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Glucose - urine
Definition:
This is a test to measure the amount of glucose in urine. Alternative Names:
Urine sugar; Urine glucose; Glucosuria
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How the test is performed:
Urine glucose is usually measured as a "spot test" with a dipstick containing a color-sensitive pad. This pad is saturated with specific chemicals that react with glucose. The resulting color indicates the glucose concentration. For infants, thoroughly wash the area around the urethra. Open a urine collection bag (a plastic bag with an adhesive paper on one end), and place it on your infant. For males, the entire penis can be placed in the bag and the adhesive attached to the skin. For females, the bag is placed over the labia. Place a diaper over the infant (bag and all). The infant should be checked frequently and the bag changed after the infant has urinated into the bag. For active infants, this procedure may take a couple of attempts. The collected urine is drained into the container for transport to the laboratory. Deliver it to the laboratory or your health care provider as soon as possible. The health care provider should be consulted if drugs are being taken that may affect test results (see special considerations). How to prepare for the test:
Discontinue drugs that may interfere with the test (see Special Considerations). No special preparation is necessary for this test, but if the collection is being taken from an infant, a couple of extra collection bags may be necessary. How the test will feel:
The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort. Why the test is performed:
This test is most commonly used to screen for possible diabetes. Most dietary carbohydrates end up as glucose in the blood. Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body. Some cells (for example, brain and red blood cells) are almost totally dependent on blood glucose as a source of energy.
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