H–13
Chemistry Description and Guide
Glucose/GLU
Glucose is the principal source of energy in monogastric mammals. The circulating
concentration in the healthy animal is maintained within narrow limits.
Principal reason for performing the test:
To investigate carbohydrate metabolism.
Most common abnormality indicated by the test:
Diabetes mellitus
Special precautions in sample collection:
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sampling. Hemolysis may cause a decrease in glucose results.
For plasma samples: When blood is collected in lithium heparin it is important that the
sample be centrifuged immediately after collection. In this anticoagulant glycolysis
occurs quite rapidly in the presence of red cells and the glucose concentration in the
sample can diminish at up to 10% an hour at room temperature. Remove plasma
promptly from the red cells.
For serum samples: Do not centrifuge serum samples until clotting is complete.
Samples must be centrifuged completely. Remove serum promptly from the clot to
avoid metabolism of glucose by the cells. A maximum of 30 minutes between drawing
and separation from the clot is recommended.
Limitations of procedure:
Particulate matter in the sample (e.g., fibrin clots, cells, and other debris) may cause
low results, especially at elevated glucose concentrations. Be sure that the sample is
adequately centrifuged.
Complementary tests:
When the patient is a diagnosed diabetic, glucose tests may be performed in isolation.
It is however, useful to perform other tests for renal and hepatic function and lipid
metabolism to monitor secondary effects of poorly controlled diabetes.
If a slight/moderate increase in glucose is found in a previously undiagnosed patient, a
urinary glucose and glucose tolerance test may be indicated. Under no circumstances
should a glucose tolerance test be performed on a frankly diabetic animal.
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