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Correct Answer: the second test requires only one collection of blood.
the two-step method for glucose testing for gestational diabetes involves sequential testing to evaluate how well a pregnant woman's body processes sugar. this method aims to identify gestational diabetes, a condition that can develop during pregnancy. the process is divided into two distinct tests, typically administered on separate days.
the first test in this method is the glucose challenge test (gct). during this initial step, the patient is given a glucose solution containing 50 grams of glucose to drink, and her blood sugar level is measured one hour later. this test does not require fasting beforehand. if the blood sugar level from this test is above a certain threshold, it indicates the need for further testing but does not alone diagnose gestational diabetes.
the second test, known as the glucose tolerance test (gtt), is more comprehensive and is only administered if the results from the gct warrant it. this test typically occurs on a different day than the gct. it requires the patient to fast overnight. on the day of the test, the fasting blood sugar level is measured. then, the patient consumes a glucose solution, this time containing a higher concentration of glucose (usually 100 grams). blood sugar levels are then measured multiple times over a period of 2 to 3 hours, typically at one-hour intervals. this procedure assesses how efficiently the body processes glucose over a longer period.
the statement "the second test requires only one collection of blood" is incorrect or the least accurate concerning the two-step glucose testing method for gestational diabetes. in the gtt, multiple blood samples are necessary to accurately assess the body's response to the glucose intake over time. each collection provides vital information on how quickly and effectively the patient's body is able to return her blood sugar levels to normal, which is crucial for diagnosing gestational diabetes.
understanding the importance of multiple blood collections in the gtt is key to recognizing gestational diabetes and managing it appropriately. each blood sample helps to map out the glucose curve and identify abnormalities in glucose metabolism, which are critical for ensuring both maternal and fetal health during pregnancy.
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