Skip to content

Glucose in Serum (Mass Concentration)

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

This test measures the amount of glucose, a type of sugar, in your blood serum. Glucose levels help assess how well your body is using food for energy and managing blood sugar.

Quick summary

["Glucose levels reflect your body’s energy balance and diabetes management."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
14144-0
Short code
GH 2h p chal SerPl-mCnc
Synonyms
GH 2h 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 Is Done

Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for diabetes, monitor blood sugar control, evaluate symptoms like excessive thirst or fatigue, or assess conditions affecting metabolism.

How the Test Works

A small blood sample is taken from your arm. The serum portion is analyzed to determine glucose concentration using a specialized lab method, often an enzymatic technique that measures sugar presence.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours if your doctor specifies a fasting glucose test. Wear comfortable clothing and plan for a short visit to a lab or clinic.

Common Causes of Abnormal Results

High glucose levels may indicate diabetes, poor insulin function, or recent high-carb intake. Low levels could signal hypoglycemia, liver issues, or overuse of certain medications.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Serum Glucose

Frequently asked questions

What does a ‘fasting’ glucose test mean?
A fasting test means you’ll fast (no food or drink except water) for 8–12 hours before the test. This helps provide a clearer picture of your baseline glucose levels, especially for diabetes screening.
How often should I get this test?
Your doctor will determine frequency based on your health needs. Typically, people with diabetes check glucose levels monthly or more often if managing complex conditions.
Can diet or exercise affect my test results?
Yes—eating or exercising before testing can alter results. Follow your doctor’s instructions precisely to ensure accurate readings, especially if fasting is required.
  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