European Journal of Biotechnology and Bioscience

Authors
Samia Hassan Sobki, Khalid Suleiman Al Grooni, Tarik Anwar, Muhammad Qasim

Abstract
Background: For physicians, nurses and laboratory technologists, blood plays a vital role in our work. And of the different blood components, glucose is one of those commonly measured. This may be because of its central role in metabolism and the dominance of diseases of glucose homeostasis. A problem seen in the accurate measurement of glucose is the loss of glucose because of glycolysis, during collection, transport and processing of the specimen.
Method: Specimens were taken from laboratory staff volunteers of PSMMC. Considered variables in the study were type of specimen tubes used, temperature and time elapsed before the specimen was analyzed. 
Result: Results obtained showed the difference in glucose values obtained. Serum glucose measurement was higher than whole blood glucose. Whole blood glucose remained stable in refrigerated samples compared to those left at room temperature.
Conclusion: Fluoride oxalate effectively preserves glucose concentration in whole blood specimens. After the initial hour when the fluoride starts its inhibitory action, and with the specimens kept at refrigerated temperature, whole blood glucose remained stable. Temperature plays an important role in prolonging the enzymatic activity of the anticoagulant in the glycolytic pathway. Serum glucose levels can be even more reliable than whole blood specimens if the specimens are immediately spun and the serum separated from the red cells.