Blood Glucose Determination: Plasma Or Serum?
Abstract BACKGROUND: Blood glucose determination is one of the most common clinical diagnostic tests. Often, blood is collected in a field station and analysis is carried out in a remote laboratory. Because blood cells can continue to metabolize glucose, the time of determination of blood glucose after drawing the blood is important. METHOD: In order to test the relative suitability of plasma and serum for blood glucose determination, fluoride plasma and Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic acid (EDTA) plasma were compared with the serum of the same patient. The analyses were carried out within 10 min of drawing the blood and, thereafter, with a gap of 4 hr and 8 hr. RESULTS: Serum gave values lower than fluoride plasma by 1.15%. Although this difference was statistically significant, it may not be physiologically relevant. Hence, serum may be used for blood glucose determination with an error of 1.15%. On storing the sample at room temperature for 8 hr, the serum glucose value decreased by 8%. Even fluoride plasma had 4.3% lower glucose. CONCLUSION: Hence, blood glucose should be determined within as short a time as possible after drawing the blood. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Continue reading >>
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A1c Versus Glucose Testing: A Comparison
Diabetes was originally identified by the presence of glucose in the urine. Almost 2,500 years ago it was noticed that ants were attracted to the urine of some individuals. In the 18th and 19th centuries the sweet taste of urine was used for diagnosis before chemical methods became available to detect sugars in the urine. Tests to measure glucose in the blood were developed over 100 years ago, and hyperglycemia subsequently became the sole criterion recommended for the diagnosis of diabetes. Initial diagnostic criteria relied on the response to an oral glucose challenge, while later measurement of blood glucose in an individual who was fasting also became acceptable. The most widely accepted glucose-based criteria for diagnosis are fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥126 mg/dL or a 2-h plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) on more than one occasion (1,2). In a patient with classic symptoms of diabetes, a single random plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dL is considered diagnostic (1). Before 2010 virtually all diabetes societies recommended blood glucose analysis as the exclusive method to diagnose diabetes. Notwithstanding these guidelines, over the last few years many physicians have been using hemoglobin A1C to screen for and diagnose diabetes (3). Although considered the “gold standard” for diagnosis, measurement of glucose in the blood is subject to several limitations, many of which are not widely appreciated. Measurement of A1C for diagnosis is appealing but has some inherent limitations. These issues have become the focus of considerable attention with the recent publication of the Report of the International Expert Committee that recommended the use of A1C for diagnosis of diabetes (4), a position that has been endorsed (at the time of Continue reading >>
Hyperglycemia: When Your Blood Glucose Level Goes Too High
Hyperglycemia means high (hyper) glucose (gly) in the blood (emia). Your body needs glucose to properly function. Your cells rely on glucose for energy. Hyperglycemia is a defining characteristic of diabetes—when the blood glucose level is too high because the body isn't properly using or doesn't make the hormone insulin. You get glucose from the foods you eat. Carbohydrates, such as fruit, milk, potatoes, bread, and rice, are the biggest source of glucose in a typical diet. Your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, and then transports the glucose to the cells via the bloodstream. Body Needs Insulin However, in order to use the glucose, your body needs insulin. This is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin helps transport glucose into the cells, particularly the muscle cells. People with type 1 diabetes no longer make insulin to help their bodies use glucose, so they have to take insulin, which is injected under the skin. People with type 2 diabetes may have enough insulin, but their body doesn't use it well; they're insulin resistant. Some people with type 2 diabetes may not produce enough insulin. People with diabetes may become hyperglycemic if they don't keep their blood glucose level under control (by using insulin, medications, and appropriate meal planning). For example, if someone with type 1 diabetes doesn't take enough insulin before eating, the glucose their body makes from that food can build up in their blood and lead to hyperglycemia. Your endocrinologist will tell you what your target blood glucose levels are. Your levels may be different from what is usually considered as normal because of age, pregnancy, and/or other factors. Fasting hyperglycemia is defined as when you don't eat for at least eight hours. Recommended range without diabet Continue reading >>
