What follow-up test is recommended for a positive glucose result on a dipstick test?

When a dipstick test indicates a positive glucose result, it is crucial to perform follow-up tests to confirm the presence of diabetes or any glucose-related condition. A finger stick glucose test is a quick and relatively easy way to obtain a blood glucose measurement, providing immediate information that can be used to assess the patient's current glucose level. This is critical because a dipstick test can yield false positives due to factors such as stress, medications, or dehydration.

In addition to the finger stick glucose test, conducting an HbA1C test is essential. The HbA1C test provides an average of the blood glucose levels over the past two to three months, which is invaluable for diagnosing diabetes and assessing long-term glycemic control. It helps confirm whether the positive dipstick result indicates a chronic issue rather than a transient state.

Therefore, both tests are recommended as follow-up for a positive glucose result on a dipstick test. They complement each other by offering immediate and long-term insights into the patient’s glucose metabolism, making option C the most appropriate choice.