Serum or Plasma Glucose Concentration (Qualitative or Quantitative)
This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood, either as a general screening or a specific measurement. Glucose is the primary energy source for your body’s cells.
["Glucose levels help assess blood sugar balance and identify risks for diabetes or other metabolic conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110251-6
- Short code
- GH Ab Msmt SerPl
- Synonyms
- GH Ab Msmt SerPl
- 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 It’s Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test to monitor blood sugar levels for conditions like diabetes, detect signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or evaluate how your body processes glucose during certain treatments or after eating.
What to Expect Before the Test
For a blood draw, you’ll typically fast overnight (usually 8–12 hours) if your test is a fasting glucose check. If not fasting, you may eat normally. Avoid smoking or caffeine right before the test. For urine tests, you’ll collect a sample at home or in a clinic.
How the Test Works
Blood is drawn from a vein (usually in your arm) and sent to a lab. The sample is tested for glucose using methods like enzymatic analysis or immunoassay. Urine tests may use chemical strips or other detection techniques to identify glucose presence.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to standard ranges for your age, health status, and whether the test was fasting or non-fasting. High or low readings may signal diabetes, insulin issues, or other health concerns that need further evaluation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High glucose levels over time can damage blood vessels and nerves, increasing risks for heart disease, kidney problems, or nerve damage. Low levels can cause shakiness, confusion, or fainting. Regular monitoring helps manage these risks and prevent complications.
Short name
Glucose Level Check
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal glucose levels?
How often should I get this test?
Can lifestyle changes affect test results?
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