Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation is required. You will give a blood sample approximately one hour after drinking a glucose beverage.
- Turnaround: 1-2 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test measures your blood glucose level approximately one hour after you drink a 50g glucose beverage, using a 135 cutoff value. It is a single-specimen gestational screening test, meaning it involves one blood draw taken after the glucose challenge rather than multiple specimens collected over time.
This screen evaluates your body's glucose response following the glucose beverage to help assess your risk for gestational diabetes. It is a screening measurement, not a diagnostic glucose tolerance protocol, and it reflects your glucose level at that single collection point rather than your glucose control over weeks or months.
Benefits
- Assesses glucose response after a standardized glucose beverage challenge.
- Uses a single blood draw approximately one hour after the beverage.
- Applies a defined 135 cutoff value for screening purposes.
- Helps your healthcare provider evaluate gestational diabetes risk.
- Requires no special advance preparation.
- Involves no risk beyond a standard blood draw.
Who Is This Test For?
- Pregnant women being screened for gestational diabetes.
- Women typically screened between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy.
- Women at higher risk who may be screened earlier, in their first trimester.
- Women whose healthcare provider recommends a gestational glucose screen.
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. Do I need to fast or prepare for this test?
No special preparation is required for this screen. You will drink a glucose beverage at the lab, then give a blood sample approximately one hour later.
2. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 1-2 days, though timing may take longer depending on weather, holidays, or other lab delays.
3. What can my results tell me?
Your result reflects how your blood glucose responded to the glucose beverage at the one-hour mark, measured against the 135 cutoff. This is a screening measurement of risk, not a full evaluation of your glucose metabolism, and it applies to this single test only.
4. What factors can affect my results?
Because this test relies on a timed blood draw after a glucose beverage, the accuracy of the collection timing (approximately one hour after drinking the beverage) can affect your result. The source does not specify other factors, such as diet, medication, or activity, as affecting this particular screen.
5. How do I interpret the results?
Interpreting your result depends on the 135 cutoff value, the timing of your blood draw, and your individual pregnancy and health context. A result above the cutoff does not by itself confirm gestational diabetes, and a result below the cutoff does not by itself rule it out. Your healthcare provider may recommend this screen alone or additional testing for a fuller evaluation, and can help you understand what your specific number means for your care.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
6. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Share any abnormal result with your healthcare provider so they can help determine appropriate next steps for your care. Additional testing or a longer evaluation may be considered depending on your individual situation, but this decision should be made together with your provider rather than based on this screen alone.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is required for this test. You will be asked to give a blood sample at the lab approximately one hour after you drink a sweet glucose beverage.
