What Are The Most Common Hematology Tests?

Blood Glucose Test

Blood glucose tests measure the glucose levels in the blood. Glucose is a simple sugar cells use for energy. When individuals eat carbohydrates, their body converts them into glucose. These tests are most commonly ordered for individuals with a form of diabetes, such as gestational diabetes, type 1 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes. The test may also be used to diagnose or check for the presence of diabetes. Diabetes causes high levels of blood glucose, which can damage a patient's internal organs and cause death if untreated. The body controls blood sugar with the hormone insulin. With diabetes, the patient's body either doesn't create enough insulin, or doesn't create properly working insulin. Since the insulin isn't converting carbs to usable energy, they build up in the blood and cause toxic reactions. Some patients might also have a blood glucose test done to determine whether they have hypoglycemia, which occurs when their blood glucose is low. After a diabetes diagnosis, patients may have regular glucose tests to monitor their blood sugar and make sure their treatment is working.

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