Test Directory

GlycoMark® testing provides an estimate of the patient's postmeal glucose over a one- to two-week period, making it ideal for intermediate term monitoring of glycemic control in diabetic patients. GlycoMark® testing can also help monitor the effectiveness of therapeutics targeting postprandial glucose (PPG)1,2 and is a useful adjunct to routine A1c testing, because it responds more rapidly and sensitively to hyperglycemia than A1c.1,2.

Specimen Type: Serum 

Alternate Specimen Type: Plasma 

Collection Container: Gold Top, Serum Separator 

Alternate Collection Container: Red Top, Plain ; Lavender Top (EDTA) 

Desired Specimen Volume: 1 mL

1. Collect a gold top serum separator tube via venipuncture.

1. Separate serum from cells within one hour of collection.
2. Transfer 1 mL of serum to a clear aliquot tube (screw cap).

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated.

See patient report.

Individuals using INVOKANA® may demonstrate low levels of 1,5-AG. 1,5-AG blood levels are falsely lowered by the diabetes drug INVOKANA®, which prevents reabsorption of 1,5-AG in the kidneys. INVOKANA® belongs to new class of diabetes medication known as sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, which block reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys, and other SGLT2 inhibitors may have the same effect. INVOKANA® is a trademark of Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Persistently positive urinary glucose levels, or oxyhyperglycemia after gastrectomy, may result in a low 1,5-AG value. Low values have also been observed in pregnancy, terminal stage renal failure, dialysis patients, advanced cirrhosis, and prolonged incapability of oral ingestion of food. Abnormal values have also been noted in individuals with abnormal glomerular filtration rates.

For some patients with severe hyperglycemia, the internal pool of 1,5-AG may tend to remain depleted as a result of persistent glucosuria. In these cases, measurements of 1,5-AG may be less indicative of initial recovery following initiation of antidiabetic treatment.

1,5-AG values may be increased when some Chinese medicines, such as Polygala tenuifolia and senega syrup, are administered. Values may also be increased during intravenous hyperalimentation. 1,5-AG values may be lower in patients undergoing therapy with steroids.

Some α-glucosidase inhibitors, such as acarbose, may potentially reduce 1,5-AG levels due to interference with intestinal absorption of 1,5-AG.

As with all diagnostic tests, GlycoMark® results should be interpreted along with clinical findings and results from other diagnostic methods.

• GlycoMark