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Serum/plasma mass concentration of glucose (24-hour average)

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

This test measures the average blood sugar levels over a 24-hour period using a sample of your blood.

Quick summary

["It helps assess long-term blood sugar control, often used in diabetes management."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
14143-2
Short code
GH 20M p chal SerPl-mCnc
Synonyms
GH 20M 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

What This Test Measures

Unlike a single blood sugar check, this test reflects how your body manages glucose over time. It uses a specialized method to analyze your serum or plasma for glucose concentration, providing insights beyond a single point-in-time reading.

Why It Matters for Your Health

Measuring average blood sugar helps doctors track how well your body responds to diabetes medications or lifestyle changes. It’s particularly useful for diagnosing conditions like diabetes or assessing treatment effectiveness.

How It’s Performed

A blood sample is taken, typically from your arm, and sent to a lab. The lab processes the sample to determine the average glucose concentration over 24 hours using advanced techniques.

Common Uses

This test is often used in diabetes care to monitor glycemic control, especially in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who may not have obvious symptoms of high or low blood sugar.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

What does a 24-hour glucose average tell me about my health?
It gives a snapshot of how consistently your blood sugar levels have been managed over a full day. For example, it can reveal whether you experience frequent spikes or drops, which may indicate underlying issues like insulin resistance, poor medication adherence, or other metabolic conditions.
How is this different from an HbA1c test?
An HbA1c test measures average blood sugar over roughly three months, while this test focuses on a 24-hour period. Both are useful but provide slightly different insights into long-term glucose control.
Can I fast before this test?
Yes, fasting is usually required before this test to ensure accurate results. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding when to eat or drink before the procedure.
  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