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Updated: May 22, 2026
06:59
Characterization of Metabolic Status in Nonhuman Primates with the Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test
Published on: November 13, 2016
Blood glucose determination: plasma or serum?
Elizebeth A Frank1, M C Shubha, Cletus J M D'Souza
1Department of Studies in Biochemistry, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore, India.
Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis
|May 16, 2012
Summary
For accurate blood glucose monitoring, determine levels immediately after blood collection. Delays of up to 8 hours significantly decrease glucose values in both serum and fluoride plasma samples.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Biomedical Diagnostics
Background:
- Blood glucose determination is a common clinical diagnostic test.
- Analysis often occurs remotely from blood collection sites.
- Glucose metabolism by blood cells necessitates timely analysis post-collection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the suitability of serum, fluoride plasma, and Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic acid (EDTA) plasma for blood glucose determination.
- To assess the impact of sample storage time on blood glucose levels.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected and analyzed for glucose levels at intervals of 10 minutes, 4 hours, and 8 hours.
- Fluoride plasma, EDTA plasma, and serum were compared for glucose measurement accuracy.
Main Results:
- Serum showed a statistically significant, though potentially not physiologically relevant, 1.15% lower glucose value compared to fluoride plasma.
- Storing samples for 8 hours at room temperature resulted in an 8% decrease in serum glucose and a 4.3% decrease in fluoride plasma glucose.
Conclusions:
- Blood glucose should be determined as rapidly as possible after blood collection to ensure accurate results.
- Timeliness is critical for reliable blood glucose measurements, especially when using serum or plasma samples.
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