Introduction
Glucose testing is an essential diagnostic tool that helps monitor and manage diabetes. It involves measuring the levels of glucose in the blood. There are different types of tubes that are used for glucose testing. In this article, we will discuss the types of tubes and which one is used for glucose testing.
Types of Tubes
There are various types of tubes that are used for blood collection, such as:
1. Serum Separator Tubes (SST)
These tubes are used for collecting serum samples. They have a gel separator that separates the serum from the blood cells. SST tubes can be used for glucose testing, but they are not recommended for glucose tolerance tests.
2. Heparin Tubes
Heparin tubes are used for collecting plasma samples. Heparin is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting. These tubes are not recommended for glucose testing because heparin can interfere with the accuracy of glucose measurements.
3. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA) Tubes
EDTA tubes are used for collecting whole blood samples. EDTA is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting by binding to calcium ions. These tubes are not recommended for glucose testing because EDTA can interfere with the accuracy of glucose measurements.
4. Fluoride Tubes
Fluoride tubes are used for collecting plasma samples for glucose testing. These tubes contain sodium fluoride, which inhibits glycolysis, a process that breaks down glucose in the blood. Fluoride tubes are recommended for glucose tolerance tests because they prevent the breakdown of glucose during transportation and storage.
Conclusion
Glucose testing is a crucial diagnostic tool that helps manage diabetes. The accuracy of glucose measurements depends on the type of tube used for blood collection. Fluoride tubes are recommended for glucose testing because they prevent glycolysis and ensure accurate glucose measurements. It is essential to follow proper blood collection procedures to obtain reliable results.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3061512/
- https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9037
- https://www.labcorp.com/tests/004185/glucose-tolerance-test-gtt-two-hour