Biomedical Research

Objective: To investigate the effect of specimen storage time on blood glucose level for neonates in order to avoid misdiagnosis of neonatal hypoglycaemia.

Methods: (1) Five fasting blood samples were collected from 50 new-borns, with storage times of 0.5 h, 1 h, 1.5 h, 2 h, and 3 h. The serum was centrifuged and blood glucose level was measured by the hexokinase method. (2) One 8 ml Ethylenediamine Tetraacetic Acid Dipotassium (EDTA-K2) anticoagulant sample was divided into three portions of different pressure product and then mixed at room temperature in different time for glucose detection.

Results: (1) Blood glucose values of the samples placed at room temperature for 1 h, 1.5 h, 2 h, and 3 h decreased significantly. (2) Higher red cell volume (Haematocrit, Hct) correlated with faster decrease in blood glucose concentration.

Conclusion: Neonatal blood sample storage time has a significant influence on blood glucose level, which is closely related to the Hct level. Therefore, the detection process should be performed immediately after sample collection; if testing is not performed in a timely manner, serum should be separated to ensure accuracy of neonatal blood glucose test results.

Author(s): Xiao-Li Zhu, Shu-Hui Wang, Yu-Xia Cui, Ren-Fen Yao, Jing Chen, Hui-Zhu Jin
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