GLUCOSE - SERUM / PLASMA (2 1/2 HR)

Glucose - Serum / Plasma (2 1/2 HR): Price, Purpose, Range & Reports

Test Overview

The Glucose - Serum / Plasma (2 1/2 HR) test is a specific measurement taken during an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). The OGTT is a crucial diagnostic tool used to assess how effectively the body can move glucose from the blood into tissues after consuming a concentrated sugar drink. The two and a half hour (2 1/2 HR) measurement provides additional diagnostic insight into the kinetics of insulin response and glucose clearance.

This test is essential for diagnosing pre-diabetes, diabetes mellitus, and impaired glucose tolerance, particularly in non-pregnant adults or as part of specialised diagnostic protocols.

What is the Glucose (2 1/2 HR) Test?

The 2 1/2 Hour Glucose test is a blood draw performed precisely 150 minutes after a person drinks a standardised glucose solution (usually containing 75 grams of glucose). The primary goal is to measure the concentration of glucose remaining in the bloodstream at this time point. The test matters because

• Glucose Tolerance: The body should be able to process the sudden influx of sugar and bring blood glucose levels down toward normal within two hours. A high reading at the 2 1/2 hour mark indicates that this process is slower or impaired, suggesting possible insulin resistance or pancreatic dysfunction.
• OGTT Completion: This test is not usually performed alone but is a single time point within a multi-point OGTT, which typically includes measurements at fasting, 1 hour, and 2 hours. The 2 1/2 hour reading can be used to confirm a borderline 2 hour result.
• Diagnosis: The pattern of glucose levels across all time points (fasting, 1 hr, 2 hr, 2 1/2 hr) is interpreted by a physician to diagnose Impaired Glucose Tolerance (Pre-diabetes) or Diabetes.

What is the Glucose (2 1/2 HR) Test Price?

The Glucose (2 1/2 HR) Test price typically represents a component of the total Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) package cost, as multiple blood draws and the glucose solution are required. Cost factors include:

• Test Components: The price includes the four or five separate venipunctures (blood draws) needed to capture the full time-course of the OGTT.
• Lab Technology: The test utilises automated spectrophotometry or hexokinase methods to ensure accurate and reliable measurements of glucose concentration in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
• Location: Prices may differ slightly between cities due to regional operating costs and logistics.
• Service Type: Opting for home sample collection may slightly adjust the total cost due to convenience and travel charges.

To find the most accurate and affordable Glucose (2 1/2 HR) Test price near me, checking the Apollo 24|7 website or mobile application is recommended. They provide current pricing and available discount offers based on your location.

What is the Purpose of the Glucose (2 1/2 HR) Test?

The overall purpose of including the 2 1/2 hour reading in an OGTT is to comprehensively map the patient's glucose clearance curve.
The test is typically ordered under the following circumstances:

• Diagnosing Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT): It helps confirm whether a person's glucose level, after peaking, takes too long to return to baseline, which is the definition of IGT or pre-diabetes.
• Evaluating High-Risk Individuals: For patients who are overweight, have a family history of diabetes, are over 45 years old, or have other risk factors like high blood pressure, this test provides a definitive assessment of their glucose status.
• Investigating Unexplained Symptoms: If a patient reports symptoms suggestive of high blood sugar, such as excessive thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination (polyuria), or unexplained weight loss.
• Confirming Borderline Results: If initial screening tests, like a standard two-hour post-prandial (after meal) test, show borderline results, the extended OGTT with the 2 1/2 hour reading can provide a clearer diagnostic picture.

Who Should Get the Glucose (2 1/2 HR) Test Done?

The full Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), which includes the 2 1/2 hour measurement, is recommended for individuals meeting certain criteria:

• Individuals with Prediabetes Symptoms: Anyone experiencing unmanaged symptoms like extreme hunger, blurred vision, fatigue, or persistent thirst.
• High-Risk Screening: People with multiple risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes, including obesity, lack of physical activity, or a known history of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
• Family History: Individuals with a strong family history of diabetes in first-degree relatives.
• Previous Abnormal Glucose Readings: Patients who have previously had an elevated Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) or HbA1c test result and require further, more sensitive diagnostic confirmation.
• Monitoring Pre-Diabetic Status: Individuals already diagnosed with Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) who need to monitor their status and the effectiveness of lifestyle changes or medical interventions.

Components of Glucose – Serum/Plasma (2 ½ HR) Test

This test evaluates how your body processes glucose over time and is part of the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). The key component used in the test is:

• Glucose Load (75 grams of glucose): The patient consumes a standardised solution containing 75 grams of glucose. This allows the body’s response to sugar to be monitored at multiple intervals, including fasting, 1 hour, 2 hours, and 2 ½ hours after ingestion.
• By analysing glucose levels at these time points, the test provides a detailed understanding of how efficiently the body regulates blood sugar, helping in the diagnosis of prediabetes, diabetes, or impaired glucose tolerance.

