Serum/Plasma Glucose Concentration (24-Hour Profile)
This test measures your blood glucose levels over a 24-hour period using a sample of your serum or plasma. It helps track how your body manages glucose, especially important for managing diabetes or other metabolic conditions.
["Understanding your glucose control over time to prevent complications like high blood sugar spikes or drops."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 47890-9
- Short code
- GH 15M p Arg+Ins SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- GH 15M p Arg+Ins SerPl-aCnc
- Category
- hormone
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 if you have diabetes, prediabetes, or if you’re at risk for blood sugar-related complications. It’s also used to check how well medications like insulin or oral diabetes drugs are working. Sometimes, it’s done to evaluate conditions like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or metabolic disorders.
How the Test Works
A blood sample is taken at multiple times during a 24-hour period. The sample is processed to measure glucose concentration using a specialized immunoassay or enzymatic method. Results are often reported as a pattern or average over the 24-hour period rather than single values.
Sample Collection and Preparation
You’ll likely have blood drawn at several points—morning, midday, evening, and possibly overnight. The sample is stored and tested in a lab to measure glucose levels accurately. Plasma or serum is used, depending on the lab’s standard procedure.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to avoid certain foods or medications that could affect results. If you’re taking insulin or other diabetes medications, your doctor may adjust timing or dosage temporarily.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test provides a comprehensive picture of your glucose control, which is critical for diagnosing diabetes, assessing treatment effectiveness, and identifying patterns like reactive hypoglycemia or insulin resistance. Abnormal patterns may indicate underlying metabolic issues that require medical attention.
Short name
24-Hour Glucose Profile
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can I eat or drink anything before the blood samples are taken?
Will I need to take any special steps if I’m taking diabetes medication?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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