Glucose Screen For Gestational Diabetes
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GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is it? A glucose screen is a blood test to find out if you have gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a condition that occurs in about 4% of women during pregnancy. It causes high glucose levels in your blood. Glucose is the simplest form of sugar. Higher than normal blood sugar can be harmful to the mother and to the unborn baby.
Why do I need it? You may be at risk for gestational diabetes if you have a family history of diabetes. If you have given birth to a large baby or have glucose in your urine, you are also at risk. Many caregivers order the glucose screen for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.
How do I get ready for the test? Your caregiver will tell you when to have your blood test done. Unlike other blood sugar tests, this one may be done before or after eating. You will be given a sugar drink and your blood is taken one hour later. The results of this test can tell if you have gestational diabetes or need further testing.
How is the specimen collected? A caregiver will put a wide rubber strap around your arm and tighten it. Your skin will be cleaned with alcohol. A small needle attached to a special test tube will be put into a vein in your arm or hand. The tube has suction to pull the blood into it. When the tube is full, the rubber strap, needle and tube are removed. The caregiver will press a piece of cotton where the needle was removed. You may be asked to hold the cotton on the site for a few minutes to help stop the bleeding. Tape may then be put over the cotton on your arm.
What do I do after the test? You may remove the tape and cotton in about 20 to 30 minutes. Call your caregiver to get the results of your test. Your caregiver will explain what your test results mean for you. Follow the instructions of your caregiver.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your lab tests. You can then discuss the results with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
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