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Blood Sugar Glucose Measurement
Imbalances of blood sugar are common among patients of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes indicates persistently high blood sugar that may cause damage to various organs like the kidney, heart, small arteries and the eyes (retina). Diabetics are also prone to sudden drops in blood sugar called hypoglycaemia. To monitory these fluctuations blood sugar measurement is vital in diabetic individuals. Some of the considerations in blood glucose measurement include: Sample Glucose can be measured in whole blood or serum (ie, plasma). Earlier blood glucose was measured in whole blood. Nowadays serum is extracted from blood and glucose is measured in the serum. Whole blood and serum blood glucose is often different. Red blood cells have higher concentration of protein than serum and serum has higher water content and more dissolved glucose than whole blood. To obtain blood glucose in serum from figures in whole blood, it is multiplied by 1.15. Blood is collected from a vein (usually in the crook of the arm). The blood sample is collected into vacuum tubes. Blood sample needs to be collected from a different arm other than the one where there is the intravenous line to prevent confusion of the results with the intravenous fluids. After meals the levels in the veins are somewhat lower than capillary or arterial blood. The estimate is by about 10%. The surrounding temperature before processing affects blood glucose level estimation. At refrigerator temperatures, glucose remains relatively stable for several hours in a blood sample. At room temperature (25 °C), a loss of 1 to 2% of total glucose per hour is seen in whole blood samples. If the blood is allowed to clot the glucose in the sample gets metabolized by the blood cells unless the cells are separated. If there are higher numbers o Continue reading >>
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- Lower Blood Sugar Naturally to Prevent High Blood Sugar from Leading to Diabetes
Slideshow: A Visual Guide To Type 2 Diabetes
If you experience symptoms of severe increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, increased hunger, tingling of your hands or feet -- your doctor may run a test for diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some 29 million children and adults in the U.S., or over 9% of the population, have diabetes today. Yet, millions of Americans are unaware that they have diabetes, because there may be no warning signs. To confirm the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, your doctor will order a fasting plasma glucose test or a casual plasma glucose. The fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) is the preferred method for diagnosing diabetes, because it is easy to do, convenient, and less expensive than other tests, according to the American Diabetes Association. Before taking the blood glucose test, you will not be allowed to eat anything for at least eight hours. During a blood glucose test, blood will be drawn and sent to a lab for analysis. Normal fasting blood glucose -- or blood sugar -- is between 70 and 100 milligrams per deciliter or mg/dL for people who do not have diabetes. The standard diagnosis of diabetes is made when two separate blood tests show that your fasting blood glucose level is greater than or equal to 126 mg/dL. However, if you have normal fasting blood sugar, but you have risk factors for diabetes or symptoms of diabetes, your doctor may decide to do a glucose tolerance test (see below) to be sure that you do not have diabetes. Some people have a normal fasting blood sugar reading, but their blood sugar rapidly rises as they eat. These people may have impaired glucose tolerance. If their blood sugar levels are high enough, they may be diagnosed with diabetes. Continue reading >>
Glucose Serum | (fasting) Blood Test | Life Extension
Glucose is the primary blood sugar used by cells to make energy. Because glucose is so important to your cells, the body regulates it in many different ways. The one most commonly understood involves insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas that delivers glucose to cells throughout the body. When you eat a meal, the pancreas responds by releasing insulin to transport the glucose into the cells. As long as receptors on the cell walls remain sensitive to insulin, the channeling of glucose out of the bloodstream occurs relatively quickly and without excessive insulin production. Sometimes, however, the cells become resistant to insulins effects. When this happens, the pancreas pumps out ever-greater amounts of insulin in an attempt to force the glucose into the cells. This effort is only partially effective in most instances, and may result in higher blood glucose levels. High blood glucose levels are associated with diabetes, neuropathy, eye problems, heart disease, and stroke. Life Extension believes that an optimal range for fasting blood glucose is 70-85 mg/dL. This test may be done fasting or 2-6 hours after eating. Both ways provide valuable information, though 2-6 hours after a meal provides a more realistic assessment of the state of your blood in everyday life. Stay hydrated and take your medications as prescribed. The laboratory services are for informational purposes only. It is not the intention of National Diagnostics, Inc and Life Extension to provide specific medical advice but rather to provide users with information to better understand their health. Specific medical advice including diagnosis and treatment will not be provided. Always seek the advice of a trained health professional for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Both the physician and th Continue reading >>
