Blood Glucose Determinations Differ in Plasma and Serum
|
By LabMedica International staff writers Posted on 05 Jul 2012 |
|
Blood glucose determination is one of the most common clinical diagnostic tests and accurate and precise measurement of blood glucose is of great importance in the diagnosis and management of diabetes.
The concentration of glucose in the blood will continue to decrease over time after phlebotomy because of glycolysis, which will occur in erythrocytes, white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets as these cells can continue to metabolize glucose.
Laboratory scientists at the University of Mysore, (Manasagangotri, India) investigated the effect of time and the method of processing of blood on the blood glucose levels. Blood from 30 different patients who came for routine blood glucose determination were used in the study. Whole blood was divided into three portions. One portion was allowed to clot. To the second portion, 2mg/mL sodium fluoride was added, and to the third portion, ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA)–disodium salt was added.
Blood sugar was estimated using a blood sugar assay kit (Becton Dickinson, Bangalore, India). Optical Density (OD) of the colored complex was measured at 620 nm in an autoanalyzer. Blood sugar in these samples stored at room temperature was measured again after four hours and eight hours. The serum gave values lower than fluoride plasma by 1.15%. Although this difference was statistically significant, it may not be physiologically relevant. On storing the sample at room temperature for eight hours, the serum glucose value decreased by 8% and even fluoride plasma had 4.3% lower glucose.
The authors concluded that blood glucose should be determined within as short a time as possible after drawing the blood. The blood glucose values ranged from 76 to 410 mg/dL covering a wide range of blood glucose values that would be seen in any sample analysis. Serum may be a better sample for blood glucose determination particularly when there is a time delay in the measurement. If appropriate correction is applied, it may actually be a better sample than plasma. Moreover, many clinical analysis procedures require serum rather than plasma and therefore one single drawing of blood may suffice for even blood glucose estimation. The study was published online on May 14, 2012, in the Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis.
Related Links:
University of Mysore
Becton Dickinson
.jpg)
The concentration of glucose in the blood will continue to decrease over time after phlebotomy because of glycolysis, which will occur in erythrocytes, white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets as these cells can continue to metabolize glucose.
Laboratory scientists at the University of Mysore, (Manasagangotri, India) investigated the effect of time and the method of processing of blood on the blood glucose levels. Blood from 30 different patients who came for routine blood glucose determination were used in the study. Whole blood was divided into three portions. One portion was allowed to clot. To the second portion, 2mg/mL sodium fluoride was added, and to the third portion, ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA)–disodium salt was added.
Blood sugar was estimated using a blood sugar assay kit (Becton Dickinson, Bangalore, India). Optical Density (OD) of the colored complex was measured at 620 nm in an autoanalyzer. Blood sugar in these samples stored at room temperature was measured again after four hours and eight hours. The serum gave values lower than fluoride plasma by 1.15%. Although this difference was statistically significant, it may not be physiologically relevant. On storing the sample at room temperature for eight hours, the serum glucose value decreased by 8% and even fluoride plasma had 4.3% lower glucose.
The authors concluded that blood glucose should be determined within as short a time as possible after drawing the blood. The blood glucose values ranged from 76 to 410 mg/dL covering a wide range of blood glucose values that would be seen in any sample analysis. Serum may be a better sample for blood glucose determination particularly when there is a time delay in the measurement. If appropriate correction is applied, it may actually be a better sample than plasma. Moreover, many clinical analysis procedures require serum rather than plasma and therefore one single drawing of blood may suffice for even blood glucose estimation. The study was published online on May 14, 2012, in the Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis.
Related Links:
University of Mysore
Becton Dickinson
Platinum Member
Automated Coagulation Analyzer
Hemolumi H6
Gold Member
Clinical Chemistry Assay
Sorbitol Dehydrogenase (SDH)
New
Gastrointestinal Panel
Xpert® GI Panel
Immunofluorescence Analyzer
IFA System
Latest Clinical Chem. News
- Blood Protein May Help Identify Treatment-Resistant Psychosis
- Electrochemical Biosensor Rapidly Detects Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks
- Blood Protein Panel Supports Monitoring of Treated Celiac Disease
- Hemoglobin Levels May Help Signal Long-Term Dementia Risk
- Liquid Biopsy Platform Shows Promise for Early Gynecologic Cancer Detection
- Global Survey Finds Pediatric Troponin Testing Lacks Consistent Reference Intervals
- Multi-Omics Study Identifies Blood Marker for MASLD Progression
- Blood Biomarker Detects Alzheimer’s Changes Decades Before Symptoms in Down Syndrome
- Elevated Lipoprotein(a) Linked to Long-Term Progression of Carotid Atherosclerosis
- Study Questions Broad Fasting Requirements Before Routine Blood Tests
- Lollipop-Inspired Device Measures Acetaminophen Levels in Saliva
- New Insights Into Fetal DNA Could Improve Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing
- UK Project Advances Blood-Based Dementia Testing Toward Routine Clinical Care
- Noninvasive AI-Enabled Raman Probe Distinguishes Skin Cancers from Normal Tissue
- Screening After Pneumococcal Disease May Reveal Undiagnosed Blood Cancer or Immune Disorders
- Label-Free Platform Combines Microfluidics and AI for Circulating Tumor Cell Analysis
Channels
Molecular Diagnostics
view channel
Whole Genome Sequencing Solution Targets Unsolved Rare Disease Cases
Rare diseases often present persistent diagnostic challenges for patients and families. Many patients undergo years of testing without receiving a diagnosis, and even comprehensive genetic testing can... Read more
Study Shows How Genome Reference Bias Can Mislead Preventive Testing
Whole-genome sequencing is expected to play a growing role in preventive and predictive medicine, but accurate interpretation remains a major diagnostic challenge. The approach requires comparing billions... Read more
Validated Test Predicts Recurrence Risk and Radiation Benefit in Early-Stage Breast Cancer
For women with early-stage invasive breast cancer who undergo breast-conserving surgery, clinicians must assess both the risk of locoregional recurrence and the potential benefit of adjuvant radiation therapy.... Read more
Hematology
view channel
New Donor Genetic Marker May Help Predict Stem Cell Transplant Success
Donor selection for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation plays a major role in relapse risk and survival for patients with blood cancers and other blood disorders. Despite advances in genotyping, uncertainty... Read more
Updated Ferritin Thresholds Improve Detection of Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency is one of the most common health conditions worldwide, yet its nonspecific symptoms can delay diagnosis for months. Variation in testing practices and ferritin thresholds may contribute... Read more
Immunology
view channel
FDA Approval Adds Automated Testing Option for Parvovirus B19 Serology
Human Parvovirus B19 is a highly contagious erythrovirus transmitted mainly through respiratory droplets and close contact. Diagnosis relies on IgM antibodies to detect active infection and IgG antibodies... Read more
Blood-Based Immune Aging Map Could Help Spot Disease Risk Earlier
Chronological age does not always reflect immune health or future disease risk. Two adults of the same age can have immune systems that age very differently, with some remaining resilient while others... Read more
Microbiology
view channel
Oral and Lung Microbiome Changes Linked to Severe Long Covid Symptoms
Long Covid can involve persistent respiratory, cognitive, and gastrointestinal symptoms after acute infection, creating a difficult diagnostic and management challenge. Because COVID-19 initially affects... Read more
Study Finds Distinct Malaria Parasites Linked to Sickle Cell Trait Protection
Malaria remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases and has affected humans throughout recorded history. In regions where malaria is common, human genetics have been shaped by the sickle cell... Read more
Rapid Urine Test Aids Diagnosis of Invasive Aspergillosis
Invasive aspergillosis is an uncommon mold infection in the general population but can pose serious risks for people with weakened immune defenses. Diagnosis can be difficult because existing approaches... Read more
Nanodroplet CRISPR Technology Supports Rapid, Multiplexed Mycobacterial Identification
Mycobacterial infections are difficult to diagnose because closely related species can have different clinical and therapeutic implications. Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are increasingly recognized... Read morePathology
view channel
AI Histopathology Tool Distinguishes Ewing Sarcoma for Diagnosis
Ewing sarcoma is a rare malignant tumor that mainly affects children, adolescents, and young adults. It usually arises in bone but can also develop in soft tissue, where its microscopic appearance may... Read more
Rapid Mass Spectrometry Test May Aid Glioma Margin Decisions
Glioma brain tumors are highly infiltrative and can extend into nearby healthy brain tissue, making tumor margins difficult to define during surgery. Residual tumor cells may contribute to recurrence and... Read more
Genomic Classifier Predicts Benefit From Adding Hormone Therapy to Salvage Prostate Radiation
Men who have undergone prostatectomy for prostate cancer may later develop a detectable or rising prostate-specific antigen, prompting salvage radiation therapy. A key challenge is determining who is most... Read more
Technology
view channel
Laser-Based Swab Analysis Shows Promise for Detecting Disease-Linked Odor Patterns
Disease-related changes in volatile organic compounds can alter body odor, producing measurable patterns in exhaled breath and bodily fluids. Current analytical methods can be complex, time-consuming,... Read more
Laser-Enhanced Assay Boosts Sensitivity for Colorectal Cancer Biomarker Detection
Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Early detection remains critical, but cancer biomarkers can produce only faint... Read more
Industry
view channel
Agilent Acquisition of Proscia to Advance AI-Enabled Digital Pathology Workflows
Agilent Technologies Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Proscia, a provider of digital pathology software for clinical and life-sciences customers. The all-cash transaction is valued... Read more
