Blood Glucose and Cholesterol Station
Stations
Blood Glucose and Cholesterol Testing Station: Unveiling Your Metabolic Health
Welcome to the Blood Glucose and Cholesterol Testing Station. Here, we delve into the intricacies of your metabolic health, providing valuable insights into your blood glucose levels and cholesterol profile. Here’s a closer look at the process:
1. Blood Glucose Measurement:
- The patient is directed to the blood glucose and cholesterol testing station, in which they get a measurement of their blood glucose levels from the past 12 hours.
- If the readings appear unusual, our medical residents utilize the A1c test to track blood glucose levels over the last three months. This comprehensive approach paints a more accurate picture, especially for those unaware of uncontrolled blood glucose levels.
2. Diabetes and Prediabetes Assessment:
Measures of blood glucose both in the short term as well as with the A1c give great insight to the medical residents if the patient is suffering from diabetes or prediabetes.
3. Cholesterol Panel Breakdown:
This station also provides the patients with a cholesterol panel breakdown. Likewise, measuring cholesterol levels, specifically the breakdown of the LDL (low density lipoprotein) and HDL (high density lipoprotein) concentrations, can be representative of the health of one’s arteries and can be used to assess the risk of one having a heart attack or stroke.
How is the Sampling Process?
- The patient’s finger from which the sample is going to be drawn is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe.
- A glucose testing strip is loaded into the glucometer and a cholesterol testing strip is loaded into the “CardioChek Cholesterol Analyzer.”
- A push-button lancet is used to prick the patient’s finger.
- The glucose strip is dipped into the blood sample, and the glucometer displays the blood sugar level.
- Blood is drawn up using a capillary tube and is then transferred to the cholesterol test strip.
- The machine displays the cholesterol panel breakdown which is recorded on the patient's sheet and taken with them when they speak with the residents.
Initiative for Enhanced Understanding:
A group of medical students from Rowan Virtual School of Osteopathic Medicine have started a new initiative investigating Interheart Health Scores and LDL levels. If a patient’s Interheart Health Score is calculated to be over 7.5%, then the medical students will perform another blood glucose test specifically looking at LDL levels.
