Glucose
CPT Code(s):
82947
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
8 hours
Refrigerated:
72 hours
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
Glucose holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in assessing blood sugar levels and diagnosing and monitoring diabetes mellitus. Glucose is the primary source of energy for the body, and maintaining its levels within a normal range is crucial for overall health and well-being.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Glucose include:
1. Diabetes Diagnosis: Glucose is widely used in diagnosing diabetes mellitus. It measures the concentration of glucose in the blood, both while fasting and after consuming a specific amount of glucose (oral glucose tolerance test). Elevated fasting glucose levels or abnormal glucose response during the oral glucose tolerance test can indicate impaired glucose metabolism, prediabetes, or diabetes.
2. Diabetes Management: For individuals already diagnosed with diabetes, Glucose plays a vital role in managing the condition. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels helps individuals and healthcare providers assess the effectiveness of diabetes treatment, such as lifestyle modifications, medications, or insulin therapy. It enables adjustments to medication dosages, dietary plans, and exercise regimens to maintain blood glucose levels within the target range.
3. Hypoglycemia Assessment: Low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia) can also be a significant concern, especially for individuals with diabetes who are using insulin or certain oral diabetes medications. Glucose helps detect and monitor hypoglycemia, which can manifest as symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, shakiness, and sweating. Timely identification and management of hypoglycemia are essential to prevent severe complications.
4. Screening for Gestational Diabetes: During pregnancy, Glucose is used to screen for gestational diabetes, a temporary form of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy. Abnormal glucose levels during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby. Early detection and appropriate management of gestational diabetes are crucial for optimizing pregnancy outcomes.
5. Evaluation of Other Medical Conditions: Glucose is also utilized in the evaluation of various medical conditions such as pancreatic disorders, hormonal imbalances, and certain liver or kidney diseases. Abnormal glucose levels can provide valuable insights into these conditions and guide further diagnostic investigations and treatment plans.
6. Assessment of Overall Health: Glucose is often included in routine health check-ups as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel. It helps evaluate overall health and provides information about an individual's risk of developing diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Abnormal glucose levels can prompt further evaluation and intervention to prevent or manage these conditions.
It is important to note that the interpretation of Glucose results requires considering the context of the individual's clinical presentation, medical history, and other factors. Additionally, guidelines and target ranges may vary depending on factors such as age, pregnancy status, and the presence of underlying medical conditions.
In summary, Glucose has specific clinical significance in diagnosing and monitoring diabetes mellitus, assessing hypoglycemia, screening for gestational diabetes, evaluating other medical conditions, and assessing overall health. By measuring blood glucose levels, this test provides valuable information for clinical decision-making, diabetes management, and optimizing patient care outcomes related to glucose metabolism.