Chapter 12: Endocrine System Common Diagnostic Terms

Question 1

Average blood glucose (eAG)

Answer 1

Reflection of the average blood glucose level over the past 2 to 3 months reported by the same units (mg/dL) seen on glucose meters; directly correlates to HbA1c results

Question 2

Fasting blood glucose (FBG)

Answer 2

Test of blood glucose levels after a fast of 8 to 12 hours, used to screen for diabetes; also called FBS, or fasting blood sugar

Question 3

Finger stick blood sugar (FSBS)

Answer 3

Test of blood glucose from a drop of capillary blood obtained by pricking the finger; also called finger stick blood glucose (FSBG)

A common area of confusion is between finger stick blood sugar (FSBS) and fasting blood sugar (FBS). For a FBS, the person has fasted for a designated time. Blood is drawn from a vein with a needle and syringe or with a device called a Vacutainer (a needle attached to a vacuum-sealed tube). The blood specimen is tested in the laboratory. For a FSBS, blood sugar may be checked at any time but is usually checked just prior to meals. A drop of capillary blood is obtained by poking the tip of the finger with a lancet (tiny, sharp blade). The blood is tested immediately using an instrument called a glucometer (Fig. 12-4).

Question 4

Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)

Answer 4

Reflection of the average blood glucose level over the past 2 to 3 months by measuring the amount of hemoglobin with sugar attached to it; reported as a percentage

Question 5

Radioactive iodine uptake

Answer 5

Nuclear medicine study that measures how rapidly radioactive iodine is taken up from the blood after oral or intravenous administration

Question 6

Thyroid function test

Answer 6

Reflection of thyroid function by measuring levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4)

Question 7

Thyroid scan

Answer 7

Radiographic evaluation of the thyroid after a radioactive substance is injected; identifies thyroid size, shape, position, and function

Question 8

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Answer 8

Measure of the ability of the thyroid gland to concentrate and retain circulating iodine for synthesis of thyroid hormone