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Glucose in Serum or Plasma (24-Hour Urine Collection)

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

This test measures the total amount of glucose excreted in your urine over a full day. It helps assess how well your body manages blood sugar levels, especially if you have diabetes or suspect glucose intolerance.

Quick summary

["Helps track long-term glucose control and identify hidden glucose loss in urine."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
56572-1
Short code
GH 20H p chal SerPl-mCnc
Synonyms
GH 20H p chal SerPl-mCnc
Category
chemistry
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 Matters

Glucose in urine can appear even when blood sugar levels are normal in some people, which may indicate conditions like diabetes or kidney issues. This test helps doctors monitor how your body processes glucose over time.

How the Test Works

Your urine is collected over 24 hours and analyzed to measure total glucose content. The test may be done to check for excessive glucose in urine, which can signal metabolic or kidney problems.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed, but you’ll need to collect all urine for a full 24-hour period. Drink enough fluids to produce urine consistently, but avoid sugary drinks or medications that may affect results.

Possible Results and Interpretation

Results are typically reported as the total amount of glucose excreted in urine (e.g., in grams or milligrams). High levels may suggest diabetes, kidney problems, or other metabolic disorders.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

24-Hour Urine Glucose

Frequently asked questions

What causes abnormal urine glucose levels?
Abnormal urine glucose levels can result from diabetes (high blood sugar), kidney issues, or certain medications. Stress, illness, or hormonal changes may also temporarily affect results. Always discuss symptoms with your doctor.
How often should this test be done?
Frequency depends on your health condition. Doctors may recommend this test annually for people with diabetes or at higher risk, or more often if symptoms change. Follow your healthcare provider’s guidance.
Can diet or medications affect urine glucose test results?
Yes—high-sugar foods or certain medications (like diuretics) may influence results. Stick to your doctor’s instructions for fasting or avoiding specific foods/drinks during urine collection to ensure accurate results.
  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