To re-emphasize the need for fluoride in blood samples for glucose-level testing

Blood samples were collected from 30 subjects. To a portion from each sample was added Fluoride/Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetate (E.D.T.A) to inhibit glycolysis and clotting. The remaining portions were allowed to clot without any inhibitor. On subjecting to glucose concentration testing, the portions without the inhibitor showed a decline in the glucose level of 8 mg/dl (0.44 mmol/l) in the first hour and of 7 mg/dl (0.39 mmol/l) per hour in the next two hours. It is re-emphasised that a glycolysis inhibitor should always be added to blood samples drawn for glucose level testing. Otherwise, the reported results could be misleading.