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Serum or plasma concentration of glucose (24-hour urinary collection)

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

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

Quick summary

["Assesses how much sugar your body removes through urine, useful for monitoring diabetes management."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
25984-6
Short code
GH 30M p chal SerPl-sCnc
Synonyms
GH 30M p chal SerPl-sCnc
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

Urinary glucose testing helps doctors track how well your body controls blood sugar levels, especially important for people with diabetes. It can reveal patterns of sugar loss that might not be apparent from blood tests alone.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll need to collect all urine for 24 hours, typically starting after midnight and ending the same time the next day. Store samples in a refrigerator and bring the full collection to your lab visit.

How the Test Works

Your urine is analyzed to measure the total glucose present. This test is often used to check for conditions like diabetes, kidney issues, or metabolic disorders that may affect sugar metabolism.

Common Uses

Doctors may order this test to evaluate diabetes management, detect kidney problems, or assess metabolic health in patients with unexplained symptoms.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

24-Hour Urinary Glucose

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available within 1–3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing schedule.
Can I eat or drink normally before this test?
Yes, but avoid excessive sugar intake or drinks with added sugar during the 24-hour collection period to ensure accurate results.
Is there any preparation needed besides collecting urine?
Yes, wear comfortable clothing and plan to collect urine every time you urinate. Use clean containers and keep samples refrigerated until your lab visit.
  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