Medical Laboratory Scientist ASCP Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Guide

A criterion for diagnosing diabetes involving random glucose concentration includes a measurement that supports the presence of hyperglycemia. A random plasma glucose level greater than 200 mg/dL, along with symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss, is considered indicative of diabetes. This threshold is critical because it confirms that the glucose level is significantly elevated, which is necessary for a diabetes diagnosis in a symptomatic patient.

The rationale behind this criterion stems from the notion that glucose levels can fluctuate throughout the day based on food intake and activity levels. Hence, a random test taken at any time of day, provided it exceeds the specified threshold and aligns with the clinical presentation, provides a reliable indication of diabetes. Other options represent glucose levels that are either too low to indicate disease (as seen in levels less than 100 mg/dL) or do not meet the established thresholds for diabetes diagnosis in symptomatic patients.