Gestational Diabetes Screening: Glucose Challenge Screening Test
Glucose Challenge Screening is a standard test performed to check for gestational diabetes, a temporary form of hyperglycemia.
Glucose Challenge Screening Test is usually done during the 26th to the 28th week of pregnancy.
No preparation and no fasting is required for the Glucose Challenge Screening Test, and it can be done at any time of the day.
During the test, the woman is asked to consume a sweet drink containing 50 grams of glucose. One hour later a blood sample is taken to see how sugar is absorbed by the body.
A high level of glucose in your blood (140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) and over) means that your body is not processing sugar properly. It is called a positive result, and it may be indicative of high risk of gestational diabetes.
Women with positive tests are usually advised to take the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), as it provides more accurate results.
Negative test results (less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L)) indicate normal blood levels and do not require further testing.