Glucose Challenge (Polycose)

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Testing Laboratories

Waitematā | Northshore Hospital
Waitematā | Waitakere Hospital

Department

Chemical Pathology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

PT50

Test Code (Numeric Code)

0156

Laboratory Handling

Registration

Label fluoride tube with a different barcode than other tests. Photocopy the request form for biochemistry

Sample Stability

6 hours

Associated Tests

Synonyms

Polycose Challenge

Turnaround Time

3 hours

Specimen Type

  • Plasma
  • Serum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
Acceptable
  • Fluoride (Grey Cap)
  • Plain (Red Top)
  • SST II (Gold Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

4

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

1

No of Samples Required

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Heparin (Microtainer)
Acceptable
  • Plain(Microtainer)
  • SST(Microtainer)
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.4

Pre-testing Requirements

Polycose 50g Carbotest given orally. The patient must finish the drink within five minutes of commencement. Sample collected one hour post. Record gestation period (e.g. 35 weeks) The patient is then free to wander around etc. but must NOT eat, smoke, excercise or drink during the next hour. Take a blood sample for glucose estimation (4 mL heparin rube- green top) exactly one hour after the drink is finished. Heparin samples prefered. Use flouride tube if > 2hr delay likely (e.g. Mason Clinic).

Last updated: 12/06/2026