Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre Pro Continuous Glucometry System for Professionals FDA Approved

Abbott won FDA approval for its FreeStyle Libre Pro continuous glucose monitoring system, a technology designed to let clinicians get a nuanced view of their patients’ glucose levels. The system creates an Ambulatory Glucose Profile (AGP) that offers both graphics and numbers gathered from regular automatic readings that can help understand why levels are falling out a healthy range.

freestyle-libre-proThe sensor is applied by a clinician, which involves inserting a filament that’s 5 mm long and .4 mm wide just under the skin. The sensor performs a reading every fifteen minutes and can run continuously for up to two weeks. Following the testing period, the patient returns back to have the sensor removed and its data collected using an accompanying reader.

Some of the benefits of the new device, according to Abbott:

 With the FreeStyle Libre Pro system there is no requirement for fingerstick calibration so patients do not need to be trained by their healthcare professional on calibration. After the sensor is applied to the patient, there is no requirement for the patient to interact with the system.
Healthcare professionals receive up to 14 days of continuous glucose data based on uninterrupted, normal daily routines of their patients.
FreeStyle Libre Pro system costs significantly less than other professional CGM products on the marketi. The doctor’s office only needs to purchase one FreeStyle Libre Pro reader for multiple patients without having to spend on extra recorders, receivers and transmitters, or devote time to routine disinfecting or recharging patient use components. In addition to the glucose sensor, other professional CGM systems require reusable hardware components, such as receivers, transmitters, and recorders that must go home with each patient to perform the professional CGM assessment.