Glucose in plasma (24-hour urine collection)
This test measures how much glucose (sugar) appears in your urine over a 24-hour period, which can help assess how well your body manages blood sugar levels.
["This test helps detect excessive sugar in urine, often linked to diabetes or other metabolic conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 49958-2
- Short code
- GH 6 AM SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- GH 6 AM SerPl-aCnc
- 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 if you have symptoms like frequent urination, excessive thirst, or unexplained weight changes. It’s also used to monitor blood sugar control in people with diabetes or suspected metabolic disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all urine for 24 hours (typically from one morning to the next morning). Drink plenty of water to help flush out glucose, but avoid sugary drinks or foods. Follow your provider’s instructions precisely to ensure accurate results.
How the Test Works
The collected urine is analyzed to measure the total amount of glucose excreted. This is done using a specialized lab method that detects glucose presence and quantifies it in the urine sample.
What the Results Mean
High levels of glucose in urine may indicate diabetes, kidney issues, or other conditions affecting sugar metabolism. Low or absent glucose in urine usually means your body is handling sugar normally.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated urine glucose is often a key indicator of diabetes mellitus, where the body struggles to regulate blood sugar. It can also signal other conditions like gestational diabetes, kidney problems, or hormonal imbalances. Regular monitoring helps manage these conditions effectively and prevent complications.
Short name
Urine Glucose Profile
Frequently asked questions
What causes high urine glucose levels?
How is this test different from a standard blood glucose test?
Can I take medications before this test?
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