Donghua Ruan, Fangfyi Mo , Lishai Meng
Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease affecting carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. It can be a result of a deficiency or a nonfunctional hormone of insulin. Moreover, DM can be diagnosed by measuring the level of blood glucose. Different laboratory procedures can be used such as fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1C determination, and post-prandial test. The primary objective of this study is to compare the result obtained from using plasma as compared to serum.
Methodology: Electronic sources online were accessed for published articles between 2011 to 2022 related to the use of serum and plasma for glucose determination. The following databases such as Google Scholar, Proquest, EBSCO, PubMed, MEDLINE, Science Direct and other open access journals were utilized in the conduct of systematic review. A total of twenty seven (27) studies were used out of the initial one hundred thirty-six (136) studies screened. It is not limited to the sample population or participant category with or without pre-existing health conditions that have undergone testing.
Results: Based on the findings of the study, the most frequently utilized specimen in blood glucose determination is the plasma. Various additives had been used over the years to aid in the most ideal for glucose analysis such as the gel separator for serum, sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate, citrate, lithium heparin and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Moreover, the mainly common procedure to measure blood glucose is the enzyme technique either the glucose oxidase or the hexokinase method. Both procedures are highly sensitive and specific tests for a more accurate analysis.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of the study, the most commonly used specimen in fasting blood glucose determination is plasma. The use of plasma is preferred over serum for glucose determination, particularly with the immediate separation of the plasma from red blood cells through centrifugation within thirty (30) minutes of specimen collection.