Glucose

About Test

The Glucose assay measures the concentration of glucose, a simple sugar and the primary source of energy for cells, in the blood. This test is essential for assessing blood sugar levels and diagnosing and monitoring diabetes mellitus. Glucose levels are tightly regulated in the body by hormones such as insulin and glucagon. Elevated glucose levels, known as hyperglycemia, may indicate conditions such as diabetes mellitus, stress, or certain medications' side effects. Chronic hyperglycemia can lead to complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and vision problems. Conversely, low glucose levels, known as hypoglycemia, may result from conditions such as insulin overdose, excessive physical activity, or certain medical conditions affecting hormone production. Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, confusion, and, if severe, loss of consciousness. Doctors often include glucose testing as part of routine health screenings, especially in individuals at risk of diabetes or those experiencing symptoms suggestive of blood sugar imbalance. This test helps diagnose and monitor various medical conditions and guides treatment decisions to maintain optimal blood glucose levels in the body.

Sample Requirements

Grey Flouride Tube

Stability

Serum: 2 days 20-25°C, 7 days 2-8°C

Turnaround Time

4 hours

Grey Flouride Tube

Assay Interferences

Interferences

Ascorbic acid: Interference less than 3% or 0.30 mmol/L up to 20 mg/dL ascorbate

Icterus: Interference less than 10% or 0.30 mmol/L up to 40 mg/dL or 684 µmol/L bilirubin

Haemolysis: Interference less than 3% or 0.30 mmol/L up to 5 g/L haemoglobin

Lipemia: Interference less than 10% or 0.30 mmol/L up to 700 mg/dL Intralipid

Other: In very rare cases gammopathy, especially monoclonal IgM (Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia), may cause unreliable results.
Eltrombopag and its metabolites may interfere with this assay causing erroneously high patient results.

Reference Range (mmol/L):

Fasting: 3.6 – 5.4 / Random: 4.1 -11.0

Known factors:

Increased drip analytes e.g. Sodium, glucose.

  • Problem: Inappropriate collection site
    Caused by: Sample taken from drip arm

Decreased glucose

  • Problem: Incorrect container or anticoagulant
    Caused by: No fluoride oxalate

Critical Value:

Above 22.2 mmol/L (15mmol/L if < 16yo) or Below 2.8 mmol/L