- Postprandial Blood Glucose Is a Stronger Predictor of Cardiovascular Events Than Fasting Blood Glucose in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Particularly in Women: Lessons from the San Luigi Gonzaga Diabetes Study
- Home blood glucose test: How to test for diabetes at home
- Screening for neonatal diabetes at day 5 of life using dried blood spot glucose measurement
Glucose Test
Testing blood sugar levels A glucose test is a type of blood test used to determine the amount of glucose in the blood. It is mainly used in screening for prediabetes or diabetes.[1] Patients are instructed not to consume anything but water during the fasting period. Caffeine will also distort the results. If the person eats during the period in which he or she is supposed to have been fasting then they may show blood sugar levels that may cause his or her doctor to think the person has or is at increased risk of having diabetes. In people already having diabetes, blood glucose monitoring is used with frequent intervals in the management of the condition.[1] There are several different kinds of glucose tests: Fasting blood sugar (FBS), fasting plasma glucose (FPG): 8 or 12 or 14 hours after eating Glucose tolerance test:[2] continuous testing Postprandial glucose test (PC): 2 hours after eating Random glucose test Reference ranges[edit] Fasting blood sugar[edit] A range of 4 to 5.5 mmol/l (70 to 99 mg/dl) before a meal is normal. Continual fasting levels of 5.5 to 7 mmol/l (101–125 mg/dl) causes concern of possible prediabetes and may be worth monitoring. 7 mmol/l (126 mg/dl) and above means a risk of diabetes.[3] After a 12‑hour fast, a range of 3.9 to under 5.5 mmol/l (70.2 to 100 mg/dl) is normal; a level of 5.6 to under 7 mmol/l (100 to 126 mg/dl) is considered a sign of prediabetes.[3] Postprandial glucose[edit] Main article: Postprandial glucose test A level of < 7.8 mmol/l (140 mg/dl) 90 minutes after a meal is normal.[4] See also[edit] Glucose meter Hyperglycemia Hypoglycemia [edit] Continue reading >>
Blood Sugar Test
A blood glucose test measures the amount of a sugar called glucose in a sample of your blood. Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body, including brain cells. Carbohydrates are found in fruit, cereal, bread, pasta, and rice. They are quickly turned into glucose in your body. This raises your blood glucose level. Hormones made in the body help control blood glucose level. Continue reading >>
Serum Glucose Test: Facts, Types Of Test & Results
The serum glucose blood test measures the amount of glucose in the blood sample obtained from the patient. The test is usually performed to check for elevated blood glucose levels which can be an indication of diabetes or insulin inhibition. The carbohydrates that make a larger portion of the food are broken down into glucose. For most of the cells in the body, glucose makes for the major source of energy. The glucose in the blood is controlled by a hormone called insulin. However, if a person consumes too much carbohydrates or simple sugars, the amount of glucose in the blood can rise beyond the amount that insulin can control. In another case, there may be some problems with the production of insulin because of which glucose in the blood stream cannot be controlled. There are two types of serum glucose testing. One is the fasting serum glucose test in which the patient should not have eaten for at least 6-8 hours before the test, and the other test can be performed randomly at any given time. Unlike the fasting test, which establishes the glucose level in the blood without eating anything, the random test can be done at any time of the day. However, the results of the random test depend on what you consume before the test and the kind of physical activity that you have been doing. Doctors usually prescribe this test if there have been symptoms of diabetes. For patient who have been diagnosed with diabetes and are continuing treatment, serum glucose test could also be used to monitor the efficacy of the treatment. Though the normal results vary, the amount of glucose up to 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) is usually considered to be a normal result. In persons who have a glucose level higher than 100 mg/dL but lower than 126 mg/dL, this may be an indication of pre Continue reading >>
What Is Considered A High Level Of Serum Glucose?
