Specimen Requirements

Patient Preparation

Patient should be instructed to eat and drink nothing except water for 8 hours prior to test and throughout the test. Patient should be instructed to refrain from smoking during test. Fasting specimens are drawn. Patient ingests 100 g of lactose dissolved in 250 mL of water. Additional blood specimens are drawn at 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 2 hour intervals. Lactose deficiency is suggested if <20 mg/dL rise in glucose occurs.

Note: 1. It is recommended that a glucose tolerance test be performed previously to provide a basis for comparison.

2. Laboratory should be notified 2-3 days prior to date of testing to allow for preparation of the lactose solution.

3. A lactose tolerance test consists of a fasting specimen and 4 additional specimens, for a total of 5 blood specimens.

Specimen Collection

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Plasma

Container/Tube: Light green-top (lithium heparin) tube

Specimen: 1 mL of lithium heparin plasma

Transport Temperature: Ambient

Collection Instructions: Fasting (8 hour)

Note: 1. Indicate plasma.

2. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).

3. All test specimens should be the same specimen type.

Serum

Container/Tube: Plain, red-top tube or serum gel tube

Specimen: 1 mL of serum

Transport Temperature: Ambient

Collection Instructions: Fasting (8 hour)

Note: 1. Indicate serum.
2. Label specimen appropriately (serum).

3. All test specimens should be the same specimen type.