Effects of Storage Temperature and Duration on Glucose Levels in Serum and Plasma

Abstract

Background: Glucose is the main energy source for humans. The nervous system -including the brain- completely depends on glucose for energy. Glucose is considered to be one of the most important parameters in routine analysis and monitoring for diseases such as diabetes mellitus. Objectives: This study was done to evaluate the effects of storage temperature and duration on the levels of the blood glucose in serum and plasma. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in Khartoum state from the period of March to August 2018. Including 100 healthy volunteers ages range between 18 and 28 years. The blood samples were dispensed into plain containers for serum preparation and containers with suitable quantity of fluoride oxalate anticoagulant for plasma preparation. The serum and plasma were used for estimation of glucose using chemical method by automated spectrophotometry and data were analyzed using (SPSS) in computer program. Results: There was a significant decrease in blood glucose levels in serum and in plasma stored at room temperature and at 4oC. Conclusion: From this study it appears that the stability of serum glucose stored at room temperature is lost within 2 hours and within 24 hours when stored at 4oC. The plasma was found to be stable at room temperature for not more than 6 hours, and 48 hours when stored at 4oC.