Glucose is required by the body to maintain life. However, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. Hyperglycemia, or high blood glucose levels, may be due to diabetes, medications, stress, illness, hyperthyroidism, Cushing syndrome, pancreatitis or pancreatitis cancer. It is important to know the symptoms of high blood glucose and to see your doctor immediately if you experience any signs to prevent further complications. Video of the Day A fasting blood glucose test is usually the first step to determining if you have high blood glucose levels, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. It is most reliable when done in the morning, after you have fasted for at least eight hours. Normal levels should be below 99 mg/dL. Pre-diabetes is diagnosed when levels are between 100 to 125 mg/dL. Diabetes is confirmed if your fasting blood glucose levels are 126 mg/dL or above on repeated tests. Random or nonfasting blood glucose levels of above 200 mg/dL could mean you have diabetes, as well. According to the American Diabetes Association, symptoms of high glucose levels include frequent urination, extreme hunger and thirst, extreme fatigue and irritability, unusual weight loss, frequent infections, blurred vision, tingling and numbness in the hands and feet, cuts and bruises that take a long time to heal, and recurring bladder, gum or skin infections. It is possible for you to have high glucose levels with no symptoms, so be sure to have your doctor check your levels at your regular physical. Dangers of Hyperglycemia The danger of continuously high blood glucose or hyperglycemia is that sugar coats the red blood cells, causing them to become stiff and “sticky”. These cells interfere with proper blood circulation and can cause Continue reading >>
- Type 2 diabetes, once considered a disease for adults, is increasingly common in tweens and teens
- Type 2 diabetes, once considered a disease for adults, is increasingly common in tweens and teens
- Tiny sensor placed under the skin to replace finger prick tests for diabetes: Smartphone app will alert patients if their blood sugar level drops or is too high
High Glucose: What It Means And How To Treat It
What is high blood glucose? People who do not have diabetes typically have fasting plasma blood glucose levels that run under 126 mg/dl. Your physician will define for you what your target blood glucose should be — identifying a blood glucose target that is as close to normal as possible that you can safely achieve given your overall medical health. In general, high blood glucose, also called 'hyperglycemia', is considered "high" when it is 160 mg/dl or above your individual blood glucose target. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider what he or she thinks is a safe target for you for blood glucose before and after meals. If your blood glucose runs high for long periods of time, this can pose significant problems for you long-term — increased risk of complications, such as eye disease, kidney disease, heart attacks and strokes and more. High blood glucose can pose health problems in the short-term as well. Your treatment plan may need adjustment if the blood glucose stays over 180 mg/dl for 3 days in a row. It is important to aim to keep your blood glucose under control, and treat hyperglycemia when it occurs. What are the symptoms of high blood glucose? Increased thirst Increased urination Dry mouth or skin Tiredness or fatigue Blurred vision More frequent infections Slow healing cuts and sores Unexplained weight loss What causes high blood glucose? Too much food Too little exercise or physical activity Skipped or not enough diabetes pills or insulin Insulin that has spoiled after being exposed to extreme heat or freezing cold Stress, illness, infection, injury or surgery A blood glucose meter that is not reading accurately What should you do for high blood glucose? Be sure to drink plenty of water. It is recommended to drink a minimum of 8 glasses each day. If yo Continue reading >>
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Understanding Your Lab Test Results
Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires an enormous amount of self-care and that can affect many parts of the body. Because of this, people who have diabetes are generally advised to visit their doctors multiple times a year and also to see various specialists (such as endocrinologists, podiatrists, and eye doctors) periodically to screen for potential problems and treat any complications that arise. Along with blood pressure readings and inspection of the feet and eyes, there are a number of laboratory tests recommended by the American Diabetes Association. These tests are used to track blood glucose control, kidney function, cardiovascular health, and other areas of health. Although you certainly can’t and won’t be expected to analyze the lab report when your test results come back, knowing a little bit about what your report says can be a way for you to more fully understand and take charge of your health. If it isn’t already your doctor’s regular practice to give you copies of your lab reports, ask for a copy the next time you have lab tests done. Use the information in this article to learn more about what lab reports show, and discuss your results with your doctor to learn what your results mean with regards to your health. Lab reports All lab reports share certain standard features, regardless of the test(s) they show. A Federal law, the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act, regulates all aspects of clinical laboratory testing. It states exactly what information must be included in your lab test report. Some of the standard features include the following: • Your name and a unique identification number, which may be either your birth date or a medical record number assigned to you by the lab. • The name and address of the lab that tested your bloo Continue reading >>
Blood Glucose Measurement: Is Serum Equal To Plasma?
