Which statement about glucose preservation in fluoride-containing tubes is correct?

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Multiple Choice

Which statement about glucose preservation in fluoride-containing tubes is correct?

Fluoride-containing tubes preserve glucose by slowing down glycolysis after the blood is drawn. Sodium fluoride acts as a glycolysis inhibitor (it blocks enolase), so glucose consumption by blood cells is slowed, allowing glucose levels to stay relatively stable longer than in plain tubes. While this inhibition isn’t perfect, the guidance is that glucose remains stable for up to about 3 days when the sample is refrigerated; at room temperature, stability is shorter. Lithium iodoacetate is not the standard preservative in these tubes, so it does not extend preservation beyond what fluoride provides. Therefore, the statement that sodium fluoride preserves glucose longer, up to about 3 days, is the best choice.

Fluoride-containing tubes preserve glucose by slowing down glycolysis after the blood is drawn. Sodium fluoride acts as a glycolysis inhibitor (it blocks enolase), so glucose consumption by blood cells is slowed, allowing glucose levels to stay relatively stable longer than in plain tubes. While this inhibition isn’t perfect, the guidance is that glucose remains stable for up to about 3 days when the sample is refrigerated; at room temperature, stability is shorter. Lithium iodoacetate is not the standard preservative in these tubes, so it does not extend preservation beyond what fluoride provides. Therefore, the statement that sodium fluoride preserves glucose longer, up to about 3 days, is the best choice.

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