Glucose tolerance test in pregnancy
Your physician or midwife has asked the laboratory to carry out a glucose tolerance test. For this test you need to make an appointment with the laboratory (tel. 070 – 312 41 89).
In this leaflet we would like to tell you about this test. If you are ill or if you have a strong cold on the day of the investigation, could you then call us as soon as possible in order to make a new appointment? Please do not forget to take the request form and your patient identification card with you.
Purpose
The purpose of this investigation is to test the ability of your body to handle a glucose load. We do this by measuring the increment in blood glucose concentration after you have drunk a glucose solution.
Preparation
As a preparation for the glucose tolerance test you need to follow a diet during the three days preceding the test, containing at least 150 g of carbohydrates each day. With help of the table below you can calculate whether you ingest enough carbohydrates.
| Carbohydrates in: |
grams: |
| one slice of bread |
15 |
| one patato |
8 |
| 100 grams of cooked pasta |
30 |
| one apple or orange |
15 |
| one banana |
30 |
| one chocolate bar |
20 |
| one ice cream portion |
15 |
| one table spoon of sugar or lemonade sirup |
10 |
| one tablet of sugar (e.g. Dextro) |
3 |
| one biscuit |
8 |
On the day of the test you are not supposed to smoke, eat or drink as from midnight 0.00 hours until the end of the test. You may drink water and take medication.
Examination length
The examination will take over two hours to complete.
The examination
On the day of the examination, you should come to the clinical chemical and haematology laboratory, on the 2nd floor of the hospital, at 08.00 hours. After registration, you will go to the function room. In this room, where blood samples are taken, often other patients are waiting for various types of tests. This space is often crowded so anyone accompanying you should go to the waiting area in the lift hall. We will then take the first blood sample. The blood will be taken from a finger prick. Next, you will get a glucose drink which you will have to finish in about five minutes. This drink contains 75 grams of glucose which makes it taste very sweet. Two hours after drinking the glucose drink, again blood will be taken from your arm.
This will take place at the blood collection outpatients’ clinic. Please report there at least five minutes before the agreed time. You will have to spend the time between the blood collections in the waiting room of the gynaecology outpatients clinic, also on the 2nd floor.
It is not permitted to eat and drink anything during the examination, except for water. Because of the length of the examination, it is advisable to take a book or something else with you to make waiting more pleasant. You must avoid any physical exertion.
The results
The laboratory will usually send the results to your attending physician or midwife one day after the examination. He/she will then discuss these results with you.
No-show fee
We wish to point out that Bronovo applies a no-show fee. This means that we ask you to cancel your appointment at least 24 hours (Monday to Friday during office hours). Failure to cancel in time will result in the legally determined
no-show fee.
In conclusion
Should you, after reading this information, still have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the laboratory on tel no. +31 (0)70 - 312 41 89 (workdays between 08.00 and 16.30 hours).
Edition: April 2012/218