Glucose in Serum/Plasma (24-Hour Profile)
This test measures your blood glucose levels over a 24-hour period using a sample of your serum or plasma. It helps assess how your body manages glucose, which is important for understanding diabetes control or metabolic health.
["This test helps doctors check how well your body regulates blood sugar over time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 34063-8
- Short code
- GH pre/p Gc SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- GH pre/p Gc SerPl-mCnc
- 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 of diabetes, such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, or unexplained weight changes. It may also be recommended if you have other conditions like prediabetes, insulin resistance, or if you’re undergoing treatment for diabetes to monitor your progress.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may provide a blood sample (serum or plasma) during a routine clinic visit or lab draw. If you’re taking medications that affect blood sugar, let your provider know.
What the Test Measures
The test measures the concentration of glucose in your blood over 24 hours. Unlike a single blood glucose check, this profile gives a broader picture of how your body handles glucose throughout the day and night.
How the Test Results Are Used
Results help your healthcare provider determine if your diabetes is well-controlled, identify patterns in your blood sugar levels, or adjust treatments like medication or diet. Abnormally high or low readings may indicate issues like poor insulin function or other metabolic disorders.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Glucose monitoring over 24 hours is particularly useful for diagnosing conditions like reactive hypoglycemia, where blood sugar drops too low after meals. It can also help detect subtle fluctuations that a single blood test might miss, aiding in personalized treatment plans for diabetes management.
Frequently asked questions
What does a 24-hour glucose profile tell me about my health?
How often should I get this test?
Can I eat or drink before the 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