Understanding the Glucose (2 1/2 HR) Test Report

The report will show the glucose concentration in the blood sample collected exactly 2 1/2 hours (150 minutes) after the glucose load. The results are typically reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per litre (mmol/L).

Interpretation of Results (Based on the OGTT profile)

The diagnosis of impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes is based on the results from the entire test (Fasting, 2 hours, and sometimes 1 hour/2 1/2 hours). The 2 1/2 hour result should be interpreted by a doctor alongside all other time points.
For the 2 hour reading (the standard diagnostic point in non-pregnant adults), the criteria are:

Interpretation of the 2 1/2 Hour Value:

A high value at 2 1/2 hours suggests a persistent issue with glucose clearance. A reading that falls into the Impaired Glucose Tolerance or Diabetes category at 2 hours, and remains high at 2 1/2 hours, confirms the severity of the glucose metabolism impairment.

Important Notes for Your Report:

• Clinical Correlation: A definitive diagnosis relies on correlating the glucose levels with any symptoms and the patient's risk factors.
  Complete Profile: Your doctor will look at the entire curve, including the fasting and 2-hour readings, not just the 2 1/2 hour result, for the final diagnosis.

Preparation and Procedure for the Test

For those planning to take the Glucose (2 1/2 HR) test, here’s what you need to know to make the process smooth and get more accurate results.

1. What is the Procedure for the Glucose (2 1/2 HR) Test?

This is a multi-step procedure that typically takes three hours to complete:

• Fasting Sample: A blood sample is drawn first to measure your fasting glucose level.
• Glucose Load: You will be asked to drink a standardised glucose solution (usually 75 grams) within a short time frame (typically 5 minutes).
• Subsequent Draws: Blood samples are then drawn at 1 hour, 2 hours, and finally, precisely at 2 hours and 30 minutes (2 1/2 HR) after finishing the drink.
• During the entire 2 1/2 hour period between the fasting draw and the final draw, you must remain seated, avoid strenuous activity, smoking, or consuming any food or other drinks.

2. Do I Need to Fast Before the Test?

Yes, fasting is absolutely required. You must fast for 8 to 14 hours (overnight) before your first blood draw. Only plain water is permitted during this fasting period.

3. When is the Best Time to Take the Test?

The test is usually scheduled for the morning to ensure an accurate 8 to 14 hour overnight fast. It is also important that you have consumed a diet containing adequate carbohydrates for at least three days prior to the test.

4. Should I Inform My Doctor About Medications?

Yes. Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, especially corticosteroids, diuretics, or any drugs that can affect glucose metabolism. Your doctor may advise you to temporarily stop or adjust certain medications before the test, but never stop any prescribed medication without consulting your physician.

5. How Often Should the Glucose Test Be Done?

If your results are normal, repeat screening is usually recommended every one to three years, depending on your risk factors. If you are diagnosed with pre-diabetes, your doctor will likely recommend repeat testing every 6 to 12 months to monitor your condition.

Booking the Glucose – Serum/Plasma Test Online & Checking Reports

Apollo 24|7 makes it easy to book and access this essential diagnostic test from the comfort of your home. You can schedule your sample collection online and view your results securely, ensuring timely follow-up with your doctor.

A. What Are the Steps to Schedule the Test on Apollo 24|7?

• Visit the Apollo 24|7 website or mobile application and search for the Glucose – Serum/Plasma Test.
• Check the latest Glucose – Serum/Plasma Test price for your city and click the ‘Book Now’ button.
• Choose your preferred date and a convenient time slot for home sample collection.
• Complete the secure online payment. You’ll receive instant confirmation along with any preparation instructions.

B. How Do I Access My Test Results Online on Apollo 24|7?

• Log in to your Apollo 24|7 account using your registered phone number or email ID.
• Go to the ‘Health Records’ or ‘My Reports’ section on your dashboard.
• Click on the test name to view your detailed report as soon as it’s available.
• You can view the report online or download it in PDF format to share with your doctor.

Conclusion

The Glucose – Serum/Plasma (2 1/2 HR) test offers valuable insight into how your body processes glucose over time, especially in extended glucose tolerance evaluations. By measuring blood sugar levels 2.5 hours after a glucose load, this test helps detect subtle impairments in glucose metabolism that may not appear in standard fasting or 2-hour readings.
Its results can support early diagnosis of conditions like prediabetes or delayed glucose clearance, guiding timely lifestyle or medical interventions. For accurate interpretation and follow-up, results should always be reviewed by a healthcare provider in the context of your full clinical profile.