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Glucose in Plasma (24-hour urine collection)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) present in your urine over a 24-hour period.

Quick summary

["Assesses how much sugar is excreted in urine, useful for monitoring diabetes management."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
33130-6
Short code
GA from TAD.Tokyo86
Synonyms
GA from TAD.Tokyo86
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
us-estimated-from-tad-tokyo
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Is Done

Your doctor may order this test to check if you’re losing too much glucose in your urine, which can happen with diabetes or other conditions affecting sugar metabolism. It helps track how well your body is handling sugar over time.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll need to collect all urine for 24 hours (typically from midnight to midnight). Drink plenty of water to help flush out glucose, but avoid sugary drinks or foods that could skew results. Follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions for collection and storage.

During the Test

No special preparation is needed beyond the urine collection. The lab will analyze the sample for glucose content using standard methods.

Possible Results and Interpretation

Higher-than-normal results may indicate excessive sugar loss, which could signal diabetes or other metabolic issues. Lower-than-normal results are less common but may occur with certain medications or conditions affecting urine concentration.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Elevated glucose in urine can be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes, kidney issues, or other metabolic disorders. It helps doctors monitor long-term sugar control and adjust treatment plans. Abnormal results may prompt further testing, like blood glucose monitoring or additional urine tests.

Frequently asked questions

What causes abnormal glucose in urine?
Several factors can lead to abnormal glucose in urine, including poorly controlled diabetes, kidney problems, or certain medications. Stress, infections, or hormonal changes may also play a role. If you suspect an issue, discuss your symptoms and medical history with your doctor.
How is this test different from a regular urine glucose test?
This test measures total glucose lost over 24 hours, while a standard urine dipstick test checks for glucose presence in a single sample. The 24-hour urine test provides a more comprehensive picture of sugar excretion, useful for long-term monitoring.
Can I drink alcohol before this test?
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before the test, as it may interfere with glucose metabolism and affect results. Stick to your usual diet and hydration unless instructed otherwise.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy