How is the 2 Hour Glucose Tolerance Test performed?

The 2 Hour Glucose Tolerance Test is designed to assess how well the body processes glucose over a specific period, making it critical to draw blood samples at multiple intervals during the test. The procedure involves a patient fasting overnight and then consuming a sweet drink containing a known amount of glucose. Blood samples are taken at baseline (prior to drinking the glucose solution), and then again after 1 hour and again after 2 hours.

By taking samples at both the 1-hour and 2-hour marks, healthcare providers can evaluate how efficiently the body is able to regulate blood sugar levels over that two-hour time frame. This information is essential for diagnosing conditions such as insulin resistance or diabetes.

In summary, drawing blood after 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 hours provides a comprehensive view of glucose metabolism, which is why this approach is the correct choice for the test.