Blood Collection Tubes Utilized for Fasting Blood Sugar Measurement

Background. Diabetes mellitus (DM) remains a major global health burden, with increasing prevalence in developing countries such as the Philippines. Accuracy of glucose measurement is vital for diagnosis and management; however, preanalytical variables, particularly glycolysis from varying collection tubes, temperature and time interval can significantly affect test results. Despite guideline recommendations favoring plasma, serum is still commonly used in local clinical practice. Objective. This study evaluated the effectiveness of different commercially available blood collection tubes in preserving glucose stability by minimizing pre-analytical glycolysis. Methodology. A cross-sectional observational and quasi-experimental study was conducted among 40 healthy adult participants (18–59 years) from a tertiary institution in Quezon City, Philippines. A total of 160 samples were collected using four tube types (one plasma and three serum tubes). Samples were analyzed at varying time intervals (0–180 minutes) and storage conditions (room temperature and 4°C). Glucose levels were measured using the glucose oxidase method. Statistical analysis included Shapiro–Wilk, Kruskal–Wallis H-test, Welch’s t-test, and Dwass–Steel–Critchlow–Fligner post hoc comparisons at a 1% significance level. Results. Glucose concentrations differed significantly across tube types (p