Glucose, Serum (Mass Concentration) – 24-Hour Profile
This test measures your blood glucose levels over a 24-hour period using a serum sample. It helps assess how your body manages glucose throughout the day, which can be useful for understanding diabetes control or metabolic health.
["Understanding how your body regulates blood sugar over time can help identify patterns or potential issues with glucose metabolism."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 34062-0
- Short code
- GH pre/p CLN SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- GH pre/p CLN SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 17
- 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 doctor may order this test if they suspect you have diabetes or prediabetes, or if you experience symptoms like frequent thirst, fatigue, or unexplained weight changes. It may also be used to monitor long-term glucose control in people with diabetes or to evaluate conditions affecting metabolism.
How the Test Works
You’ll provide a blood sample (serum) collected at multiple points over 24 hours to capture glucose levels during different activities, such as fasting and after meals. The results are analyzed to create a profile of your glucose fluctuations.
What to Expect Before the Test
Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Typically, you’ll need to collect samples at specific times (e.g., fasting, post-meal) while maintaining normal daily activities. Avoid skipping meals or altering your routine unless advised.
What to Expect During the Test
A healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm at scheduled times. The process is quick and usually painless, though you may feel a slight pinch. You’ll need to stay hydrated and rest comfortably during sample collection.
Reference range
NCBI: NSE 0-17 ng/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.
A 24-hour glucose profile helps detect patterns like hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which may indicate diabetes, insulin resistance, or other metabolic disorders. It also provides insight into how well medications or lifestyle changes are managing glucose levels over time.
Short name
24-Hour Glucose Profile
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor recommend this test?
How often will I need to provide blood samples?
Can I eat or drink anything before the first sample?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy