Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Glucose is the major carbohydrate present in the peripheral blood. Oxidation of glucose is the major source of cellular energy in the body. Glucose derived from dietary sources is converted to glycogen for storage in the liver or to fatty acids for storage in adipose tissue. The concentration of glucose in blood is controlled within narrow limits by many hormones, the most important of which are produced by the pancreas.
Specimen container paediatric:
Fluoride oxalate plasma
Specimen container adult:
Fluoride oxalate plasma
Minimum volume paediatric:
0.5 mL
Minimum volume adult:
1 mL
Sample stability:
Unseparated sample:
2 days
Separated sample:
2 days at 15 to 25C,
7 days at 2 to 4C
Reference ranges:
– Fasting glucose concentrations equal to or greater than 7.0 mmol/L are consistent with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.
– Concentrations between 6.1 mmol/L and 6.9 mmol/L inclusive reflect impaired glucose handling.
– Random glucose concentrations equal to or greater than 11.1 mmol/L are consistent with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.
– Concentrations between 7.8 mmol/L and 11.0 mmol/L inclusive reflect impaired glucose handling.
Factors affecting result:
Glucose is the obligate source of energy for erythrocytes; because of this, the glucose concentration will fall in whole blood in vitro (at a rate of 0.4 mmol/L/h at room temperature, lower if unrefrigerated) unless an inhibitor of glycolysis is present, ie fluoride oxalate.