Definition of Random Blood Sugar Test
Table of Contents
Utility of Random Blood Sugar Test
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- Patients suspected to have high blood sugar levels (Hyperglycemia) for example in known or suspected diabetics
- Suspected low blood sugar level. This could be in an individual taking anti-diabetic medications or clinically suspected hypoglycemia
How random blood Sugar is performed
Sample:
Whole Blood – Finger prick, venipuncture
Equipment:
Glucometer, Finger Pricks, Alcohol Swabs
Procedure:
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- Sanitize finger with alcohol soaked swab and air dry
- insert test strip into glucometer and wait for flashing blood drop icon
- Prick finger with lancing device
- Touch tip of test strip downwards on the drop of blood on the finger.
- Read the results displayed on the glucometer screen
Reference Range:
The reference range for random blood sugar is 3.9 – 7.8 mmol/l. A reading below 3.9mmol/l is considered hypoglycemia(low blood sugar), and above 7.8mmol/l is hyperglycemia( or high blood sugar)
Note: One episode of hyperglycemia does not equal diabetes! Additional testing is required to make that diagnosis. Refer to this article, for more comprehensive discussion on laboratory diagnosis of diabetes .
Home Monitoring for diabetics
People living with diabetes are encouraged to monitor their blood sugar levels at home. Although routinely fasting and 2-hour after meal is sufficient, random blood sugar may be dome if features of hypoglycemia e.g. extreme weakness, sweating, reduced concentration are present. Having a glucometer at home is an affordable and convenient way to monitor your blood sugar levels.
Check out our OnCall Plus Glucometer here.
Bonus: We have a free 30-day blood sugar monitoring log you can download and print
Hope this article helps you understand the basics of lipid profile test. Incase of any questions don’t hesitate to contact us or comment below.
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Till next time, happy and healthy living!
Team labtestzote.
Related Tests
| Plasma glucose test | Normal | Prediabetes | Diabetes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Random | Below 11.1 mmol/l Below 200 mg/dl | N/A | 11.1 mmol/l or more 200 mg/dl or more |
| Fasting | Below 5.5 mmol/l Below 100 mg/dl | 5.5 to 6.9 mmol/l 100 to 125 mg/dl | 7.0 mmol/l or more 126 mg/dl or more |
| 2 hour OGTT | Below 7.8 mmol/l Below 140 mg/dl | 7.8 to 11.0 mmol/l 140 to 199 mg/dl | 11.1 mmol/l or more 200 mg/dl or more |
OGTT – Oral glucose tolerance test.
