Which of the following best describes the consequence of hematologic variables on glucose testing?

Hematologic variables can significantly influence glucose testing results, particularly through the effect of factors such as hemolysis and hematocrit levels. When considering why falsely decreased results may occur:

For instance, high levels of hemoglobin or increased hematocrit can lead to a dilutional effect during glucose testing. If there is an elevation in red blood cells, as in conditions like polycythemia, the concentration of glucose in plasma can be artificially low when measured against the total blood volume. This misrepresentation can lead to a falsely decreased glucose reading.

Certain hematologic conditions, such as hemolytic anemia, may also release substances that could interfere with glucose measurement techniques and contribute to inaccurate lower results. Therefore, understanding the hematologic context of a patient can greatly impact the interpretation and accuracy of glucose testing.