Glucose in Serum (24-hour Profile)
This test measures your blood glucose levels over a 24-hour period to help track how your body responds to food and activity.
["Understanding your glucose levels throughout the day helps manage diabetes or other conditions affecting blood sugar."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1636-0
- Short code
- GH pre 250 ug L-D TID 2D PO SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- GH pre 250 ug L-D TID 2D PO SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 20
- Ref high
- 400
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82670
- 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 diabetes, prediabetes, or symptoms like frequent urination, extreme thirst, or unexplained weight changes. It may also be used to monitor how well medications or lifestyle changes are controlling your blood sugar.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll likely have blood drawn from a vein in your arm at different times (e.g., fasting, post-meal) over the course of a day. Follow any fasting instructions your provider gives you to ensure accurate results.
How the Test Works
Blood samples are collected at scheduled intervals and tested for glucose concentration using a specialized method (likely immunoassay or enzymatic technique). The results help assess your body’s glucose metabolism patterns.
What the Results Mean
Interpreting results involves comparing your glucose trends to expected patterns for healthy individuals or those with diabetes. Your provider will discuss any deviations from normal ranges with you.
Reference range
Premenopausal: 20-400 pg/mL; Postmenopausal: <30 pg/mLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is critical for diagnosing diabetes, assessing glycemic control, and identifying potential complications like hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. It helps tailor treatment plans, such as medication adjustments or dietary changes.
Short name
24-Hour Glucose Profile
Frequently asked questions
Will I need to prepare for this test?
How long will it take to get my results?
Can I eat or drink anything before blood is drawn?
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