In 2002, the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry (NACB) published "Guidelines and recommendations for laboratory analysis in the diagnosis and management of diabetes mellitus" [1]. Measurement of plasma glucose was the only diagnostic criterion for diabetes. Glycemic control was monitored by measuring glucose using patients' plasma or blood glucose with meters and laboratory analysis of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Ten years later, these recommendations were updated by a multidisciplinary guideline team including clinical, laboratory, and evidence-based guideline methodology experts [2]. The guidelines were reviewed by the joint evidence-based Laboratory Medicine Committee of the American Association for Clinical Chemistry and the NACB, and the guidelines were accepted after revision by the Professional Practice Committee and approved by the Executive Committee of the American Diabetes Association (ADA). In addition to measurement of venous plasma glucose, HbA1c concentration in blood can also be used for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. When glucose is used to diagnose diabetes, the guideline recommends it to be measured in venous plasma in an accredited laboratory. Sample tube should be placed immediately in an ice-water slurry to minimize glycolysis, and the plasma should be separated from the cells within 30 minutes, otherwise a tube containing a rapidly effective glycolysis inhibitor like citrate buffer should be used. Samples for fasting plasma glucose (FPG) analysis should be drawn in the morning rather than in the daytime because of diurnal variation in FPG, which is higher in the morning than in the afternoon [3]. The concentration of glucose decreases due to glycolysis by erythrocyte, white blood cells, and platelet, which degrades glucose at a ra Continue reading >>
- Screening for neonatal diabetes at day 5 of life using dried blood spot glucose measurement
- Postprandial Blood Glucose Is a Stronger Predictor of Cardiovascular Events Than Fasting Blood Glucose in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Particularly in Women: Lessons from the San Luigi Gonzaga Diabetes Study
- Exercise and Glucose Metabolism in Persons with Diabetes Mellitus: Perspectives on the Role for Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Glucose Blood Test
CAN I GET A GLUCOSE BLOOD TEST AT ANY LAB TEST NOW? Yes, you can. AM I REQUIRED TO FAST FOR THIS LAB TEST? Yes. You must fast at least eight (8) hours prior to having your specimen collected. WHAT IS THE PRICE FOR A GLUCOSE BLOOD TEST? $49.00 *Price may vary by location – contact your local ANY LAB TEST NOW HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET MY LAB TEST RESULTS? Test results generally take between 24 to 72 business hours after your specimen is collected. DESCRIPTION: The Glucose (Serum) Test, also known as the Fasting Blood Glucose Test, is the most common test used to diagnose hyperglycemia (higher than normal levels of blood sugar), hypoglycemia (lower than normal levels of blood sugar) and diabetes. It’s commonly given by your doctor every year and during pregnancy. In addition, Diabetics self conduct this test multiple times a day to monitor their blood glucose. Note: Be sure to fast (not eat) for 10‐12 before the test to ensure its accuracy. WHY DO I NEED A GLUCOSE BLOOD TEST? Are you diabetic or want to know if you’re diabetic? This test will determine if your blood glucose level is within a healthy range. It will also screen for, diagnose, and monitor pre‐diabetes, diabetes, hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. OTHER RELEVANT LAB TESTS: Customers who purchase this test may also consider the Hemoglobin A1c or upgrade to a Value Panel including the Diabetes Maintenance Panel or the Basic Check‐Up Panel. WHAT ARE THE TEST RESULT RANGES? Normal Range: Fasting ranges should be between 70 to 110 mg/dL High Results Indicate: High result values are between 100 and 126 mg and are considered to be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Results higher than 126 mg can be considered to be dangerous and you should seek medical attention. Sometimes elevated results are an indicati Continue reading >>
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Glucose (483)
To view specimen requirements and codes please select your laboratory: Not sure which laboratory serves your office? Call us 1-866-MYQUEST (1-866-697-8378) Fasting required. Fasting is defined as no consumption of food or beverage other than water for at least 8 hours before testing. SpunSST Plasma from lithium heparin (green-top) tube in a plastic screw-cap vial Plasma from sodium heparin (green-top) tube in a plastic screw-cap vial Plasma from fluoride/oxalate (gray-top) tube in a plastic screw-cap vial Serum and plasma submissions must be separated from cells Unspun serum or plasma separator tube (SST orPST) Red-top or green-top tube (serum or heparinized plasma not separated from cells) Anticoagulants other than lithium heparin, sodium heparin or fluoride/oxalate Glucose levels may be depressed if sample is left to clot and not spun for an excessive length of time. Serum glucose levels may be abnormally high (hyperglycemia) or abnormally low (hypoglycemia). Glucose measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of carbohydrate metabolic disorders including diabetes mellitus, idiopathic hypoglycemia, and pancreatic islet cell neoplasm. The Result and LOINC information listed below should not be used for electronic interface maintenance with Quest Diagnostics. Please contact the Quest Diagnostics Connectivity Help Desk for more information at 800-697-9302.NOTE: The codes listed in the table below are not orderable Test Codes. Reference ranges are provided as general guidance only. To interpret test results use the reference range in the laboratory report. The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payer Continue reading >>
- Exercise and Glucose Metabolism in Persons with Diabetes Mellitus: Perspectives on the Role for Continuous Glucose Monitoring
- Postprandial Blood Glucose Is a Stronger Predictor of Cardiovascular Events Than Fasting Blood Glucose in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Particularly in Women: Lessons from the San Luigi Gonzaga Diabetes Study
- Exercise and Blood Glucose Levels
