Oregon U.S.
BACKGROUND: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been demonstrated to lower blood
glucose levels in patients with diabetes. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)
allows glucose monitoring in real time. Battery-operated CGM transmitters have
yet to be formally tested and given safety approval for use in a hyperbaric
environment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated and tested commercially available Dexcom® G6
CGM transmitters under hyperbaric conditions. Each transmitter contains a 3V,
130-mAh (0.39 Wh) lithium manganese dioxide battery (IEC CR1632) and circuit
board that are fully encapsulated in epoxy. Each transmitter is pressurized to
90 pounds per square inch (psi) in an autoclave at 40°C for up to 72 hours
during manufacturing to ensure that all enclosed air spaces are eliminated from
the epoxy. We compared the CGM components against section 14.2.9.3.17.5 of the
2018 National Fire Protection Association 99 (NFPA 99) Health Care Facilities
Code requirements. Six CGM transmitters attached to estimated glucose value
generators (EGVGs) underwent 11 pressurization cycles to 45 feet of seawater
(fsw). All transmitters were returned to the manufacturer to assess
post-exposure structural integrity. G6 sensors, which contain no electrical
components or compressible air spaces, do not pose a risk in the hyperbaric
environment.
RESULTS: There was no observed change in preset EGVG readings during hyperbaric
exposures. Post-exposure testing revealed no structural compromise after
repeated hyperbaric exposures.
CONCLUSIONS: The CGM transmitter meets section 14.2.9.3.17.5 of the 2018 NFPA 99
requirements for battery-operated devices allowed for use in a hyperbaric
environment. This analysis revealed no significant safety concerns with
subjecting Dexcom G6 CGM transmitters to hyperbaric environments.
Copyright© Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society.
DOI: 10.22462/01.03.2020.2
PMID: 32176942 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
Conflict of interest statement: The authors of this paper declare no conflicts
of interest exist with this submission.
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