In which tube should glucose testing be performed?

In which tube should glucose testing be performed?

• A. Red top tube
• B. Gold top tube
• C. Gray top tube
• D. Light blue top tube

Answer: (C)

Glucose testing should be performed in a gray top tube because this tube contains sodium fluoride and potassium oxalate. Sodium fluoride acts as a glycolysis inhibitor, which preserves glucose levels in the sample by preventing the red blood cells from metabolizing the glucose. This is crucial when testing blood glucose levels, as any delays in processing or improper handling could lead to decreased glucose concentrations due to cellular metabolism. The other tube types are not designed for glucose preservation. The red top tube generally does not contain any additives to preserve glucose levels, while the gold top tube contains a serum separator, which is not ideal for glucose testing specifically as it may lead to variable results. The light blue top tube is primarily used for coagulation studies and contains sodium citrate, which is not suitable for glucose testing. Thus, the gray top tube is the correct choice for ensuring accurate glucose testing results.

Glucose testing should be performed in a gray top tube because this tube contains sodium fluoride and potassium oxalate. Sodium fluoride acts as a glycolysis inhibitor, which preserves glucose levels in the sample by preventing the red blood cells from metabolizing the glucose. This is crucial when testing blood glucose levels, as any delays in processing or improper handling could lead to decreased glucose concentrations due to cellular metabolism.

The other tube types are not designed for glucose preservation. The red top tube generally does not contain any additives to preserve glucose levels, while the gold top tube contains a serum separator, which is not ideal for glucose testing specifically as it may lead to variable results. The light blue top tube is primarily used for coagulation studies and contains sodium citrate, which is not suitable for glucose testing. Thus, the gray top tube is the correct choice for ensuring accurate glucose testing results.